Next Steps - Leaving Care Team
About them
Next Step is Salford City Council’s dedicated leaving care service, supporting young people from the age of 16 who are in care, and continuing to assist care leavers—typically until their 21st birthday, and in some cases up to the age of 25.
The service is designed to help young people transition smoothly into independent adulthood by offering tailored, practical, and emotional support. Each young person is assigned a Pathway Advisor at age 16, and may later be supported by an Aftercare Worker once they turn 18. A duty service is also available on weekdays to handle urgent needs when assigned workers are unavailable.
Support Offered by Next Step
The Next Step team provides a wide range of support services, including:
- Accommodation: Helping secure safe and suitable housing.
- Education, Employment & Training: Guidance in finding and maintaining opportunities.
- Health Access: Support in registering with GPs, dentists, and accessing specialist health services.
- Financial Support: Assistance with budgeting, managing bills, and accessing benefits. Care leavers may receive up to £3,000 to help set up a home, with additional support for those entering higher education.
- Independent Living Skills: Help with cooking, cleaning, and other daily life skills.
- Social & Emotional Wellbeing: Encouragement to engage in leisure activities, build confidence, and manage relationships, including with birth families where appropriate.
Contact them
Website: Next Step leaving care•Salford City Council
E: nextstepsadmin@salford.gov.uk
T: 0161 607 1888
Address: Next Step, Salford Opportunities Centre, 2 Paddington Close, Salford, M6 5PL