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.

Such a model has significant benefits for autistic young people, the wider community and support services. Residents will have a safe and secure living environment, where they can lead their lives in ways that are happy and meaningful, pursuing interests, engaging with peers and contributing to the community. It will also provide a training hub for carers and other care professionals where they can develop their skills and experience and benefit from opportunities to access continuing professional development though a programme of specialist training informed by the expertise of the parents and professionals associated with the project.

To support our ambition we are cofounding a charitable trust, the Tristar Foundation. Our aim is to propose a new model of supported living provision to Kent County Council, one that speaks both to the Council’s flagship strategic priority of developing new models of care and support and to the national Transforming Care Programme, both of which emphasise the need for expanded and diversified provision.