UpLift

UpLift is for you if you:

✅ are aged 16-25

✅ have spent time in care

✅ are currently or have recently been looking for work

✅ are thinking about your future career

✅ would like to help other care-experienced young people on their path to career confidence

To start posting, set up a username and password. You can use your real name, or anything you like.

We'll ask for your email address to let you know when you have new replies. Your email won't be visible on your profile.

That's it. You're ready to post! 🎉 Head over to the posts feed and join in a thread or start your own.

You'll get a notification when someone replies to you. When you get a reply from one of our guides, you'll also have the option to request a chat with them, so you can talk to them one-to-one with instant message. 💬

UpLift is a place to talk about any questions or issues you have about the world of work. This could be about:

Preparing for work 💼

Not sure what kind of job you'd like to do? Ask the community about their first jobs or talk about your interests and skills. Is there anything that worries you about starting work?

Education and training 🎓

Ask what courses or qualifications you need for your chosen career. How to prepare for work while you’re at school, college or university.

Your entitlements 👥

Questions about your status as a care experienced person and what this means for you. What you can ask your Personal Adviser about and what should go into your pathway plan.

Applying for jobs 📋

Ask for help with looking for and applying for jobs. What to include in a job application and CV and how to feel confident going into interviews.

Getting paid 💷

Questions about getting paid, how much and how often. Ask about how work will impact your universal credit.

Workers rights ⏲️

Ask about how many hours you can work and your right to breaks and time off. Ask for advice on talking to your employer.

Work-life balance ⚖️

Making sure you get enough time off for things you like to do in your spare time. Working part time while you’re at school or university.

If there’s something our guides don’t know the answer to, we’ll try to put you in touch with someone who can help.

Our career guides are from all over the UK and are here to answer your posts. You can also ask to chat with them via instant message. Our guides are Transition Workers at Action for Children with a range of professional and first-hand experience of the world of work, education and the care system.

Aoife

Hi there! My name is Aoife. I know how difficult it can be to reach out and ask for advice. This pilot gives people a network to ask, to help and support each other which I think is amazing and am happy to be a part of!

Caitlyn

Hello there! My name is Caitlyn. It has been my life's goal to provide support for young people and have always been in roles which allow me to do so. Before joining Action for Children, I was a primary school teacher.

Catherine

Hi, my name is Catherine and I've been at Action for Children Transition since April 2021. I know how difficult it can be for young people to get into work and want to be able to provide advice and support where possible.

Jo

I'm Jo and before Action for Children I worked in a school for children and young people with disabilities. I've supported students in all aspects of transition and have personal experience of looking for work and the barriers that we can come across. I will use my skills and knowledge in this area to support you through your journey.

Julieann

Hi I'm Julieann, I've spent most of my working life supporting young people with their wellbeing and mental health. I have also worked with Citizens Advice, helping people with many of life’s challenges including employment issues. This is such a brilliant project and a safe way for young people to access advice around all their employment needs.