We have recently opened a new annex designed to support young people taking their first steps towards independent living. This homely, self‑contained space allows them to build confidence and take ownership of daily routines, with the reassurance of nearby support.
Caroline Cottage and the independent living annex on the left side.
At Harmeny, we are committed to supporting young people as they take their next steps towards young adulthood and independent living. As part of this commitment, we recently completed the renovation of a self-contained annex adjacent to our older young people’s cottage. This space has been designed to provide a comfortable, functional home where a young person can take responsibility for managing their own space, while remaining closely connected to the care and guidance of the Harmeny team.
A positive and empowering transition
The keys to the new independent living annex were handed over to its first resident just before Christmas with the young person approaching the move with great maturity, taking responsibility for organising and transporting their belongings, and playing an active role throughout the process. The annex has since been affectionately renamed ‘The Gaff’ with the young person taking time and pride in getting their new place situated and looking exactly how they had pictured it.
Although living more independently, and now attending college, the young person continues to enjoy positive relationships with the adults and peers in the main cottage and often welcomes staff for a “fancy coffee” thanks to their new, very stylish coffee machine. This connection ensures that independence grows hand-in-hand with support.
”“We are incredibly proud of the thoughtful and mature way the young person has handled this new chapter, taking big steps towards independence while continuing to engage positively with education, relationships and daily life.”
Jade McIntyre, Residential Manager.
Learning, growing and looking ahead
Developing our care and accommodation options for young people aged 15+ is one of the five strategic priorities of our 2025-2030 Strategy – Shaping futures for remarkable young people. The creation of the annex has been key in informing this approach and our plans for future development of our living spaces to ensure that each young person can move forward confidently, at their own pace, towards a more independent future.
