Purple Pebbles (Childcare Services) was formed in 2010 to provide a service with the aim to improving the life chances of young people leaving Local Authority care.  The team works within the statutory guidance of the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 to provide support and advice to young people between the ages of 17 ^1/2and 21, 24 years if in Higher Education.

Purple Pebbles team is made up of key workers whose main aims are –

• Preparing young people who are currently looked after by the Local Authority for the time when they cease to be looked after.
• Provision of aftercare advice and assistance.
• Improving the life chances of young care leavers.

We believe that each young person is unique. We aim to provide an environment that encourages them to be bold and forward giving due regard to their ethnic, religious and cultural background.

At Purple Pebbles we recognise the benefit for young people to experience mentoring, support and guidance from adults in developing their own independence skills and self-reliance. Therefore we offer a variety of packages including, accommodation, individual tailored support hours, mentoring, advocacy and guidance for education, training, development and housing applications.

Purple Pebbles work with statutory bodies, parents and others with parental responsibility to assist our young people to develop their self-care and independent living skills, self-reliance and decision making appropriate to their age and encourage opportunities to gain independence.

Purple Pebbles currently offers different packages of floating support, including shared accommodation, individual stand-alone accommodation  and mentoring in young people’s own accommodation, which can be provided to children of any age.

Purple Pebbles aims to provide a positive experience for young people as they grow and develop into young adults. In doing so Purple Pebbles provides opportunities supported by adults in exercising independence while maintaining security and knowledge that help is at hand.

In addition Purple Pebbles is a responsive service reflective of changing times and developments. Purple Pebbles recognises the need for individuality and tailored programs for each young person. Supported by a strong experienced staff team Purple Pebbles engages continually to meet the expressed needs of the young people.

Our ultimate aim for our young people is to enable them to live totally independently; to sustain their own tenancy and be a responsible member of the community, while achieving their dreams.