Prepare young people for a life after care with ASDAN's Mov

For young people leaving care, the jump to independent living can feel overwhelming. Budgeting, paying bills, staying healthy and managing relationships are all skills many struggle to learn without structured support.

ASDAN’s Moving On course was created to meet this need. Designed with input from care leavers, social workers and providers, it offers practical, flexible learning to prepare young people for life after care.

Pam Walters, senior leaving care worker for Somerset Council (Sedgemoor area), has seen its impact first-hand.

“It's fantastic,” she says. “The workbooks are so geared up for our young people, whatever level they are at. The flexibility means we can make it work for everyone.”

Flexible learning for real life

The programme is built around five modules that reflect the different aspects of independent living:

Building a home
Managing money
Being healthy
Relating to people
Starting your career.

Learners are encouraged to collaborate with a trusted adult to choose the modules most relevant to their personal circumstances. The activities within each module can then be adapted and customised to reflect their individual needs.

What matters most, says Pam, is that the resources adapt to learners’ circumstances.

“Some will only manage the multiple-choice questions, and we’ll support them with the rest," she adds. "Others want to do everything independently. It can even be used in prison – we just tailor it to the reality of their situation.”

She emphasises that every care provider should consider it.

“It’s available to everyone, whatever their ability. Some finish a book in two or three sessions, others in 15. That flexibility is why we’ve rolled it out across our county, because we’ve seen the benefits.”

From tick-box to transformation

Initially, many young people view Moving On as a requirement for being considered ‘move-on ready.’ But the process quickly shifts their perspective.

“They might start because they feel they have to,” says Pam.

“But while they’re working through the books, they realise how useful they are. One learner said to me, ‘I didn’t even know I’d have to think about paying electric bills in different ways.’ They’re learning things that would otherwise catch them out later.”

A care leaver’s voice

One young person Pam supports described the course’s effect:

“I enjoyed learning how to deal with electricity and what to do in an emergency. The books taught me loads of different skills – how to budget money, look after my home, cook and be healthy. They’ve had a positive impact on my wellbeing and set me up for when I get my own place. Honestly, I wouldn’t ask for anything better. These books are amazing for young people in care.”

Pam explains that this learner, who has autism, was initially hesitant but is now on her fifth workbook.

“She’s realised how much she’s learned, even spending hours researching topics herself. That level of engagement is incredible.”

Consistency across placements

Frequent moves between placements can undermine progress for care leavers. Moving On helps provide continuity, says Pam.

“Because the book belongs to the young person, they take it with them. If they move from one setting to another, the next worker just carries on where they left off. That consistency is invaluable.”

Since Somerset Council introduced the course county-wide, uptake has grown rapidly. In Sedgemoor alone, nearly 90 books have been completed in the past year.

“It’s working so well that all our providers are now using ASDAN,” Pam adds. “Wherever young people are placed, they can continue seamlessly.”

Providing recognition and pride

Recognition also plays a big part.

“Some of our young people have never had a certificate before,” says Pam. “When they complete a book, I make sure the certificate is printed in colour on card. For many, that’s something they frame and put on the wall.

"It’s a tangible achievement they can be proud of.”

Backed by a supportive team

For Pam, the effectiveness of Moving On isn’t just down to the workbooks – it’s also about the people behind them.

“The ASDAN team are so supportive," she says. "If we’ve got a problem or we’re unsure about something, there’s always someone at the end of the phone or an email. That means everyone’s working together to make it work for the learners, which is a real positive.”

This responsiveness has been vital in helping staff deliver the course consistently.

“Sometimes different workers interpret things in different ways, but being able to check in with ASDAN and get clarity makes sure we’re all on the same page. That support has been brilliant.”

A lifeline for care leavers

Ultimately, says Pam: “Moving On does more than prepare young people for independent living. It gives them confidence, knowledge and a sense of achievement.

"People call me the ‘ASDAN dealer’ because I always have the books in the boot of my car. Wherever I go, I talk about them because I genuinely believe in the programme.

"It’s practical, useful, and genuinely works for our young people. It gives them something real to hold onto as they move towards independence.”