Preparing for adult life

Information for young people with additional needs on the journey to adult life

Popular pages

Preparing for the future

Important milestones and things that happen at different ages

My Important Stuff

A place to record people, groups and organisations that can support you.

In this section

Choosing my next school or college

Choosing your next school and college is very important and you should explore all the options that are available

Finding and keeping a job

Information about the organisations that can help you get the right job or training placement

Living more independently

Finding a place to live helps give you the confidence to become more independent

Pages in Choosing my next school or college

Post 16 education

Education and training options for young people

Your future

A guide to help you to find out about the many learning opportunities available in Somerset for 16 to 19 year olds

Find a school

Details of all schools, colleges and education settings in Somerset

Independent Travel Training

Training for students with disabilities or SEN to be able to use transport on their own

Higher education

Higher education (HE) is learning after 18 at universities and other colleges. It includes degrees, professional qualifications and more.

Funding for education costs

Funding available to meet the education needs of pupils aged 0 to 25

Careers Education

Helping you prepare for the world of work

Retaking exams and other options

Options if you do not get the grades or qualifications you hoped for

Transition between phases of education

At 11 or 13 years old a young person moves into secondary or upper school. The type of school your child attends depends on where they live in Somerset.

Over 16 student transport

You can pay for 'over 16' student transport by using the online service on this page

Pages in Finding and keeping a job

Your future

A guide to help you to find out about the many learning opportunities available in Somerset for 16 to 19 year olds

Get the right job or training placement

Lots of organisations are geared up to help you get the right job or training placement

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study and take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level

Supported internships

Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with SEND, who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

Self-employment

Working for yourself; making all the decisions and possibly doing all the work.

Volunteering

Giving your time to learn new skills, meet new people and gain valuable experience.

Careers Education

Helping you prepare for the world of work

Choosing your employer

Looking in the right places for the right employer for your needs.

Support for work

Get work support if you have a disability or health condition

Job coaches

Job coaches help support you to do your job confidently and efficiently

Access to Work

Access to Work is a government programme aimed at supporting disabled people to take up or remain in work

Local Employment Programmes

Local supported job opportunities to develop your skills and experience

Pages in Living more independently

Preparing for the future

Important milestones and things that happen at different ages

Getting out and about with additional needs

Making transport and getting around in Somerset easier for people with additional needs

Becoming more independent

Finding a place to live is important because it can give you the confidence to become more independent

Somerset Independence Plus

Somerset Independence Plus is a Home Improvement Agency service provided by Somerset Council.

Renting somewhere to live

Including renting from a council or housing association, a charity or voluntary organisation, a private landlord or someone you know, like a family member or friend

Equipment to help you

Advice and information about equipment that can help you stay independent

Owning your home

Including Inheriting or using a family property, Disabled Facilities Grants and Home Ownership for people with Long-term Disabilities (HOLD)

Leaving care

Services and advice for the continuing support to young people leaving care

Moving to Adult Social Care services

Early planning is really important for a smooth transition to adult social care and referrals can be made from 14 years old.

Community mapping

Exploring what is available in your community helps you meet different people and visit different places.

Making decisions and voting

Your rights about decision making and support to have your say.

Assistance Animals

Animals trained to support people with disabilities and medical conditions to be more independent.

Learning to drive

Options for driving with a disability

Responsibilities when driving

Things you need to consider when driving with a disability.

Staying safe and healthy

Information about looking after your health as you become an adult

Getting help with finances

Managing your finances is important to help you use your money in the way you want and do the things you enjoy

Leisure

Ideas about accessible things to do for you or your family

Pages in Staying safe and healthy

Annual Health Checks

Annual health checks are for adults and young people aged 14 or over with a learning disability and help the person stay healthy

Safe Places Scheme

This service is open to anyone in the force area with communication difficulties, such as a learning disability or dementia

Leaving care

Services and advice for the continuing support to young people leaving care

Medication

Keeping safe when taking medicine

Bullying and Harassment

Reporting and responding to incidents of bullying, harassment and discrimination

Moving to Adult Social Care services

Early planning is really important for a smooth transition to adult social care and referrals can be made from 14 years old.

Teenage sexual health

Where to find the best information about sexual health

Young people’s mental health

Ways to help you and your friends with mental health issues

Keeping safe online

Reducing the risks when using the internet, social media, and technology.

Moving between children’s and adults healthcare

When you reach 14 years old, the service you are involved with will start to talk to you about a ‘transition’ care plan and what transition means

Puberty

Being prepared for changes to your body

Friends, relationships, and community

You have the right to make your own choices

Smoking and vaping

Stay safe and know what to avoid

Alcohol

Stay safe and know what to avoid

Drugs

Stay safe and know what to avoid

Health transport

If you're going to hospital for an appointment, tests or treatment, you'll normally be expected to make your own way there

Help with health costs

If you are on a low income, have an illness or disability, unemployed or are a carer, you may be able to claim for extra money to help with your health care costs

Pages in Getting help with finances

Managing your finances

Managing money is essential for taking control of your life

Benefit advice

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy

Banking

Support available for looking after your money if you have additional needs

VAT relief

You may not be charged VAT on products designed or adapted for your disability.

Student discount cards

You can apply for a student discount card if you are at college or university