Who we support
Cocoon, Care After Care exclusively supports 'care-experienced' young adults age 18-28. In particular, we support young adults who are living in, studying in or were looked after by the London Boroughs of Hounslow, Richmond or Kingston. We will carefully consider all applications however our grant-making is primarily targeted at care leavers aged 21+ who have no recourse to any statutory support or alternative sources of funding.
What does being 'care-experienced' mean?
'Care-experienced' young adults, sometimes known as care leavers, have spent all or part of their childhood in the care of their local authority because they were not able to live with family. There can be a number of reasons why a child or young person cannot remain at home - abuse, neglect, parental illness, the death of one or both parents, abandonment, relationship breakdown and some have had to flee their home country due to war or persecution. They may have lived with a foster family, in a children's home or supported accommodation. Often children and young people in care experience multiple moves throughout their time in care. ​
Many care leavers have experienced trauma and instability as children, the effects of which are carried into adulthood with many facing multiple challenges. They are forced into independence at a younger age and with less support than their peers.
​Cocoon - Care After Care is committed to supporting care-experienced young adults to live and thrive, not just survive.
How we can help
Removing financial barriers
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Where necessary, we bridge the gap between the Setting Up Home Allowance provided by the local authority and the real world cost of setting up home.
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Provide support to fully participate in education, training, employment and personal development opportunities so that associated costs do not stop people achieving their goals.
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We support care-experienced young parents who may need specific items for their children.
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Providing short and long-term practical help
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Our kind, dedicated volunteers provide support with task that may be proving challenging alone. For example, making home improvements (DIY, decorating, assembling furniture); completing forms to claim benefits and entitlements; liaising with social care, housing and utility companies; dealing with debt, accessing additional services to support their health and wellbeing; and referrals to other support services.
Organising social events
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We provide opportunities for care-experienced young adults to form new connections, friendships and increase their social, community and support network. This includes our annual event on Christmas Day for 50 young people who would otherwise spend the day alone. To find out when these events are organised please email info@cocooncareaftercare.org.uk
How to request support
If you are care-experienced, or someone who supports care-experienced young adults, and would like to talk to us about support, please email applications@cocooncareaftercare.org.uk
Even if the support you need is not listed above please can in touch to discuss.