18+ Trust & Transition Services
Support for Young People Seeking Asylum
Our 18+ Trust Service offers a safe and stable next step for young people who arrived in the UK as unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and have now turned 18 while still awaiting a final asylum decision.
This stage can feel heavy. Adulthood begins, responsibilities increase, yet their future remains uncertain.
At Next Phase Housing, we understand how fragile this transition can be. That’s why we provide consistent routines, familiar support workers and a calm living environment that reduces pressure rather than adding to it.
We combine emotional support, daily structure, and clear guidance so young people feel supported and confident.
What We Focus On
Within our 18+ Trust-supported accommodation, we support young people with:
- Understanding their rights and the asylum process, including what to expect.
- Consistent support, structure and routine to build emotional stability and confidence.
- Developing practical life skills such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning and managing appointments.
- Accessing education, training and meaningful activities, including college and ESOL.
- Staying connected to health and wellbeing services, including GPs and mental health support.
- Building a sense of belonging through community involvement and positive social connections.
Stable Accommodation & Support
Young people benefit from stable accommodation, familiar staff and clear routines, helping them feel safe and supported during their asylum journey.
Asylum Process Support
We help young people understand their case, attend key appointments and access practical and emotional support throughout the asylum process.
Education, Health & Wellbeing
We help young people understand their case, attend key appointments and access practical and emotional support throughout the asylum process.
Next Accommodation Pathway
When a young person receives a positive asylum decision, we plan their move into 18+ Exempt Supported Accommodation or other suitable options, focusing on stability, tenancy skills and confidence in the community.
Independent Life Skills
We support young people in the everyday skills needed for independence budgeting, paying bills, appointments, cooking and looking after their home and help them practice these skills with confidence.
Social & Community Integration
We support young people build positive networks and feel part of their community through access to community centres, sports, youth projects, volunteering, faith groups and social activities, reducing isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the 18+ Trust Service for?
The 18+ Trust Service supports young people who arrived in the UK as unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and have now turned 18 while awaiting a final asylum decision. Placements are made through local authorities and relevant referring professionals.
What support is provided while an asylum decision is pending?
We provide emotional support, clear daily routines, and practical guidance, including support to attend appointments, college, and ESOL. We stay in regular contact with solicitors to ensure young people receive updates on their case. Where a decision is positive, we support applications for benefits and plan the next accommodation pathway. If a decision is negative, we help young people access appropriate legal and appeal support in partnership with their personal adviser.
How does this service support young people emotionally and practically?
Support focuses on reducing stress and building stability while young people await a Home Office decision. This is delivered through trusted staff, clear routines, and regular one-to-one support. We also help young people access appropriate emotional wellbeing services, such as TESS, Birmingham Mind, and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Services, to build confidence, manage daily living, and better understand their situation without feeling overwhelmed.
What happens once a young person receives an asylum decision?
If a positive decision is received, we work with the young person and their personal adviser to support applications for Universal Credit, travel documents, and a provisional driving licence. Where appropriate, we also support applications for council housing or explore suitable next-step options within Next Phase Housing’s 18+ UC-funded accommodation to plan a safe and structured move toward independence.
