Welcome to Independent Horizons
Your journey to independence starts here.
At Independent Horizons, we believe every young person deserves a safe, welcoming home where they can grow, learn, laugh and prepare for adulthood, surrounded by people (and a few dogs!) who’ve got their back.
Whether you’re getting ready to move in or already part of the family, here’s everything you need to know about life at Independent Horizons.
Where You’ll Be Living
Our home is in Great Yarmouth, just a few minutes from the beach , so there is always somewhere peaceful to walk, chill, or just clear your head.
We’ve completely refurbished the house to make it comfy, bright and homely.
Here’s what you’ll find:
Your own private bedroom that you can decorate and make your own.
A cosy living room for movie nights, games and chats.
A kitchen and dining area where we cook, eat and hang out together.
A courtyard garden for sunny days and quiet time.
Wi-Fi, computer access and space to study or relax.
We’re a shared home, so you’ll live with two other young people and our friendly team who are there 24/7 always ready to support you, talk things through, or make a cup of tea.
Karen
Registered Manager, Nominated Individual, and all-round legend
Karen’s a Registered Social Worker with over 20 years’ experience helping young people prepare for adulthood. She’s friendly, honest, and always ready to listen. What makes Karen special is how she really takes time to think about what you want and how she can help you get there, whether that’s learning to budget, finding a college course, or just having a chat.
She’s also a big fan of teamwork, movie nights and snacks (she’s usually the first to pick the popcorn).
Gary
Director and the one who keeps everything running smoothly
Gary’s the practical brain of the house, sorting the boring-but-important stuff like bills, Wi-Fi and maintenance. But he’s also great with life advice, business advice, budgeting, and planning for your goals. You’ll see him around often, always ready with a coffee and a laugh.
Mikey
The Man Who Can do Anything (almost)
Mikey is your go-to for cooking tips, walks along the seafront and Xbox competitions. He’s all about helping you learn new things while keeping things fun.
There’s always someone around, day or night, who’ll listen, help and make sure you feel supported.
Meet Our Pets!
Life’s better with dogs, and we have got a few!
Millie, Max and Bear are our gentle house dogs. They love attention, biscuits, and beach walks. They are great listeners, too, and total pros at spreading calm vibes around the house.
Ada, Mikey’s lively dog, is full of energy and loves long walks, chasing her ball, and playing in the park.
They are all friendly, risk-assessed, and guaranteed to make you smile, they’re part of what makes Independent Horizons feel like a real home.
What to Expect When You Move In
Moving somewhere new can feel like a big deal, but do not worry, we will make it as easy as possible.
Here’s what happens:
1. You will get a warm welcome – we will show you around, introduce everyone (including the dogs!), and help you settle in.
2. We will chat about what matters to you – your goals, routines, hobbies and what kind of support you want.
3. You will get your own Support Plan – this is your roadmap for independence, made with you, not for you.
4. You will start building new skills – from cooking and budgeting to managing your time, making appointments, and setting up your next steps.
5. We will have fun too! – beach walks, games nights, outings, and loads of laughter along the way.
Life Skills You will Learn Here
At Independent Horizons, we will support you build the skills and confidence to live independently, your way.
Cook, clean, and smash daily living – we will help you master the basics (without the stress).
Manage your money like a pro – learn how to budget, save, and spend wisely.
Speak up and be heard – your voice matters in every decision we make.
Look after your wellbeing – from managing stress to finding routines that work for you.
Plan for your future – we will support you with education, jobs, housing and everything that comes next.
Our Promise to You
We will always:
Keep you safe and respected.
Listen to your views and act on them (remember we need to support you to be safe too!).
Support your independence while being there when you need us.
Celebrate your successes and stand by you through challenges.
Make sure Independent Horizons feels like your home.
Your Space
Your Space
You will have your own bedroom that is just for you: a place to relax, decorate, and make your own.
There are shared spaces too, like the living room, dining area and kitchen, where you can spend time with others or take part in activities.
We want you to feel proud of your home and safe in your space.
Your Rights
At Independent Horizons, your rights matter.
You have the right to:
Feel safe and be treated with respect
Have your voice heard and taken seriously
Be supported to follow your goals and make your own choices
Have access to education, healthcare and activities
Make a complaint if something doesn’t feel right (and be supported through it)
You will be given information about how to raise concerns or speak to someone outside the home, such as your social worker or Ofsted.
Your Commitment to Us
To keep our home positive and harmonious for everyone, we ask that you:
Keep your room and shared areas always clean and tidy.
Complete a Safety Plan with us so you know your own rules and house rules (curfew, education, appointments, etc.).
Follow house rules as they are there so everyone feels respected and safe.
Work with your keyworker to build your plan and journal: what you want to achieve, what helps you feel safe and how we can best support you.
Take part in weekly room checks (completed with you present) to ensure you and your space are safe.
Be polite, gentle and kind to everyone and everything in the house, it is everyone’s home.
Understand that alcohol, drugs and smoking are prohibited on the premises (we’ll share the policy with you).
Keep noise to headphones after 10pm (we can provide headphones if needed).
Use your phone considerately no loud calls after 10pm, please.
These simple expectations help make sure everyone feels comfortable, respected, and safe, including you.
Staying Safe
Your safety is our top priority.
We will always work with you, your social worker and other professionals to make sure you’re protected and supported.
If you ever feel unsafe or have a problem, talk to any member of the team, we are here for you, day or night.
Moving On
When the time comes to move on, we will make sure you feel ready.
We support you to plan and prepare for your next steps, understand your options, and link you with housing, education or work opportunities.
You will leave with confidence, life skills and memories to be proud of.
Other Places to Seek Support
You’ll always have someone here to talk to, but sometimes it helps to reach out to others too.
Here are a few places you can contact if you ever need extra support:
Your Social Worker or Personal Advisor – for help, advice or advocacy
Childline: 0800 1111 – free, confidential support 24/7
The Mix: 0808 808 4994 – advice and support for young people under 25
Ofsted: 0300 123 1231 – if you want to tell someone outside the home about a concern
Local GP or A&E – if you need urgent health or mental health support
You can also ask any team member to help you contact someone who can listen and support you.
