Things to consider for adulthood and Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Guide

Education, training and finding employment

Explore your long-term aspirations in more depth. Consider which pathway is best to secure this aspiration - explore a range of options, such as supported employment, apprenticeships, work-based learning, work related learning at college, paid work, self-employment, higher education and volunteering.

Consider if a part time job or volunteering may be appropriate.

If you are in education, consider applying for a 16 to 19 Bursary to help with education costs. Find our more about the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund on GOV.UK.

Ask your post-16 provider for more information.

Developing independence

What are your next steps in life? You may be preparing for work or college. Things to consider are:

• money skills
• social skills - where are you going? who are you going with? are you safe?
• travel
• domestic skills
• how do you want others to see you as an adult?
• forms of identification (ID)
• relationships
• revising

You can contact Adult Social Care for information, guidance and advice.

If you are accessing short break services (e.g. The Beehive, short breaks offer), be aware that this service will normally end when you turn 18 years of age. The service will advise you of what will happen next.

Seek advice on what benefits you may be eligible for.

Friends, relationships, and community

Identify any activities you want to do.

Look for local community activities you may be able to access such as groups, parks and libraries.

Familiarise yourself with Safe Place / York CVS. Look for the stickers in shop & café windows. Find more information on the Safe Place Scheme.

Do you need help accessing the community? Talk to your family and friends and visit Local Offer for more support.

Good health

You may need a continuing health care (adults) assessment. Health and social care professionals involved with you should consider if this is appropriate and agree who is best placed to complete it.

Fill in your Health Passport which provides key information for health professionals.

Annual health checks continue via General Practitioner (GP) for people with diagnosed learning disabilities aged 14 years and over.

Consider sexual health and access to free contraception, read more on the YorSexualHealth website.

If you have high needs, consider whether you need to be on the Dynamic Support Register.

In addition, if you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

The annual review process continues including your aspirations and goals.