Working with Young People

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 On arrival, young people are provided with a Welcome guide and are inducted into our service where they will be informed of house rules, emergency contacts, evacuation procedures and safety.  

Part of making young people feel at home and welcome involves staff assisting them to settle in and personalise their rooms, helping to develop a sense of ownership. 

 Having en-suite facilities at our home offers young people a greater sense of privacy, dignity, and independence. Access to their own bathroom helps young people develop responsibility for personal hygiene and cleanliness while promoting respect for personal space and boundaries. This level of independence supports confidence-building and mirrors the expectations of future independent living, helping young people feel more settled, respected, and prepared for adulthood. 

All staff are qualified and trained in supporting young people. Regular safety checks carried out by managers to ensure all young people and staff are safe on site. 

We listen to young people and capture their views and preferences. We also listen to and gain feedback from our staff. 

We adopt a “you said, we did” approach to continually improve our service.

We recognise that collaborative working is crucial for the best support and outcomes for young people and therefore foster multi-agency partnerships to manage risks and safeguarding and to support positive outcomes.

We have a fully furnished living room which is a safe, welcoming space to relax, socialise, and build positive relationships with peers and staff. It encourages a sense of belonging and routine, helping young people develop communication skills, confidence, and independence in a low-pressure environment. The living room also provides a central place for group activities, informal support, and downtime, all of which contribute to emotional wellbeing and a more stable, home-like atmosphere.   

All our young people have private bedrooms with en -suite facilities which is essential for privacy, personal space, and a sense of security, which are essential for emotional wellbeing and healthy development. Having their own room allows young people to rest, study, and reflect without distraction, supporting better sleep and focus. It also helps build independence, respect for personal boundaries, and a stronger sense of ownership and stability within their living environment. All room have built in wardrobes, a seating area, a double bed, a study desk and a bedside cabinet.

 At Carmichael House we have a fully equipped kitchen which helps our residents to develop essential life skills such as cooking, budgeting, and planning healthy meals. It promotes independence and responsibility while encouraging better nutrition and daily routines. Shared use of the kitchen also creates opportunities for social interaction, learning through support and guidance, and building confidence that prepares young people for independent living in the future. 

At Carmichael House we have created  outdoor living space which gives our residents a valuable place to relax, unwind, and support their mental and emotional wellbeing. It offers opportunities for fresh air, physical activity, and positive social interaction in a safe environment. Our Outdoor spaces can also help young people manage stress, build healthy routines, and feel more connected to their surroundings, contributing to a calmer and more balanced living experience. 

 At Carmichael House we have a dedicated dining area designed to encourage our young people to develop healthy eating habits and regular routines around mealtimes. It provides a social space where young people can eat together, build positive relationships, and practice communication and social skills. Shared meals in a dining area also help create a sense of structure, community, and normality, contributing to a more supportive and homely environment. 

 We have a dedicated office space at Carmichael house which provides a dedicated, confidential space where our young people can access consistent support, guidance, and safeguarding. It allows staff to meet privately with young people to discuss education, wellbeing, and future planning, helping to build trust and positive relationships. Our office also supports effective management and coordination of care, ensuring young people receive timely, structured, and professional support in a safe environment.