Way beyond the care cliff: exploring a housing and support service for care experienced people over 25

Purpose: This study explores the experiences of care-experienced people living in supported housing provided by the Rees Foundation in England. This study aims to understand the challenges faced by those over 25 who have aged out of statutory support and explores how the Rees Foundation’s services help address these challenges. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with five tenants and five staff members from the housing project. Thematic analysis identified key themes related to homelessness, safety, stability and the importance of relationships with outreach workers. Findings: The findings reveal that care leavers often face a “cliff edge” when statutory support ends, resulting in risks such as homelessness and social isolation. The Rees Foundation’s approach, which includes ongoing emotional and practical support, plays a crucial role in fostering safety, stability and hope among tenants. Originality/value: This study offers original insights into the effectiveness of sustained support for care-experienced people beyond the age of 25, an age group that has been largely overlooked in existing research. By focusing on a population often neglected in care leaver studies, it highlights the need for extended support services to prevent long-term adverse outcomes, contributing to the broader understanding of post-care transitions.