Our Need

Our vision is to create a model of supported living in Kent, specifically designed for neurodivergent young adults with complex needs, many of whom have been educated out of county and away from their families. It is based on the ‘home for life’ model of Linden Farm, pioneered in Surrey by The Simon Trust in collaboration with Surrey County Council.

This provides supported living with on-site facilities and activities connected to the local community. The Tristar project builds on this model through a vision based on our principles of supported living that autistic people can together realise independence in an appropriate space with time for activities and recreation appropriate to the needs and interests of people as individuals.

This proposal addresses an urgent need for bespoke accommodation and care that meets young adults’ needs and offers a cost effective solution with wider community benefits.

But to progress our plans we need two things:

  • We are looking for a site of circa 1.5 hectares (3-4 acres) in a semi-rural location on the outskirts of a town or large village in Kent, or as part of a new development. Our priority areas initially are Sevenoaks, Edenbridge, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. On this site we envisage constructing a home for up to ten young adults, with space for a range of suitable facilities and activities to be delivered.

  • We also need support from Kent County Council. This could be in the form of a land contribution or a development grant or both. As well a providing a safe and sustainable place for vulnerable young Kent adults to live fulfilled lives, our proposal provides the council with the prospect of significant ongoing revenue savings compared to providing support in disparate locations, and in settings outside of the county