Welcome to Bexley Leaving Care Service

We support young adults leaving Bexley care with guidance and practical help, so you can move confidently into education, work, and independent living.

Leaving Care team

Our Local Offer

As a care-experienced young person, you have a legal entitlement to support up to age 25.

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Our Local Offer explains:

  • what you can expect from us
  • what support you are entitled to
  • financial support available
  • how we can help with housing, independence, and daily life
     

Read the full Local Offer

Events

young adults having coffee
The Vibe
The Vibe is a friendly drop-in space offering advice and support for young people aged 16 to 25. It runs every Friday from 11am to 3:30pm at Welling Youth Hub, Lovel Avenue. You can speak to our friendly team over a cup of tea, learn how to make a meal, wash and dry your laundry, or get help with finding a job and managing your money.

No need to book - just drop in!
swapping items
Swap shop
Our swap shop for care leavers in Bexley is a supportive community initiative designed specifically to help our young adults who have either recently left the foster care system or other types of residential care and those who are living in their new homes who may be experiencing financial pressures. Because care leavers often face challenges transitioning to independent living (like limited finances or lack of family support), swap shops tailored for them are practical, community-driven ways to ease that transition.

The idea is similar to a general swap shop providing a space where care leavers can exchange items like clothes, furniture, household goods, or essentials. Bexley staff and foster carers also donate good quality, second hand clothes or household items that will benefit our young adults. Beyond just swapping goods, our swap shops are held at The Vibe, our hub for all young people in care and young adults leaving care aged between 16 and 25.

How to contact us

You can contact the Leaving Care Service for advice, support or urgent help.

Agencies and contacts for care leavers

Contact the Leaving Care Service

Leaving Care Duty Line

Hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Telephone: 0203 045 5349

Email: leavingcaredutyteam@bexley.gov.uk

Bexley Preparing for Adulthood Team

Preparing for Adulthood

Email: screeners@bexley.gov.uk

Telephone: 0208 303 7777

Supports young people from Year 9 (age 13 to 14) who need help transitioning into Adult Social Care, including those with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities or complex special educational needs.

Urgent mental health support

NHS 111

If you need urgent mental health support but it is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111.

If someone is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E.

Mind in Bexley

Mind in Bexley IAPT

Telephone: 0208 303 8932

Self-refer for mental health support

Free mental health support via self-referral or GP referral.

Helplines and urgent support

Samaritans

Emotional support if you are struggling or feeling overwhelmed.

Telephone: 116 123

Get support from Samaritans

StreetLink

Support for people who are sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness.

Telephone: 0300 500 0914

Refer yourself or someone else via StreetLink

Money and employment support

Money Saving Expert

Get help managing your money

Bexley Business & Employment

Telephone: 0203 045 3800

Free job search support for Bexley residents aged 18 and over.

Re-Instate

Employment support for adults with mental health needs, learning disabilities or autism.

To refer yourself, complete the Mind referral form via Mind in Bexley.

Drug and alcohol support

Bexley Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service

Email: oxl-tr.admin1chelodge@nhs.net

Telephone: 0203 260 5200

Support for young people aged 10 to 18, or up to 21 if a care leaver, and up to 25 if they have a disability or SEN.

Pier Road Project

Telephone: 01322 357940

Crisis line: 08456 080 525

Community drug and alcohol support for adults in Bexley.

Food and emergency support

Local foodbanks

Find a Bexley foodbank

Emergency food and crisis support for local residents.

Immigration and refugee support

Migrant Help

Get immigration advice and support

Breadwinners

Employment support for refugees in the UK.

Hope for the Young

Mentoring, advocacy and financial support for young refugees and asylum seekers.

Travel, education and opportunities

Care Leaver Oyster (18 to 25)

Half-price travel on London buses and trams until age 25.

Care Leaver Covenant

Links care leavers with opportunities in education, work, wellbeing and housing.

Care leavers (Catch22)

Support for young people leaving care as they transition to independence, to help ensure they have the same opportunities as other young people.

Propel

Find courses and student support

Sexual health services

Sexual Health Services in Bexley

Information on testing, contraception, free condoms, unplanned pregnancy and confidential clinics.

Preparation for adulthood

We work with young people aged 14 to 25 who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. We support those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Read more on preparation into adulthood

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