Our Ethos

Supporting young people for more than a decade

Parallel Independence was founded in 2015 and has supported care-experienced young people for over a decade. Our ethos is simple and consistent: young people deserve safe, stable accommodation, adults they can rely on, and support that builds skills for adult life at a pace that feels manageable.

We work in parallel with local authorities, placing teams and relevant professionals to ensure the support around each young person is joined up. That includes education, health, emotional well-being, and planning for move-on accommodation.

The 8 Key Principles for supported accommodation

Principles that underpin how supported accommodation should feel for the young person.

Our service is guided by the 8 Key Principles for Supported Accommodation. They are written from the young person’s perspective and embedded within the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023. We use them as a practical framework for decisions, routines, staffing, and quality.

Principle 1

I feel safe and secure

Safeguarding is central to day-to-day practice.

We provide safe, stable, well-maintained homes with robust safeguarding systems. This includes safer recruitment, risk assessments that stay under review, clear escalation procedures, and 24-hour staffing. We check in with young people about how safe they feel at home and in the community, and we respond quickly when something needs to change.

Principle 2

My voice is respected, heard and advocated for

Young people influence the support they receive and how the home runs.

Young people are involved in decisions about their support from the start. We build plans with them, not around them. Views are gathered through key work sessions, house meetings, reviews, and everyday conversations. Advocacy support is available, and we will speak up for a young person when they ask us to.

Principle 3

I have confidence in the adults who support me

Skilled staff work consistently and communicate well with professionals.

Our staff are carefully recruited and trained, with regular supervision and clear expectations. We focus on consistency, so the young person knows who is supporting them and what they can expect. Staff work closely together and alongside partner agencies to keep information shared appropriately and support coordinated efforts.

Principle 4

I have my own space that I feel proud of

Privacy, comfort, and stability.

Each young person has their own lockable bedroom and access to shared communal areas. Homes are fully furnished to a high standard, with kitchens and washing facilities available. Young people are encouraged to personalise their space, build routines, and develop a sense of belonging in the home.

Principle 5

I receive high-quality, tailored support for my health and wellbeing

Wellbeing is included in support planning from day one.

Support plans consider physical health, emotional well-being, and mental health. Young people are supported to register with local services, attend appointments, and access specialist support when needed. Practice is trauma-informed and focuses on predictable routines that reduce stress and promote stability.

Principle 6

I have strong, trusting relationships

Relationship-based practice is the foundation of progress.

We prioritise trust, reliability, and consistency. Staff use restorative approaches and take time to understand the young person’s experiences, preferences, and goals. We also support positive professional relationships across the wider network, including social workers, personal advisers, educators, and health professionals.

Principle 7

I feel supported to learn and apply skills for independent adult living

Independence is built through practical learning and steady progress.

Independence training is tailored for each young person and delivered through a structured programme. This includes cooking, budgeting, shopping, cleaning, timekeeping, using services, managing appointments, and developing tenancy skills. Support reduces gradually as confidence grows, with progress reviewed regularly.

Principle 8

I feel positive about my future and opportunities

Planning ahead is part of everyday support.

We help young people recognise achievements, build confidence, and set realistic goals. Support includes education, training, employment preparation, and move-on planning. We work with placing authorities to support suitable next steps, including step-down and floating support where appropriate.