Preparing for adulthood

The North Lincolnshire Preparing for Adulthood Protocol aims to ensure that professionals across education, health and social care are consistent in their approach to providing a seamless and safe transition from adolescent to adulthood, enabling young adults to achieve the best possible outcomes in employment, independent living, positive relationships, community inclusion and good health.

The preparation for adulthood team works in partnership with young people (with a range of disabilities/complex health needs) and their families to start the planning for this change from year 9 (age 13 or 14) and more intensively from Year 11 (age 16).

For many young people, transition plans will be part of their Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP).

This procedure is based on a ‘person centred' approach. The person centred approach means that we focus on your needs at every stage of moving from Children's Services. Your choices and preferences lead planning as much as possible.

Each of the Preparing for Adult outcomes will be considered when supporting you to plan and set your goals. These outcomes are set out in law and are as follows:

• Education and employment
• Being part of the community and having relationships
• Health and wellbeing
• Independent living and housing options

We will review and update your “person centred” plan every year. A meeting will take place with you and your family / circle of support. We can meet you in person or by telephone.

North Lincolnshire Council must assess

• a young person
• young carer, or
• an adult caring for a child

if they have needs when they, or the child they care for, turns 18.

The council will assess you if there is a significant benefit to you. This is regardless of whether you currently receive any services.

A young person's eligibility for adult and community wellbeing support should be established when they are 16 years old, and no later than 17 and a half. This depends on the level and complexity of need and planning required.

Indicators for eligibility and support include

The young person is disabled and

• has an Education Health and Care Plan, and has been assessed as having severe learning difficulties and/or autism, a physical or sensory impairment, or a mental health problem
• is "Looked After" and has an Education Health and Care Plan identifying them as having learning difficulties, physical disability or sensory impairments which would mean that they would be deemed to be vulnerable as young adults
• is a care leaver and whose continuing needs will require referral on to Adult and Community Wellbeing
• receives support from Children and Families function.

If you are an adult living with a learning, physical or sensory disability you can be referred to the team for advice, information and support.

You could also be a young person preparing for adulthood. It may be you, your family or someone you know, for example your teacher or doctor (GP). If you do not have a named worker to support you with this referral please contact Adult and Community Wellbeing Access team on 01724 297000.

Someone from Adult and Community Wellbeing will contact you to discuss your request. This will be over the telephone or at your home or somewhere else, like work, college or our office. We will always provide information, support and advice to access further services, including how to get support.

Everybody should be encouraged to aspire to have an independent adult life which includes having the opportunity to take part in the world of work through paid employment.

For everyone, the journey to paid employment is in small steps, usually starting with doing jobs around the home for parents or carers; washing the car, gardening and housework tasks like cleaning or helping with the laundry.

Learning to do these jobs around the home is a first step in developing skills such as

• Following instructions
• Attention to detail
• Working as part of a team

Helping at home is therefore a really good starting point for developing your skills, your confidence and preparing yourself for work experience.

When you have started to think about the world of work and the types of jobs that interest you, it will be helpful to talk to someone who is an expert in the types of jobs that are available in your local area and who can support you in thinking about what might suit your interests and skills best.

Schools are responsible for securing independent careers guidance for you if you are in years 8-13 and they should provide you with careers information and advice on the full range of post-16 education and training options, including apprenticeships.

Colleges sometimes offer vocational courses for 14-16 year olds, in partnership with schools as well as a wide range of post-16 courses and opportunities. All of these are designed to help prepare you for the world of work, through the development of experience and skills in a particular vocational area, for example horticulture, retail or hospitality and catering.

Just like schools, colleges are also required to provide access to independent and impartial careers guidance for you until you are age 18, and until you are age 25 if you have an Education Health Care (EHC) Plan .

National Careers Service – Website and apps full of career tools, information and advice to help you find out about different jobs, CVs, applications, covering letters and interviews. Advice online, over the phone, face-to-face.

Jobs and Careers with North Lincolnshire Council. Find out more about opportunities working for North Lincolnshire Council.

• Friends and family – may know of vacancies where they work.
• School – is there a job board displaying vacancies from local employers?
• Companies – contact companies and employers to see if they have any job vacancies. This is called a 'speculative application'.
• Online – many companies and training providers put vacancies on their website and ask you to apply online.
• Job finding websites – there are lots of job finding websites. Look out for Indeed, Jobs24, Fish4Jobs, Monster, Jobstoday and Totaljobs.
• Universal Jobmatch – search and apply for full and part-time job vacancies in Great Britain and abroad at www.gov.uk/jobsearch.
• Newspapers – look at the job pages in local newspapers, specialist magazines and journals.
• Private employment agencies – you can find details at www.yell.com or through an internet search.

You can contact companies or training providers at any time.

It is good to start looking for jobs and apprenticeships as soon as you can. Some large local and national companies open up their apprenticeship schemes for school leavers before Christmas.

It can take time to get a job or apprenticeship and so make sure you start looking in plenty of time. If you are leaving school or college in the summer, it is a good idea to start looking from January.

It is a good idea to print out details of all job adverts that you want to apply for. If you are applying for lots of jobs, it is easy to forget where you found them.

Make sure you follow the instructions on each job advert telling you how to apply. This will show the employer that you can follow instruction.

Applying by letter or email – the covering letter

You might be asked for a covering letter to go with a form or CV. Writing the right letter or email may help you to get an interview.

Applying by application form

Many companies now ask you to fill in an application form rather than send a CV, it makes it easier for them to compare you with other applicants.

It is important that you fill in the application form carefully as it is your chance to sell yourself and get an interview.

Applying by CV

A CV is simply one or two nicely set out pages of A4 size paper, which tells an employer about you and your skills.

The best CVs are easy to read and so keep it simple.

Top Tips

When employers ask for applications in writing, you should always send a CV and a covering letter.

The CV gives your basic information and accomplishments in no more than two sides of A4! It is the story of your working life and a good CV will help you to cope with all the other forms you will have to complete.

The covering letter explains why you're interested and shows how you would be just right for the job.

Top Tips for applying for jobs [537KB] PDF

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) offer support into work.

If you have a disability or a physical or mental health condition that makes it hard to do a job you can get support.

Access to work can help pay for special equipment, adaptations or a support worker to help you do things like answer the phone or go to meetings as well as help getting to and from work.

You can apply for Access to Work if you have a disability or health condition (physical or mental) that makes it hard for you to do parts of your job or get to and from work.

You need to have a paid job or be about to start one and this can include self-employment, an apprenticeship, a work trial or work experience or an internship.

For more information visit the Gov.uk website.

This easy read guide explains what Access to Work is and how you can apply for it – Easy read: get support in work if you have a disability or health condition (Access to Work).

Employers must make reasonable adjustments to make sure workers with disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions aren't substantially disadvantaged when doing their jobs.

What do reasonable adjustments include?

Reasonable adjustments can include

• Changing the recruitment process so candidates can be considered for a job
• Doing things in another way, such as allowing someone with social anxiety disorder their own desk instead of hot-desking
• Making physical changes to the work place e.g. installing a ramp for a wheelchair user
• Changing equipment such as providing a special keyboard
• Offering training opportunities

For more information visit the Gov.uk website.

The Jobs Team Employment Officers work with any adults that have a disability or specific barrier to paid employment, on a one-to-one basis.

These barriers could include: a physical disability, neuro-diversity, mental health, change of circumstances and long term/short term health conditions etc.

There will be no age barrier as we will work with clients aged from16 to 67 years old.

We can offer free one-to-one support for each client by

• Carrying out an Initial Assessment for each person to establish individual needs, goals and the type of support needed
• Creating a 12 week individual plan, as part of a tailored package, that supports clients by removing barriers to paid employment. This includes planning volunteering and work experience opportunities where needed. This can also cover: signposting to life skills development, basic skills and courses (including support for higher and further education), working on confidence and employability skills
• Building a positive and trusting professional relationship both with client and their support network
• Arranging meetings with clients in venues where they feel most comfortable and can access easily
• Supporting with all aspects of job seeking such as: creating a CV, searching for jobs, applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, attending interviews and visiting employer premises.

Symbols awarded by Job Centre Plus to employers who employ disabled people.

Disability Confident is a scheme that is designed to help employers recruit and retain disabled people and people with health conditions for their skills and talents. The logo is awarded by the Department of Work and Pensions who have made a commitment to employ disabled staff.

The Disability Confident scheme helps employers recruit and retain great people, and to

• challenge attitudes and increase understanding of disability
• draw from the widest possible pool of talent
• secure high-quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working
• improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating fair treatment.

It also helps identify those employers who are committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

The scheme has 3 levels designed to support employers on their Disability Confident journey, these are

• Disability Confident Committed (Level 1)
• Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)
• Disability Confident Leader (Level 3).

All employers join the scheme at Disability Confident Committed (Level 1), and progress through the levels to achieve the one that's right for their organisation.

For more information about signing up for the Disability Confident scheme, and how it can help your business check out the detailed guidance on GOV.UK.

Look out for this logo on job adverts.

An apprenticeship is a paid job where you work for an employer, learning skills and knowledge and usually spend a day each week with a college or a training provider to get the qualifications you need for the job.

Here are the facts

• You work for an employer doing a real job
• You get trained by a training provider
• You get qualifications for the job and experience of going the job
• You are paid
• You learn the skills that employers really want for example, learning to talk to people, learning to work as part of a team and learning how to solve problems
• Apprenticeships usually take between one and four years to finish depending on the level of apprenticeship and what apprenticeship you are doing
• The minimum wage you will receive from April 2018 is £3.70 per hour, but many of you will earn more than this.

What levels of apprenticeships are there for over 16s?

Intermediate Level Apprenticeships (Level 2)

• You work to get Level 2 qualifications that are important for your job
• You study maths and English (unless you have GCSEs at the required grades) and learn technical knowledge
• You are employed and paid for at least 30 hours a week for a minimum of one year
• It can lead to a high level job or an Advanced Level Apprenticeship.

Advanced Level Apprenticeships (Level 3)

• You work to get Level 3 qualifications that are important for your job
• You will be asked to do more difficult tasks
• You are employed and paid for at least 30 hours a week
• You study maths and English (unless you have GCSEs at the required grades) and learn further technical skills
• An Advanced Level Apprenticeship can lead to professional qualifications or possibly a Higher Level Apprenticeship or Degree Level Apprenticeship and can also be a way into higher education.

What levels of apprenticeships are there for over 18s?

Higher Level Apprenticeships

• Higher level Apprenticeships are available in areas such as accountancy, law, engineering, IT, business management, care and enterprise.
• You will study for a relevant professional qualification such as a Higher National Certificate or Diploma or a Foundation Degree.

Degree Level Apprenticeships

• A degree level Apprenticeship makes it possible for you to achieve a Bachelor's or Master's Degree whilst working full-time.
• They tend to last up to four years and are a way of getting a degree without getting into student debt.
• They are available in a growing number of sectors including digital, engineering, chartered surveying, laboratory science, nuclear and public relations and more.

There are many types of apprenticeships available in North Lincolnshire from engineering through to care and hospitality.

To find out what Apprenticeships are on offer now, search here on the National Apprenticeship website: Find an apprenticeship. You will need to create an account before you can apply. You can search in two ways

• If you want something specific then use a key work (eg engineering) and then select a distance from your home postcode.
• If you want to see what is available close to home, leave the key word section blank and just select a distance from your postcode.

Where else can I search for an apprenticeship?

You or your family may know of an employer who would be willing to take you on as an apprentice. Some companies advertise vacancies in the local paper. Some smaller businesses often place adverts in their office window. Other companies advertise via the internet. Here are some other websites which may you may find helpful if you are looking for an apprenticeship.

• HETA – engineering apprenticeships
• Hospitality apprenticeships
• North Lindsey College apprenticeship opportunities

Volunteering and work experience are two ways that you can develop your skills, meet new people, start to explore the world of work and begin to find out what you might really enjoy.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

Volunteering is a great way of developing your work skills and work experience whilst having fun, developing new interests and meeting new people. It makes you feel good, makes the most of your talents, helps you learn new skills, builds confidence, looks good on your CV and application forms and can lead to new friendships too.

Volunteering is for everyone – having a physical or learning difficulty should not stop you from volunteering.

VANL is based in Scunthorpe and have opportunities for you to be involved in voluntary work. To find out more visit the VANL website.

Do-it is a useful website to find out more about volunteering opportunities near you. All you need to do is use your postcode and then you can look for voluntary work either within a chosen distance, or even look for voluntary work that you can do from home. Visit the Do It website for more details.

Jobcentre Plus – The 'Work Together' programme run by Jobcentre Plus can help you if you are unemployed and looking for work. ‘Work Together' is a volunteering programme designed to help you get back into work. You can volunteer with a local organisation which can help you work temporarily and gain the experience and skills you need.

You might be given the opportunity to do work experience in and around your school. Many schools ask pupils to do work experience in and around school as a first step towards the world of work, giving you the opportunity to try out new experiences and new responsibilities.

Some examples could include

• Student reception
• Delivering snacks and drinks to different classrooms
• Taking orders for milk

Or you may have work experience through an arrangement with an employer.

Most schools will allow you to go out of school on work experience for 1 or 2 weeks in Year 10 or Year 11. You may be able to organise your own work experience during a certain timeframe as agreed with your school. Sometimes you may be allowed to go on work experience at different times, so it is best to ask your school how they manage work experience.

Although you are probably going to be expected to find your own work experience placement, if you have a special educational needs and disability (SEND), work experience may be arranged for you by your school or college.

Where can I find out more about work experience?

Networks – You may find a work experience placement through friends of the family, or friends of friends who work in different employment sectors.

If you have left school and want work experience to help you build up your skills and experience or as a way into an area of work that interests you, you could get in touch with the Prince's Trust.

Prince's Trust – The Get into programme is for you if you are 16 to 25 and need experience to move into a job. ‘Get into' is completely free and won't affect your Jobseeker's Allowance. Your travel costs are covered and you may be able to support with lunch and childcare costs during the course.

Jobcentre Plus – If you are aged 16–24 and receiving Jobseeker's Allowance, you can get a work experience opportunity through Jobcentre Plus. Work experience placements usually last between 2 and 8 weeks and it is expected that you will work between 25 to 30 hours a week.

Google/Bing – You can find lots of different companies and organisations who offer work experience by searching Google or Bing.

Saturday and Holiday jobs

Saturday and holiday jobs are a great way to start to learn about the world of work, the jobs you like, the jobs you don't like as much and the reasons why. This first taste of work will also help you to understand that the skills you are learning at school are useful for work.

However it is important to understand that no child under the age of 13 is allowed to be employed and the law limits the hours and types of work that a child aged 13+ is allowed to do.

If you are under statutory school age and want to work, you must have a work permit and you must not work during school hours. (You are no longer of statutory school age after the last Friday in June of the school year in which you turn 16.)

Find out more about Child employment.

There is support available if you are considering starting your own business.

Disability Grants for the disabled

Your local Job Centre Plus or Citizens Advice will be able to tell you about “in work” benefits such as the Disabled Person's Tax Credit and Access to Work. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) isn't affected by self-employment and the Carers Allowance has the usual restrictions whatever your employment status.

• Scunthorpe JobCentre Plus
• Barton on Humber JobCentre Plus
• Business Grants for the Disabled

The Prince's Trust

The Prince's Trust work with 18 to 30-year-olds to turn big ideas into a business reality through their Enterprise programme. From training and mentoring to funding and resources, support is available in person or online.

Support for starting a business – Prince's Trust

• Skills Center PLUS

• Learning opportunities and funding for over 16s

First have a discussion with tutor/EHCP coordinator and build up a typical week taking your college time table as starting point, then think about what else you would like to do.

Identify opportunities from a range of sources – this can be existing websites e.g. Do Something Different, or through a discussion with your family or others who know you well. You can then add these to your typical week.

You don't have to do activities across all 5 days and can put together a timetable for 4 days, as the “5 day offer” can be up to 5 days. It is also okay to plan in some "chill out time" with your friends or family.

You might find that something you really want to do (for example Archery at the Pods) is only available on a day you are timetabled to be at college. Sometimes college can swap days so talk to your tutor about swapping college sessions if there is only 1 day when an activity is on offer.

These activities can tie in with vocational studies, for example volunteering in a work place that ties in with your vocational studies.

There are lots of places to find out about opportunities in the local area. Below are some of the links that can help you:

• Family Information Service
• Do Something Different
• Believe In Youth
• Do It - Volunteering
• Ongo Support Page - Supporting you and your community
• Jobs Team - North Lincolnshire Council

• How to make new friends

• Tips for supporting your friends or partners - for 11 - 18 year olds

• Friendships Tips & Advice

Friendship guide for young people [2.28MB] PDF

North Lincolnshire Mind provides the Talking Minds service, which are drop-in sessions for 14-17 year-olds. This service offers a safe space and allows young people to participate in activities, speak to trained support workers and get support and advice on topics that may be causing them worry.

The sessions take place every Tuesday between 4:30pm and 6:30pm at North Lincolnshire Mind (Printer’s Yard, Fenton Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6QX).

School Nurses offer a confidential service and can support you with emotional health and wellbeing, healthy lifestyles and relationships and staying safe.

To arrange contact with a school nurse call our Single Point of Contact on 0800 0199951 or make an appointment at an E-Clinic. This service is available to any young person aged 11-19 years. We can arrange virtual meetings in situations where Covid 19 may restrict face to face contacts.

School nurses in North Lincolnshire can provide confidential online advice to young people who need our help, thanks to an easily downloaded free eClinic app.

RDaSH eClinic (11-19) is an instant messaging app enabling registered users aged 11 to 19 to schedule a confidential online appointment with your school nurse, where you can have a ‘live’ chat about any health issues they are experiencing.

The eClinic app can be downloaded to any Apple or Android device using the App Store or Google Play Store.

Do you need to find a dentist in North Lincolnshire? Search on the NHS website.

You can search for dentists:

• who are taking on new patients
• who offer emergency NHS appointments
• by proximity to your location

Find information on GP surgeries including how to register and book appointments to see a doctor. Use the address search tool to find your local GP surgeries for a local practice near you.

Anyone aged 14 or older with a learning disability can get an annual health check from their doctor. You can ask to go on your GP’s register if you think you have a learning disability. You do not need to be diagnosed with a learning disability to be on the register. The learning disability register is different from the register of social care needs managed by local councils.

Check with your GP practice if you or the person you care for is on the register.

An annual health check helps you stay well by talking about your health and finding any problems early, so you get the right care. Remember you do not have to be ill to have a health check – in fact, most people have their annual health check when they’re feeling well.

Further information on the annual health checks is available on the NHS England website and the NHS annual health check page.

Mencap provide useful information on annual health checks.

We hope you find this information useful and attend your annual health check as it’s essential to keep to you healthy and fit.

For children and young people aged four to 16 years who are above a healthy weight and live in North Lincolnshire, the Get Going team provides a personalised and supportive approach to childhood weight management.

This successful programme enables children and their families to access FREE one-to-one sessions in their home or community setting. Each session aims to empower and motivate children to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Please contact Alex Piercy for more information or to make a referral to the Get Going team – 07702 275246.

Find out why regular eye tests are important. Not only will they tell if you need new glasses or a change of prescription, they are also an important eye health check. An eye test can spot many general health problems and early signs of eye conditions before you are aware of any symptoms. You could be entitled to free NHS eye tests or optical vouchers. Search for your nearest opticians.

Your pharmacy can provide you with much more than just dispensing medicine. Pharmacists are highly-trained and qualified professionals and they can offer you advice on treating many minor illnesses and ailments, such as coughs and colds, or long-term conditions such as asthma, arthritis or diabetes. They can also give you advice on keeping healthy by eating well, stopping smoking and taking part in exercise.

Pharmacies have longer opening hours than GPs, you don’t need an appointment to see one and most have a consultation area where you can speak privately.

For contact information and opening times for local pharmacies visit the Find Pharmacy Services on the NHS Choices website and type in your postcode to find your local pharmacies.

The Positive Steps leaflet is available in a variety of languages including Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian, Bengali and Urdu.

For a printed copy of the leaflet, please contact young.voice@northlincs.gov.uk

LiveWell North Lincolnshire is a one-stop place to help you find a wide range of organisations, support groups, community groups, events and activities to support you to live your best life.

National Tourist Attractions

1. Alton Towers - resort access guide
2. Chessington World Of Adventure - guide for guests with additional needs
3. Drayton Manor - guests with additional needs
4. The Eden Project - Relaxed Sessions
5. Eureka - Access Information
6. The London Eye - information for visitors with additional needs
7. Legoland Windsor - guide for visitors with additional needs
8. York National Railway Museum - Facilities & Accessibility Information
9. Think Tank Birmingham - Facilities & Accessibility Information
10. Thorpe Park - Access Information

Local Tourist Attractions

1. The Deep - access for all
2. Normanby Hall - accessibility
3. Hall Farm, Eastoft
4. Far Ings Nature Reserve
5. Waters Edge Visitor Centre
6. Elsham Gardens & Country Park
7. The Baths Hall and Plowright Theatre
8. Hull New Theatre
9. KCOM Stadium
10. Go Ape - Normanby Hall

For more information about What's On in North Lincolnshire visit the Children and Young People's activity guide on the council website. There are lots of activities for children, young people and their families to do in North Lincolnshire that are free and low cost. Use the calendar on the website to discover what's on for your family over the coming weeks.

If your child has a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND) you can also access Short Breaks. These provide an opportunity for a disabled child or young person (0-18 years old) to take part in free fun activities.

However, our aim is to help any child to access the activities they are interested in and remove barriers wherever possible. If your child would like to access one of the activities listed on our guide, but you are not sure if their needs will be met by the activity provider, please call us on 01724 296629 to discuss your needs. We will liaise between you and the activity provider to try and make the activity as accessible as possible for all.

The Family Information Service also has an e-newsletter 'Family Focus' with useful information for families – why not sign up?

Evidence of disability

Many tourist attractions will need you to provide evidence of a disability and care needs before they will offer concessions. This is particularly true for people on the autism spectrum and those who may have invisible needs. Your GP may be the best person for you to ask to provide you with this evidence. If you receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Carers’ Allowance, take a copy of the award letter with you. It may also be useful to have a copy of any letter which states the diagnosis.

Eating out

If eating out can be difficult, then think ahead and book a restaurant in advance. Many restaurants now have a menu for people with special diets. Most chains should be able to provide you with details of the ingredients of their products so you can check they are safe.

Accessible Toilets

If you are planning a day out you may need an accessible toilet.

Disabled toilets are helpful, but you may need a Radar Key from the National Key Scheme (NKS). Information about accessible toilets in North Lincolnshire can be found on the Changing Places page.

There are apps available for your smart phone.

To make a complaint about an NHS service

Most NHS care and treatment goes well but sometimes things can go wrong. If you are unhappy with your care or the service you have received, it is important to let the NHS know so they can improve. Take a look at the NHS website for more information.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. They provide a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers.

• Every Voice Matters Group - Healthwatch North Lincolnshire
• Young People's Mental Health - North Lincolnshire Council
• Anna Freud - Self Care
• Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
• The Little Parachutes website have lots of books for children and young people which tackle the difficult subjects of death, bereavement and loss.
• CMARS - Children’s Multi-Agency Resilience and Safeguarding Board
• Childline – we're here for you, whatever's on your mind. We'll support you, guide you and help you make decisions that are right for you.

We will do our best to advise, help and signpost you with any general questions or problems about housing. We are happy to assist tenants, homeowners and landlords with any issues you might have.

Please note that we are not qualified to give legal advice. You will need to speak to a solicitor if you have any legal questions.

You can seek Housing Advice by emailing the Housing Advice Team on housingadvice@northlincs.gov.uk. Or by giving them a call on 01724 297777.

If you have any questions, you may wish to email your contact details. A Housing Advisor will then arrange an appointment to answer your questions.

The Home Choice Lincs website offers advice about how to apply. You can also get help to register your housing need through our Local Links, libraries and at Ongo Homes offices.

Alternatively, you can seek assistance by going to the Scunthorpe Central. They will pass on your contact details and answer any questions you may have.

Visit the council website for more information on the Housing Advice Team.

• Scunthorpe South Locality Team – (anything South of Queensway up to Messingham and everything in-between) 01724 290600
• Scunthorpe North & Isle Locality Team – (anything North of Queensway including Frodingham Road and the Isle of Axholme) 01724 290620
• Brigg & Barton Locality Team – (Broughton to Killingholme and everything in-between) 01724 298180.

If you are enquiring about adaptations for a child / young person you must contact the Single Access Point, for all locations within North Lincolnshire – 01724 296500 – choose option 2.

If you require any further information or wish to discuss your individual circumstances, please contact the Home Assistance Team.

The following work in partnership to provide the HomeChoiceLincs scheme:

• North Lincolnshire Council
• North East Lincolnshire Council
• Ongo
• Lincolnshire Housing Partnership Limited
• L & H Homes
• Guinness and Sanctuary Housing Association (choice based lettings scheme)

The partnership is responsible for more than 20,000 homes across North Lincolnshire. Other Housing Associations also use the scheme to advertise their homes to let.

This scheme gives home seekers more choice and information about homes that are available throughout the whole of North Lincolnshire. If offers better opportunities to find a home you want and need.

To apply to go on the housing register you must apply online. Please see further information on the home choice lincs website.

You may decide that you would like to continue to live with your family. Or you may decide you would like the chance to try and live independently.

Social housing renting

• This type of housing has to be applied for and housing is allocated based on need and priority
• The benefits are that landlords are regulated and governed by set standards. Generally the tenancy is the most secured and rents are set at a level which reflects housing benefits
• The drawback is that the demand greatly exceeds supply.

Private renting

• Private landlords are not concerned with allocation or priority of need
• There is more choice over property and location
• A private tenancy can mean less security of tenancy
• Private rent can be more expensive, and housing benefit may not cover all the cost
• Some landlords do not rent to people on housing benefits.

Home ownership

• There are various Home Ownership opportunities. Please see further information on the council website.
• Shared ownership helps people with limited funds to buy a property
• There is a specialist HOLD scheme Home Ownership for people with a Long Term Disability

To be eligible for this option, the following criteria must be met

• Have a long-term disability
• Have a housing need
• Claim higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and are within the employment support group

Family investment

• Outright ownership
• Mortgage
• Inheritance of property
• A group of families may purchase a property together or may pay towards some of the costs

A drop in session for Home Ownership options is held at Scunthorpe Central on the last Thursday of every month.

There are a number of specialist housing schemes in North Lincolnshire.

Purpose built or specialist housing

Purpose built or specialist housing for people with a physical disability is on offer through the Landlords that advertise with Home Choice Lincs, and people with a physical disability have priority for this.

Accommodation based schemes

Other housing offered with support called ‘accommodation based' schemes need an agency referral to First Stop. This could be through your school or social worker. Visit the council website for further information.

Housing related support

In other cases, you can access ordinary housing via Home Choice Lincs. You can request housing related support called ‘Floating Support'. The floating support service can also help you to apply for housing and prepare for independent living. Housing related support helps

• helps you to keep your tenancy
• helps with organising rent payments
• apply for benefits to help you pay the rent
• help with budgeting and setting up bill payments
• help to look after your home
• helps you get on with neighbours
• helps you find out about your new neighbourhood and access services etc.

Other Specialist and Shared Housing is available. It needs an Adult Social care referral as the council has nomination rights to some schemes. You do not always need to have a care package to be referred. You should talk about your housing options as part of the EHCP and transition planning to see what might be available when you need it.

If you need assistive technology to help you to live independently talk to your social worker. Or you can contact the Telecare Team.

For Council Tax Benefit or Housing Benefit – see the council website (Benefits).

If your home needs adapting due to your disability, the council's website (Improvements) contains details of Disabled Facilities Grants and how to go about applying for these.

The booklets below have some useful information about housing options, assistive technology and some examples of people with learning disabilities and how they are supported to live independently.

Housing Options - a guide for family carers of people with disabilities [1.14MB] PDF Housing Options - Easy Read guide for people with a learning disability [1.72MB] PDF

• Finding a home
• Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
• Housing advice for tenants
• Housing advice
• Housing support and financial assistance