Our story
For more than 40 years, we have worked alongside young people who are homeless, leaving care or at risk of homelessness.
Our story
Our story began in 1983. Since then, our services have continually evolved in response to what young people have told us they need. What started with housing support has grown to include safe and stable accommodation, education and employment opportunities, health and wellbeing support, trusted relationships and practical help to build a positive future.
1625 Independent People was formed in 2009, bringing together two established organisations working with young people across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. By combining their knowledge, services and experience, 1625 was able to offer young people more connected support across different parts of their lives.
Over the years, we have continued to develop and bring services together. Projects including LEAP, Future 4 Me and Reboot West have helped us respond to the whole person—not just one immediate need.
Today, our work is shaped by decades of experience, but we continue to learn from young people. Their voices inform how our services develop, how our organisation is run and what we do next.
Where it all started
Our roots stretch back to 1983, when services began supporting young people in Bristol who needed somewhere safe to live and help to move forward.
Over time, separate services developed in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. These organisations shared a commitment to listening to young people and developing support around the realities of their lives.
Kingsley Hall became an important part of this story in 2004, providing a home for the organisation and a place from which services could grow. In 2009, the two organisations came together to form 1625 Independent People.
The merger brought together years of frontline knowledge and experience and created a stronger, more connected organisation – one able to support young people with housing, education, employment, health, wellbeing and relationships.
Mission
To prevent homelessness, keep young people safe, support them to thrive and influence the environment around them.
Vision
A World Where Young People Thrive.
1625 journey so far
2004
We moved into Kingsley Hall, which became an important home for our work and a much-loved space for generations of young people, staff and the wider community.
2010
We launched our Peer Education programme after young people told us they weren’t prepared for the realities of leaving home. Young people began sharing their experiences in schools, helping others understand homelessness and the choices available to them.
2012
We launched Future 4 Me, supporting care and custody leavers with the skills, stability and support they needed to move towards independence. The project went on to win a National Lottery Charity of the Year Award in 2015.
2014
We held our first Sleep Out, bringing people together to experience a small taste of what sleeping rough can feel like while raising vital funds and awareness for young people experiencing homelessness. It has since become one of our biggest annual fundraising events.
2017
We launched MAPS, becoming a first point of contact for young people at risk of homelessness. Through prevention, mediation and partnership working, the service helps young people explore options before homelessness becomes the only choice.
2018
We launched Reboot West, supporting care leavers to become job-ready and find the right starting point for their careers, with a focus on building confidence, skills and sustainable futures. We also took on Southwold House, expanding our supported accommodation and strengthening our work with young people across South Gloucestershire.
2019
We launched Launchpad, an innovative housing project bringing together young people, students and key workers to build community, reduce isolation and support young people towards their next chapter.
Today
Today, 1625 provides connected support across accommodation, education and employment, health, wellbeing and relationships, working alongside young people to help them build safe, independent and fulfilling futures.
Our charity status
We are a charity in England and Wales (exempt from registration with the Charity Commission under the Charities Act 2011 and associated regulations).
We are a charitable registered society (previously known as an Industrial and Provident Society’) in accordance with the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. As such we are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number: 23964R.
We are also a Company limited by Guarantee and registered with Companies House (IP23964R).
The difference we make
In 2024-2025 we supported
90 %
of young people who were homeless or at risk of homelessness to access accommodation
77 %
of young people in our accommodation to improve their independent living skills and move on successfully
90 %
of young people in our services to build positive relationships with peers and trusted adults
94 %
of young people in our wellbeing services to improve their mental and physical health
80 %
of young people in our employability support services to enter education, training and employment
