1625 Independent People seeks pro bono support to redesign a kitchen space at it's Woodleaze supported housing project

What do they need help with?

1625 Independent People has been supporting young people at risk of homelessness for over 40 years, providing safe accommodation and specialist support to help them build independent, healthy lives. The charity works with young people across Bristol and surrounding areas, including care leavers, unaccompanied asylum seekers, and refugees. 1625’s mission is to prevent homelessness, keep young people safe, and support them to thrive as independent adults.

At their Woodleaze supported housing scheme in Yate, 1625 provides safe, self-contained studio flats for 18 young residents aged 16 to 25, many of whom are leaving care or facing homelessness. The building includes shared spaces and an on-site support team to help young people develop independence and life skills.

One of the key areas of focus for improvement is the kitchen at Woodleaze, which currently features a large commercial-style setup, left over from its previous use as a nursing home. While the space is spacious, the layout is not homely or conducive to informal cooking activities. Many young people find the environment intimidating, which discourages them from using the kitchen and participating in cooking sessions. Additionally, the current design is not fully accessible to residents with mobility challenges, limiting their ability to participate.

To address these issues, 1625 is seeking pro bono support to redesign the kitchen. The charity aims to remove the commercial kitchen fixtures, such as stainless steel countertops and deep in-built sinks, and replace them with a domestic-style kitchen, including standard countertops (with one lowered for wheelchair access), two domestic sinks and cookers, and additional white goods to support group cooking and communal celebrations. The redesign will create a more welcoming, accessible space for young people to build cooking skills in a familiar and relaxed environment. The charity is also considering the removal of the large central kitchen vent, if necessary, and the flooring, which is in good condition, will remain as is.

This redesign will not only encourage young people to take part in cooking activities but will also help them build life skills, foster social connections, and promote healthy eating.

Timeline

No fixed timeframe

About the organisation

1625 Independent People is a charity that has supported young people in Bristol and the surrounding areas for over 40 years. The charity offers safe accommodation, specialist support, and life skills training to young people who are homeless or at risk, including care leavers, asylum seekers, and refugees.

Each year, 1625 supports around 1,600 young people through its prevention, housing, participation, education, and employment programmes. With a trauma-informed approach, the charity helps young people build confidence, develop skills, and transition into independent living. One of the charity’s most successful projects is the Future Builders initiative, which provides innovative housing pathways for young people, ensuring they can move into independent homes and sustain their independence.

https://www.1625ip.co.uk