Care experienced young adults – your future

You might be leaving care or have already left the care of Portsmouth City Council. We want you to feel safe and supported, and to know that we care about you. As you get ready to live on your own, we want to make sure you get the advice and help you need to do well and reach your goals.

Check out our new local offer document which includes:

• relationships
• support if you are pregnant or a parent.
• your home
• health and wellbeing needs
• your money
• education, training and jobs

Free activities are approximately every 6 weeks usually during school holidays.

National Care Leavers Football tournament

On Friday 29 May 2026, nine young people attended the National Champions Cup for Care Experienced young people, a tournament held at MK Dons Stadium, competing against 33 teams. The group performed to a high standard, narrowly missing progression from their stage on goal difference and ultimately reaching the semi-finals, where they were defeated in a sudden-death penalty shootout.

Despite two injuries during the group stages, the team demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and strong determination throughout

Easter holidays: Super 7’s tournament & drop-in

Supporting Your Futures hosted the Super 7’s tournament at King George V Football Complex on Monday 30 March 2026 (following Southampton City Council’s October 2025 event).

• 5 teams and 40+ care experienced young people took part.
• Global Lions (Hampshire County Council) won by 3 points.
• Teams attended from Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and (for the first time) Hampshire County Council.
• Spark Community Space ran a relaxed drop-in with toasties, waffles and Easter treats.
• Balfour Beatty sponsored/provided activities and shared training and employment opportunities.

There are plans for more tournaments to be held later in 2026 following the success of the National Championship Cup!

Coming up: Summer provision

• Wednesday 5 August, CONNECT session (details TBC).
• Wednesday 12 August, 3-6pm Big Summer BBQ at Southsea Common

Planning ahead: summer & National Care Leavers month

• Activities are being planned to celebrate National Care Leavers month, which takes place in November.
• Plans are informed by the Feedback February survey (completed by care experienced young people) and input from the Children in Care Council.

There is a selection of fantastic low cost or free events and activities available in and around Portsmouth, you can find out more on the council’s dedicated page which is updated regularly: Low-cost activities and entertainment – Portsmouth City Council

There is also the Portsmouth leisure card which entitles you to discounts on everything from swimming to top attractions – See if you’re eligible for the Portsmouth leisure card

Here are some websites with resources and advice:

• Portsmouth Family Hub is a ‘one stop shop’ in your community with information, free services, activities, and support for families with children up to age 25.
• Solent NHS Trust Sexual Health Service provides sexual and reproductive health services across Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton.
• Drug and alcohol support service helps young people under 25 in Portsmouth who are using substances. The service is free and confidential.
• Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service supports people who have experienced sexual or domestic abuse or trauma.
• FRANK gives you information about drugs, their effects, and the law.
• Refugee Council is a charity that helps refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK.
• Migrant Help is a charity that supports people seeking asylum, refugees, and victims of human trafficking and modern slavery.
• Email the Early Help and Prevention Service’s LGBTQ Team supports young people exploring their gender identity or sexuality and their families.
• Care Leaver covenant is a national program that helps care leavers aged 16-25 live independently and find opportunities in five key areas.
• The Care Leaver Association is a charity that aims to improve the lives of care leavers of all ages.
• The Unite Foundation provides scholarships with rent-free, year-round housing at university, so you can go to university, stay there, and finish your course.
• National Network for the Education of Care Leavers is a charity dedicated to improving the educational outcomes of young people in care.