Being independent

as an adult
A guide for parents/carers and young people
Being independent as an adult 1
Contents
03 What do we mean by being independent?

04 How to use this guide

05 Housing

09 Money and benefits

11 Travel

13 Other advice and support available

16 Young people who may need support through Adult Social Services

18 Support for carers

19 Support available through Adult Social Services Development Workers

20 The changing legal status of young people at 16/18

23 Ten steps to prepare for adult life

This guide was co-produced in July 2021 by a number of partners including Norfolk
County Council, Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group, Family Voice
Norfolk, City College Norwich and Sidestrand Hall School.

Being independent as an adult 2

What do we mean by
being independent?
Being independent means different things for different people. It develops over
time as skills and confidence grow. An important part of independence for most people
is moving on from the home they have lived in as a child. Some feel ready to do this at
18. Others may be older. The important thing is to start thinking about it before you are
ready. Developing independence gives you more control of your life. Small steps help
you to get ready for the life you choose.

Where someone lives and who they live with is important. It should be their choice,
whether they have a disability or not.

Thinking about independent living is an important part of preparing for adult life.
You can find information about other kinds of independence such as Employment,
Community and relationships and Independent living.

Being independent as an adult 3

How to use this guide
This guide is a good starting point to help find more detailed information, advice
and support on independent living.

It is part of a set of Norfolk information guides that help young people prepare for adult
life. These can be found on the Norfolk County Council website, alongside other guides
and links which may be helpful.

Other resources available include:

• Transition from secondary school to post-16 – A guide for parents and carers

• Transition and training at 18+ – A guide for young people, parent carers and settings

• Post-16 parent/carer guide

• Being independent as an adult

• Being part of the community as an adult

This guide can be used by parents/carers, young people and those who support them.

Being independent as an adult 4

Housing
A home is much more than a physical building. Home is where you feel safe,
comfortable and close to the people and things you love and need. This is important for
improving and maintaining independence. The quality of accommodation, its location
and security all contribute to wellbeing.

Guides on Housing Top Tips and Exploring housing options can be found on the
Preparing for Adulthood website.

Housing options for all young people

The right
• Renting housing option
To rent a property a young person will need
will depend upon
to enter into a tenancy agreement with the
property owner. A young person who is not the needs of a young
fully able to understand this agreement may person and what
require someone else to sign on their behalf. they would like for
House-sharing with other people is an option their future
that can be more affordable and also has a social
element to it.

• Renting social housing

Social housing has to be applied for from a young person’s local city or district council.
It is allocated based on need and priority. The benefit is that landlords are regulated
and governed by standards. Generally, this type of tenancy is the most secure. Rents
are set at a level that reflects housing benefits.

If the application is accepted, it will be put into

a band based on need, and a young person will
be told what type of housing they can apply for.
For social
Information on your local city or district housing options
council on this option can be found on the contact your
Community Directory website local city or
• Private renting
district council
Private landlords are not focused on allocation or
priority of need. There is more choice of property
and location, but this can be a less secure type of
tenancy. Private renting can also be more expensive.
Housing benefit may not cover all the cost, and some
landlords do not rent to people on housing benefits.

Being independent as an adult 5

• Private sector leasing
This is an option that brings together the benefits of social and private housing. The
benefit is that a young person is protected as a tenant. Housing associations are
regulated. There is no allocation process. Norfolk city or district councils can provide
more information about private sector leasing and support.

Housing LIN provide a case study about the development of a private sector leasing
scheme for people with learning difficulties in Norfolk.

• Family investment
Options could include: outright ownership, mortgage, inheritance of property, or a
group of families may purchase a property together, or may pay towards some of the
costs. Norfolk County Council can provide online guidance on housing options.

• Supported accommodation
Supported accommodation is for vulnerable people who need extra help. People live
as a tenant but also have some support to live there. Supported housing can be living
in a flat by yourself, living in a shared house, or living in a network or block of flats
where everyone gets support. To find out more contact your district or city council.

18+ Housing options that require a young person to be supported

by Adult Social Services

For those who are eligible, Adult Social Care can provide additional help. The following
options may be explored for a person who has an assessed need:

• Shared Lives Scheme

A young person lives with another family in their home. The family provides the
support. The young person may be charged for the care element of the Shared Lives
Scheme, depending on their financial circumstances.

You can watch the story of Ben on YouTube, a young man who is part of the Shared
Lives Scheme.

Being independent as an adult 6

• Supported living
Supported living is the term for shared properties or clusters of individual homes,
where support is provided to people who are tenants in their own homes. There is
a range of supported living properties across Norfolk. Some supported living is for
longer term living, and some is shorter term, to give people a stepping stone to help
them to live more independently.

This shorter-term supported living is called ‘enablement’. Access for any supported
living is usually via Adult Social Services so, if an assessment shows you are eligible for
support, talk to the person carrying out your assessment about the available options.
You may be charged for the care element of supported living, depending on your
financial circumstances.

• Residential care
A person may have a room, or sometimes a flat, in a building shared with several other
people. There is 24-hour support and meals provided.

For more information on the options above, talk to your social worker or Preparing for
Adult Life (PfAL) worker.

Young people who are looked after or are leaving care

There are a number of housing options for these young people, such as Staying Put,
Staying Close, Staying Connected, Semi-independent accommodation, Supported
Lodgings. Norfolk County Council offer information on accommodation for care leavers.

Housing-based support services

Pathways Norwich
There is
A multi-agency service that provides outreach, a range of
advice and support services for people with housing-based
multiple and complex needs and to
prevent homelessness. For more information
support services
visit the Pathways Norwich website for people
in Norfolk
The Purfleet Trust
Providing services to homeless people in King’s Lynn and
West Norfolk. Services include housing advice to help people
find accommodation, support to help them maintain their tenancies,
and a Health and Wellbeing Centre providing a daily hot meal and the opportunity to
gain some essential life skills. For more information visit the Purfleet Trust website.

Being independent as an adult 7

Shelter
At the Shelter offices in Norwich, you can receive free expert advice on a great range of
housing issues. From disrepairs and landlord disputes to guidance on housing rights
and resources to help you understand your housing situation. Legal advisers can also
offer support and guidance to help you understand housing law and offer support in
court to those entitled to legal aid. For more information, or to make an appointment:
Telephone 0344 515 1860 or visit the shelter website.

Under1Roof
St Martins Housing
A Training and Development Centre that runs positive activities – supporting people
experiencing homelessness with health and wellbeing, tenancy skills and skills for
independent living and providing employment support. Under1Roof can provide
information on learning and development on their website.
Contact 100/102 Westwick Street, Norwich, NR2 4SZ
Telephone 01603 699150

Your Own Place

The aim of Your Own Place is to prevent homelessness. Training is offered on Tenancy
& Independent Living Skills (TILS), both one-to-one and in small groups. Support services
include employment support, volunteer tenancy mentors and training for housing
workers to enable young people to make a successful transition to independent living.
For further information please visit the Your Own Place website or alternatively you can
email them at rebecca@yourownplace.org.uk.
Telephone 01603 611910 Mobile 07530 028446

Being independent as an adult 8

Money and benefits
• The government provide an overview of financial help for parents/carers who have a
disabled child including Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

• Information on benefits and financial help for carers and those with disabilities,
including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Employment Support Allowance
(ESA) can be found on the government website.

• Universal Credit can help with living costs for those on a low income or out of work. It
is replacing Employment Support Allowance (ESA) if you are unable to work because
of a physical or mental health disability. Visit the government website on how to claim
universal credit.

Services who can advise and support on money matters:

Equal Lives Money Matters Service

For assistance with budgeting or low level debt issues, visit the Equal Lives Money
Matters Service Website.

Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice can provide information and support to make the right money choices,
including help to deal with debt problems.

Money Support Service (Norfolk County Council)

The Money Support Service is available for Norfolk County Council service users who are
struggling with money and need help with budgeting. You can contact them via email at
MSS@norfolk.gov.uk
Telephone 01603 223392 (option 4)

Information on other services that can help can be found on the Norfolk County Council
website on their money support services pages.

Being independent as an adult 9

Welfare Rights Unit (Norfolk County Council)
If you receive a social care package or are a care leaver, you can contact the Welfare
Rights Unit for benefits advice. They offer free specialist help and advice over the phone
or face-to-face. Call 01603 224447 or email them at welfarerights@norfolk.gov.uk

Norfolk Assistance Scheme

The Norfolk Assistance Scheme offers support to Norfolk residents facing financial
crisis. Through providing reused white goods and furniture to people setting up home
as part of a resettlement programme or leaving an institution, the scheme helps to
enable independent living. Norfolk Assistance Scheme will also provide emergency cash
to those that are unable to heat or power their homes or unable to purchase food.
Call 01603 223392 (option 5) or email the NAS at NAS@norfolk.gov.uk

Being independent as an adult 10

Travel
Young people who are able confidently to use public transport, cycle, walk or use other
kinds of travel have a wider range of opportunities for independence, being active
in their community and employment. Planning is an important skill for independent
travelling.

A young person with SEND may worry about using public transport because:
• They need to plan travel routes.
• They need know what to do if there is a disruption to the normal route,
or journey timings.

Being independent as an adult 11

There are several websites that can help with route planning:

Find your transport

Norfolk County Council provide a find your transport tool to find transport services that
operate in your area.

One Network
The One Network website provides information on planned roadworks and diversions:

Accessibility aids
Norfolk County Council provide a useful list of ideas and systems to help Norfolk’s public
transport accessibility.

For other things to think about visit:

For further information, see the guidance on
independent travel from the local offer. TITAN offers
young people
Travel Independence Training Across Norfolk (TITAN) with SEND
The TITAN team will help a young person with SEND support to help
(16–25 years old) learn to travel to college, sixth form become confident
or another educational setting independently through independent
their TITAN travel training. travellers

Concessionary travel (bus) pass

For information on age-related and disabled travel passes visit the Norfolk County
Council website.

Being independent as an adult 12

Other advice and
support available
Support in the home – changes and adaptations

Support and adaptations that can be made to a young person’s home, to help them live
independently. Norfolk County Council provide information on support and adaption in
a young person’s home.

Assistive technologies

These can include:

• Sensors/detectors that link to a monitoring centre Assistive
(via a rented community pendant alarm). technology means
For example, smoke, low temperature, falls,
and property exit sensors.
electronic gadgets
that can help
• Global Positioning System (GPS) location devices
independence at
that use a mobile network to raise an alert to a carer
or monitoring centre, such as the Buddi GPS device.
home and in the
community
• Triggers/sensors that can support a person or their
carer in and around the home, such as pendant
buttons, door contacts or motion sensors linked to a pager.

The Assistive Technology Service

This service is for adults living at home (this excludes residential/care homes).
For more information on assistive technology visit the Norfolk County Council website.

Norfolk Swift Response

Norfolk Swift Response is a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year service that provides help, support
and reassurance if a person has an urgent, unplanned need at home but doesn’t need
the emergency services.

Norfolk Swift Response (Swifts/Night Owls) is part of the Adult Social Services Early Help
and Prevention offer. It is a free service for people living in Norfolk. People do not have
to be eligible for social care funding to use it.
Telephone 0344 800 8020

Being independent as an adult 13

Adult Learning courses on independent living
The Adult Learning Independent Living Skills course consists of three parts – Living
Positively, Living Creatively and Living Healthily – all aimed at supporting learners to
work together on independence skills.

Mancroft Advice Project (MAP)

Youth information, advice and counselling centre offering support to young people in
Norfolk aged 11 to 25, including on housing, money and benefits can be found on the
MAP website.
Drop-in centres in Norwich and Great Yarmouth and hubs and schools across Norfolk.
Telephone 01603 766994 or email MAP at info@map.uk.net

National Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hours)

For anyone fleeing domestic violence.
Telephone 0808 2000 247

The 4women Resource Centre

Support for women currently serving community orders with the Criminal Justice
System. The centre offers a range of positive activities linked into health and wellbeing,
developing social skills and helping women to reduce their risk of reoffending.
Telephone 0300 131 7983 or email 4WomenReception@homgeroup.org.uk

Norfolk Community Law Service (NCLS)

A registered charity dedicated to providing access to justice and equality in Norfolk.
All services are free, independent and confidential. Funding comes from grants and
donations – there is no charge to clients. Interpreters are available by arrangement.

Free Legal Advice covers general legal matters, family and employment. This is available
in Norwich, Cromer and Great Yarmouth and further information can be found on the
NCLS website.

Being independent as an adult 14

StreetLink
The StreetLink website enables the public to alert local authorities in England and Wales
about people sleeping rough in their area. This is the first step someone can take to
ensure rough sleepers are connected to the local services and support available to
them. The service is funded by Government as part of its drive to end rough sleeping.
Telephone 0300 500 0914

St Giles Trust
St Giles Trust is a charity helping people facing severe disadvantage to find jobs, homes
and the support they need. They help people become positive members of local
communities and wider society. Help is offered by someone who has been there. For
more information visit the St Giles Trust website.
Telephone 0207 709 8000 or email St Giles Trust at info@stgilestrust.org.uk

Being independent as an adult 15

Young people who may
need support through
Adult Social Services
Young people who have more complex care
and support needs might need services through
Adult Social Services.
All young
In Norfolk when the young person is under 18 people under 18
the Preparing for Adult Life (PfAL) Service is who are likely to
responsible for carrying out the Care Act (2014) require Adult Social
assessment to identify the young person’s needs Services should
and the support required. be referred to the
PfAL Service
Young people can be referred to the PfAL Service
when they are aged 14–17 when:

• They have a disability (learning disability, mental health needs, autism or physical
disability) and

• They are likely to need support from Adult Social Services (under the Care Act) to
achieve the four PfAL outcomes – good health, independent living, employment, and
friends, relationships and community inclusion.

The PfAL service will normally start the Care Act assessment on the young person’s 17th
birthday. For those under 17 it will work with the young person and others to produce a
person-centred PfAL plan.

The PfAL referral should be completed by someone who knows the young person well.
This could be a social worker or other Children’s Services worker. If there is no such
worker involved, then the referral should be made via the Children’s Advice and Duty
Service (CADS) by ringing 0344 800 8021 (for professionals) or 0344 800 8020 (for young
people themselves, family members or other supporters).

Norfolk County Council provide more detailed information online on people who can
help in transition to adult life.

Being independent as an adult 16

After the age of 18 people who may require services through Adult Social Services
should be referred directly by calling 0344 800 8020. Referral can be made by
young people, families or professionals. As an alternative to this telephone
number you can also email the Social Care Community Engagement team at
norfolkcareconnectbusinesssupport@norfolk.gov.uk

Further information on Adult Social Care, Support and Health is provided online by
Norfolk County Council.

Norfolk County Council also produces a helpful guide to adult care and support called
Your Guide to Care and Support for Adults.

Being independent as an adult 17

Support for carers
A carer is anyone who helps somebody with an illness, disability or mental health
difficulty that means they need support.

Carers Matter Norfolk delivers personalised services to unpaid carers on behalf of

Norfolk County Council including:

• Carers’ assessments
• Information, support and advice
• Advice line open six days a week Monday to Saturday
• One-to-one support to find out about help available

Carers Matter Norfolk has also produced a

handbook offering advice and information for
carers on a range of topics including handling
emergencies, benefits and self care. If you are an
It also includes a list of useful contacts. unpaid carer
living in Norfolk
• If you’d like someone to call you and chat Carers Matter
about your needs, visit the Carers Matter website. Norfolk is there to
or call 0800 083 1148.
support you
• Information for young carers and family support
can be found them on the Young Carers website.

Emergency planning
Having a plan for emergencies can be a comfort for carers and those they care for, even
if it never needs to be put into action. You can sign up for a Carers Emergency Card and
Young Carers Matter provide advice on making an escape plan.

Norfolk Community Directory

The Norfolk Community Directory provides wealth of information and support for carers
of all ages.

Norfolk Carers’ Charter

The Carers’ Charter has been produced by carers and councillors. It has three key
strands – carers in work, young carers in education, and carers in the community.

Being independent as an adult 18

Support available through
Adult Social Services
Development Workers
This team works to improve links within communities as a whole, support new or struggling
community groups, and help strengthen an individual’s links to their communities.

The team includes Information Development Workers who focus on county-wide

information-sharing, both within social services and with professionals working within
organisations that seek to support individuals through early help and prevention.
Development Workers can support practitioners by undertaking research requests for
individuals who need support and are aged over 18 (by referral).

This includes putting together information on local community activities, funding

opportunities, adult learning and volunteering opportunities. If appropriate they
can work directly with an individual to identify social opportunities and community
information so they can connect with other people.

Internal Adult Social Services professionals can request this help. Self-referral is also
an option through the Council’s customer service centre on 0344 800 8020.
External professionals would also use this referral route. As an alternative to this
telephone number you can email the Social Care Community Engagement team at
norfolkcareconnectbusinesssupport@norfolk.gov.uk

Being independent as an adult 19

The changing legal At the age
status of young of 18 there
are changes for

people at 16/18 a young person

in respect of their
legal status. They
legally become
an adult
At the age of 18 a young person legally becomes
an adult. Below is some important information to
consider about this.

Mental Capacity Act

The Mental Capacity Act is designed to protect and support people who may lack the
mental capacity to make their own decisions about a range of subjects.

• It applies to people aged 16 and over.

• Young people with a learning disability or autism may at times be assessed to check
their mental capacity in relation to a decision.
• This is not about their overall capacity but about a particular decision or type of decision.
• This may be about everyday things or more difficult decisions about whether to have
surgery or move to another home.
• The Act says how an individual can be supported and how ‘best interest’ decisions can
be arrived at on their behalf if they are assessed as lacking capacity to make a certain
decision.
• For example, a person may have capacity to decide what to wear or what to eat, but
not have capacity to understand their own finances.

Full guidance on the mental capacity act and making decisions can be found on the
Government website.

Becoming an appointee for someone claiming benefits

• A person – often a family carer – can apply for the right to deal with the benefits of
someone whose disability means they are unable to manage their own affairs.
• Further information on becoming an appointee for someone claiming benefits is provided
on the Government website.

Being independent as an adult 20

Power of attorney
• A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets a young person appoint
people to make decisions on their behalf. It can be about finances or about health and
social care. A young person must be 18 or over and able to make their own decisions
when they make the lasting power of attorney. If they do not have mental capacity a
court-appointed deputy might be needed.
• A deputy is a person appointed by the Court of Protection to make decisions for
someone who is unable to do so alone. They are responsible for doing this until the
person they are acting for dies or is able to make decisions on their own again.
• The government provides more information on power of attorney via their website.

Wills
• A will lets a person decide what happens to their money, property and possessions
after their death.
• A person can write their own will, but it is better to get advice if the will isn’t
straightforward.
• Special thought needs to be given when leaving money to someone who needs care,
such as a child or a person with a learning or other disability. A professional with
experience in these matters can help.
• A will needs to be formally witnessed and signed to make it legally valid.
• An existing will can be updated by making an official change (called a ‘codicil’) or a new
will can be made. If a person dies without a will, the law says who gets what.
• A person has to have the mental capacity to write a will.
• The government provides more information on making a will via their website.

Mental Health Act

• The Mental Health Act is a law that can be used to provide support and treatment to
people with a diagnosed mental illness.
• Being detained (also known as sectioned) under the Mental Health Act is a legal
process that starts when an approved mental health practitioner and two specialist
doctors have assessed that someone is not safe to be at home and needs to be kept
safe while they are being assessed and/or treated. This law protects a person’s rights.
• The NHS provides and easy read document on your rights and the Mental Health Act.

Being independent as an adult 21

Children and young people – consent to treatment
People aged 16 or over are entitled to consent to their own treatment. This can only
be overruled in exceptional circumstances. Adults and young people (aged 16 or 17)
are presumed to have sufficient capacity to decide on their own medical treatment
unless there is significant evidence to suggest otherwise. Children under the age of
16 can consent to their own treatment if they’re believed to have enough intelligence,
competence and understanding to fully appreciate what’s involved in their treatment.
This is known as being ‘Gillick competent’ (or within ‘Fraser guidelines’ when used in
relation to sexual health consent). Otherwise, someone with parental responsibility can
consent for them.

The NHS provides further advice in their consent to treatment guidance.

Being independent as an adult 22

Ten steps to prepare
for adult life
Norfolk County Council provides a useful step by step guide on preparing for adult life
and the different stages involved.

Being independent as an adult 23