Starting your Settle journey

Our work > Starting your Settle journey

Starting your Settle journey

If you're about to start your Settle journey, you can find more information about what to expect and who you will be working with.

What can I expect?

Where will sessions be?

After meeting with your Settle Coach for your initial session you can arrange with them where and when you’d like your next session to be. It should be somewhere that is convenient to you, such as a coffee shop, library, or your home.

Each session will be one hour and to get the most out of the Programme should take place each week. If you’d like to end the Programme at any point, you can just tell your Settle Coach. No one will be offended, we want the Settle Programme to work for you and if it isn’t working or you’ve got what you need from it, we’d love to hear that.

What is coaching and how is it used in the Settle Programme?

Think of a football coach: they are not just training the team to win the next game, but to be better players overall. For example, if you want to stop running out of money from month to month, your Settle Coach won’t just focus on getting you to the next payment. They will support you to look at your current budget, plan for your financial goals, come up with an action plan, and take the time to find what works and doesn’t work for you as an individual.

I have a problem I need to resolve as soon as possible, can Settle support with that?

We know there are sometimes issues that need dealing with before you can focus on your personal growth. Settle tries to be as flexible in our approach as possible, and your Settle Coach will always do their best to support you to address anything urgent when necessary.

Can my friend join the Programme?

We are currently exploring how we can support people who would like to refer themselves, if you have a friend that would like to join the Settle Programme please speak to your Settle Coach about this and we can explore what options there are.

The Settle Community

The Settle Community includes all the stuff young people can do with Settle alongside and after the Settle Programme with your coach. This includes events, our advocacy forum, and one-to-one graduate drop-ins.

We hear from young people that support often stops suddenly and can feel like a cliff-edge. We want Settle to feel different, and for our graduates to stay involved and create new connections.

Graduation: Our annual graduation celebration when we get together celebrating the achievements of Settle Graduates, with food, games and guest speakers.
Socials: Events such as meals out and visits to attractions like Kew Gardens.
Workshops: These range from careers focussed ones, such as interview skills and mentoring, to activities designed to build skills for independent living like DIY workshops.

Advocacy Forum

This is a group of Settle young people that meet monthly to campaign with Settle for change on issues that affect care experienced young people. It's a great chance to connect with other like-minded people, and build confidence in skills like public speaking and communication which look great on CVs! (plus we reward your time in cash or vouchers).

Settle wants to campaign to improve the transition to independence for all care-experienced young people. We want young people’s voices to be at the centre of this work, so we encourage everyone on the Settle Programme to come to an advocacy forum and give it a go!

If you want to find out more about Advocacy at Settle, you can read our blog written with Settle Advocates and view our videos on Instagram.

Graduate Drop-ins

We hope Settle Graduates gain confidence and skills from the Settle Programme, but we know there may still be times where it helps to chat to someone about a challenge.

It might be an unexpected bill, advice on finding grants or other support services, or even to access our mental health support offer. Graduates can book in for a session with a Settle coach to get support if they ever need it.

Meet the coaches

Sophie

Hello! I've been at Settle for almost 2 years and before that, I worked in the NHS as an Assistant Psychologist and Support Worker. I work part time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and the rest of the week I spend training to become a therapist. I really like yoga, knitting and cycling. I also love food and think about it most of the time so if that's something you also like then let's chat recipes!
Emma

I was previously a Welfare Officer at a social mobility charity based in North Wales, providing young people with new opportunities, work experience, life skills and coaching. Prior to this I studied Psychology at University. When I'm not working, I love getting outside with a good book or exploring new areas (ideally in the sunshine!) I also love travelling, testing my DIY skills and eating great food.
Nick

Hi, I'm Nick, I've been at Settle since May 2022. Before that I was working in customer support roles, in an accessible travel social enterprise, then in the energy sector. I love working as a Settle Coach as I get to know so many amazing individuals, seeing them develop, overcoming challenges and thriving. Outside work I love finding new places to eat and recipes to try, cycling around London and seeing live music.
Aisling

Hi, I am Aisling, before Settle I worked at a special needs school and studied a Sociology and Criminology degree at the University of Portsmouth. When I am not working, I love playing sports, particularly netball and I love a bit of charity shopping and cooking some good food!
Mark

Hi my name is Mark and I have been at Settle since June 2024! Previous to that, I worked in various children's residential homes across London for five years and graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with a degree in Sports studies. In my spare time, I love anything to do with sports, whether that's watching or playing, Cricket, football and golf. I also love exploring London, visiting museums and finding new places to eat!
Eloise

Hi I’m Eloise, before working at Settle I worked at a charity delivering group workshops to young people about to leaving care. I studied Journalism at uni, and although I quickly realised I didn’t want to be a journalist, I think it’s made me pretty good at asking questions! I love getting outside and exploring London on foot, discovering new music (I’m always open to recommendations) and playing with the dogs me and my housemates dogsit!
David

Hi! Before joining Settle, I was a support worker with people who had experienced the criminal justice system, and I also spent some time as a teaching assistant. In my work, I really enjoy getting to know people, learning from them, and seeing them thrive. I studied English Literature at university and then went back a few years later to do a master’s degree in psychology, and I still love learning about the mind. In my spare time I enjoy books, films, football, spending time in nature and keeping active through running, cycling, and rock climbing.
Abi

Hi, my name is Abi and I joined Settle in April 2025. I am passionate about youth development and crime. I studied Criminology with Criminal Justice at the University of East London. I love football and am a big Chelsea fan. I often go to games in my spare time, and although I've never played football a day in my life, I'm sure I would make a good striker.
Emma

Hey, I'm Emma! Before joining Settle, I spent some time training as a social worker with children and families and loved supporting children and young people in care. I've also worked for a mentoring and sports coaching charity in schools, and as a barista! I love being outdoors in the sun—especially running, hiking, and getting in the sea. I really enjoy travelling, trying new foods and learning to cook them, and spending time with friends and family.