Thinking Ahead by Together Matters

About

This is an independent service, which is not run by the NHS or WSCC.

This service is not checked by WSCC and including it on the Local Offer website does not mean that it is a recommended service.

Before using this service, we recommend you make your own checks. Your checks should include being happy that: the service will meet your needs; staff are properly qualified; policies are in place to keep everyone safe and you know how much the service will cost.

Use this guidance for advice about what to ask to help you make sure that children and young people are happy and protected in clubs, groups and activities. Find out more on our terms and disclaimer.

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Thinking Ahead is an approach to supporting families to talk about and plan for the future, including planning for leaving school and college and thinking about adult life.
There are two planning guides to give families information that can help them plan for adulthood: 'Thinking Ahead a planning guide for families', with information covering 9 key topics and 'I'm Thinking Ahead' which uses easy words and pictures to make information more accessible to young people and involve them in decisions

What we do

• Both guides are free to download from the Resources and information web page (Together Matters website).
• I'm Thinking Ahead covers: How to plan, how to make choices, and how to get the right housing and support. Templates can be used to gather information and could be used to inform reviews and other meetings.
• Written for families where a young person has learning disabilities but may also be useful for others. Could be used by families to plan together or in schools and colleges.
• Together Matters has also written a guide to help those with physical disabilities, along with their families and supporters, plan for and during adult life.
• Download from Resources and information Essex (Together Matters website).

Age range

13-30

Wheelchair accessible

Yes

Free to use

Yes

Our users say

Thinking Ahead guide has been our bible as our son has moved on from school and then college. We thoroughly recommend these guides for families with SEN young adults.