When we talk about Supported Accommodation (16+) for young people, what often comes to mind are institutional buildings or temporary spaces that lack warmth, personalisation, or stability. At Storyy Group, we believe this couldn’t be further from the truth. Our Supported Accommodation (16+) homes are carefully designed to be much more than a place to stay as they are nurturing, family-like environments where young people feel safe, valued, and empowered to build their futures.
In this blog, we want to share what Supported Accommodation (16+) looks like at Storyy Group, from the physical environment and facilities, to the philosophy of care and everything we do. Most importantly, we’ll include voices from the young people themselves, so you can hear first hand what living in a Storyy Home really feels like.
A Vision for Stability and Care
At the heart of Storyy Group’s approach is a simple but powerful belief: every young person deserves a stable home where they feel cared for and supported to thrive in every aspect of life. We know that many young people who come to us have faced significant challenges, often moving between multiple placements, struggling with social anxiety, or dealing with complex emotional and behavioural needs. Our mission is to break this cycle by providing stable, homely environments that nurture their well-being and growth until they reach at least 18 years old and beyond.
Our vision is to create familial settings where young people are not just “looked after,” but genuinely cared for, with warm relationships, positive routines, and opportunities for personal development. This means more than just meeting basic needs; it’s about building trust, fostering independence, and encouraging young people to explore their identities and cultures within a safe community.
Designed with Young People in Mind: The Physical Environment
Each Storyy Home is carefully designed and furnished to high standards that meet the needs of the young people we support. Far from feeling like a sterile or institutional space, our homes are welcoming, comfortable, and personalised.
Bedrooms & Personal Space
Every young person has their own single occupancy bedroom, which is fully furnished and thoughtfully equipped to make it a true personal sanctuary. Each room features high quality furniture, including a desk and chair for study, soft furnishings, Wi-Fi access, and a flat-screen television. We encourage young people to personalise their rooms with their own belongings, decorations, and style, helping them take ownership of their space and feel “at home.”
Communal Areas
Beyond the bedrooms, Storyy Homes feature multiple communal spaces designed for relaxation, socialising, and activities. There are cosy lounges with games consoles and IT rooms where young people can connect with friends or engage in hobbies. Kitchens are open plan and well equipped, encouraging shared cooking and mealtimes important moments for building community and life skills.
Outdoor Space
Recognising the importance of fresh air and relaxation, each home also includes a private garden. Whether it’s a quiet zone for reflection or a decked seating area for social gatherings and BBQs, these outdoor spaces provide young people with a safe environment to unwind and enjoy nature.
More Than Just Accommodation: The Support and Care Philosophy
The physical environment is only one part of what makes Storyy Homes special. Our true strength lies in the supportive relationships and care ethos that drive everything we do.
Warm, Consistent, and Reliable Support
Staff at Storyy Homes are more than just support workers they are trusted role models and consistent presences in young people’s lives. They offer warm, sensitive, and responsive care that adapts to individual needs. As one young person shared in a recent conversation:
“It definitely feels more like a home than supported living. The staff are friendly and talkative. I have a motherly bond with my key worker. Most workers go above and beyond, even working extra hours to support me.”
This kind of dedication creates a safe space where young people can build trust and feel secure, an essential foundation for positive change.
Building Life Skills and Confidence
Our support teams work closely with young people to develop essential life skills, including managing daily tasks, cooking, budgeting, and social interaction. We encourage independence gradually, providing the guidance and encouragement young people need to take control of their lives at their own pace.
Many young people report noticeable improvements in their confidence and social skills after living with us:
“Since living here, I’ve settled in and become more sociable. It’s helped me with my social anxiety and taught me that it’s okay to make mistakes and keep trying.”
This growth is central to preparing them for adulthood and independent living.
Celebrating Diversity and Identity
We understand that every young person’s identity and culture are vital parts of who they are. Storyy Homes actively celebrate diversity through cultural activities, diversity days, and discussions that promote respect and understanding of different beliefs and backgrounds.
Young people are encouraged to share their stories and contribute ideas about how to celebrate their cultures and experiences, reinforcing their sense of belonging and self-worth.
Connection to the Wider Community
Isolation can be a major challenge for young people in care, especially those placed out of their home areas. At Storyy Group, we emphasise the importance of engagement with the wider community through external activities, volunteering, and social events. These opportunities teach young people how to interact positively and respectfully in diverse settings and build meaningful relationships outside the home.
A Safe Haven for Those Who Need It Most
Our Supported Accommodation (16+) homes primarily serve young people aged 16 and over, including care leavers and others who may have experienced multiple failed placements or have complex needs. Because of this, many placements are made out of borough to ensure safety and access to appropriate support.
Our homes provide shared or group living arrangements, with young people having their own bedrooms and sometimes their own bathrooms, while sharing communal areas. This balance fosters independence while encouraging social interaction and peer support.
Stories from the Heart: Young People’s Experiences
Hearing directly from the young people living in Storyy Homes is the best way to understand the impact of our approach. Here’s a glimpse into their world:
“I really enjoy the activities, the staff, and the nice house. The support workers help me with everything, and I feel well supported. Since moving here, I’ve settled into a home and feel happy and great. This experience has helped me see that the world isn’t such a bad place.”
These reflections highlight the warmth, growth, and hope that Storyy Homes foster everyday.
Investing in Quality and Care: Our Commitment
Behind the scenes, each Storyy Home undergoes a thorough design and refurbishment process, managed by our Housing Director and trusted building teams. Frontline staff are involved from the very beginning to ensure the homes meet young people’s needs practically and comfortably.
We maintain a high standard of decoration, furnishing, and cleanliness so every young person can enjoy a friendly, homely atmosphere where they feel proud to live.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Futures, Building Independence
Our Supported Accommodation (16+) is not just about the here and now, it’s about preparing young people for the future. We focus on helping them understand their life stories, explore their identities, and build the skills and confidence needed for independent living.
With the right support, care, and environment, young people can break free from cycles of instability and step confidently into adulthood.
At Storyy Group, we are honoured to play a role in these journeys and offer not just houses, but homes filled with hope, respect, and opportunities to thrive.
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