Leaving Care Edition
 
Leaving care can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to figure everything out alone.
 
My Book of Independence® Volume 2 is an interactive guide designed specifically for care-experienced young people preparing for, or already living independently. Written by care-experienced author and youth engagement specialist Mana Gondora, this updated edition combines practical information, real life guidance and hands on activities to help young people build confidence for adulthood.
 
Rather than simply telling young people what they should know, this book helps them understand, reflect, plan and take action at their own pace.
 
Whether used independently or alongside a Personal Adviser, Social Worker, Leaving Care Team, Foster Carer or Support Worker, Volume 2 creates opportunities for meaningful conversations while building essential life skills.
 
What's Inside?
Volume 2 includes over 100 pages covering topics including:
Leaving care rights, entitlements and Local Offers
Personal Advisers and Pathway Plans
Housing and tenancy skills
Managing money, budgeting and banking
Bills, utilities and setting up home
Health and wellbeing
Confidence and personal development
Goal setting and future planning
Employment, education and career planning
Healthy relationships and personal safety
Practical worksheets, planners, trackers and reflection activities
Community stories and signposting to support services
 
Interactive Learning
Unlike a traditional guide, this book is designed to be used.
Inside you'll find:
Goal setting exercises
Wellbeing action plans
Budgeting templates
Habit trackers
Task planners
Home and tenancy activities
Safety planning tools
Reflection exercises
Future planning activities
 
These practical tools help young people turn information into action and build confidence one step at a time.
 
Who is it for?
 
Ideal for:
Care leavers
Young people preparing to leave care
Local Authorities
Leaving Care Teams
Personal Advisers
Social Workers
Supported Accommodation Providers
Children's Homes
Foster Carers
Youth Workers
Charities and voluntary organisations
 
Why Choose My Book of Independence®?
✔ Written by someone with lived experience of care
✔ Created alongside care-experienced young people and professionals
✔ Trauma informed and strengths based
✔ Practical, engaging and easy to understand
✔ Packed with interactive tools and activities
✔ Supports independent living, confidence and long term wellbeing