News

Reflections from our Queer Peer Support Group  At 1625 Independent People, our monthly Queer Peer Support sessions create space for LGBTQ+ young people to come together, connect, and simply be themselves.  Sometimes that looks like deep conversations about identity and belonging. Sometimes it’s painting nails, chatting about films, laughing about internet trends, or sharing frustrations […]

At 20 years old, Kay McMichael has already experienced more challenges than many people face in a lifetime. From growing up around addiction and spending time in care, to navigating years of being misunderstood by mental health services, Kay’s journey has been shaped by resilience, survival, and determination to keep going, even during the hardest moments.  […]

What does it really mean to partner with a charity?  For the organisations we work with at 1625 Independent People, it goes far beyond fundraising. It’s about shared purpose, real human connection, and creating lasting change for young people facing homelessness.  Through our Stronger Together campaign, we spoke to five of our incredible corporate partners to understand what these partnerships look like in practice, and why they […]

For Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we asked young people connected to 1625 Independent People to share what being neurodivergent means to them.  Neurodiversity recognises that people experience and interact with the world in different ways. For many young people, it can shape how they learn, communicate, manage everyday tasks, and understand themselves.  Through their reflections, young people […]

Since January 2016, the Asylum and Refugee team at 1625 Independent People has supported 95 young men from 13 different countries, including Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, and Sudan. Of these, 71 young people have successfully been granted Leave to Remain in the UK, many after complex and challenging asylum processes.  This year marks 10 years of supporting young […]

Charlie is a pseudonym, used to protect the young person’s privacy.  For many young people, accessing safe and stable housing is not just about affordability. It is about feeling secure, understood, and given a fair opportunity. Charlie’s anonymous account highlights the experience of trying to access private rented accommodation in Bristol.  Background  Charlie is 21 […]

Young People Share Their Experiences of the Festive Season  For many people, Christmas is a time filled with warmth, family traditions, and a sense of belonging. It’s a season that often brings to mind home-cooked meals, shared memories, and the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones.  But for many young people facing homelessness, Christmas […]