Creating safe spaces

Our mission

At The Independent Living Project, we believe every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, supported and hopeful about their future.

Our mission is to provide a warm, nurturing and stable environment where looked after children and care leavers can feel at home, build meaningful relationships and develop the confidence and skills they need to take their next steps towards independence.

We understand that every young person's journey is different. That's why we take the time to listen, understand their individual needs, celebrate their strengths and support them in overcoming challenges. Through personalised guidance, encouragement and practical support, we help young people develop essential life skills, build resilience, grow in confidence and discover their potential.

But for us, independent living is about much more than learning practical skills. It's about helping young people believe in themselves, recognise their worth, find their voice and feel empowered to make positive choices about their lives.

We want every young person we support to feel that they belong, that their aspirations matter and that they have people around them who genuinely care about their wellbeing, happiness and future.

Our promise to young people

At The Independent Living Project, we are committed to creating an environment where every young person can:

• Feel safe, secure and at home in a welcoming, comfortable and nurturing place they can be proud of.
• Feel heard, respected and valued, knowing their voice matters and their opinions help shape the support they receive.
• Build trusting and meaningful relationships with caring, understanding and skilled adults who are there to guide, encourage and support them.
• Be themselves and celebrate their individuality, knowing they are accepted, respected and supported without judgement.
• Develop confidence and independence by learning practical, social and emotional skills that prepare them for everyday life and adulthood.
• Feel supported in their health and wellbeing, with personalised care and guidance that recognises their individual needs.
• Explore their dreams and ambitions, with encouragement to pursue education, opportunities and personal goals that are meaningful to them.
• Look towards the future with hope and confidence, knowing they have the skills, support and encouragement to take their next steps.

More than just a place to live

We believe that every young person has potential, regardless of their background or the challenges they may have faced.

Our role is not simply to prepare young people for independent living, but to walk alongside them as they grow, helping them build the foundations for a happy, fulfilling and independent future.

Because every young person deserves more than just somewhere to live. They deserve somewhere to feel safe, somewhere to belong and the opportunity to build a future they can be proud of.

Equality, dignity and respect

Who runs Open Door

Open Door is run by The Independent Living Project (Independent Living Project Ltd, a private limited company, company number 06983567). Places are funded by the responsible local authority.