Our Work
What we do
Independent Living Supports’ vision is to build a thriving, resilient, and empowered communities through a sense of belonging and purpose. Our unique holistic one-to-one approach remains the foundation of our work with clients.
Established in 2002 consists of two services youth (13-25 age group) and adults (25 plus age group). We have a main office in Dumfries and established outreach in Stranraer. Referrals for both services come from a range of organisations including other charities.
ILS accept self-referrals through our youth service and can assist with some self-directed support (SDS) packages for young people too.
Our adult service referrals come through two funded programmes – peer-to-peer and the ‘My Great Start'(MGS) programme, if you are a new tenant. Referrals for MGS are provided by the housing officer. For our peer-to-peer please contact ILS.
ILS can accept adult self-directed support (SDS) clients who have been assessed by the social services team.
Youth Programme
Our ILS Youth programme is a successful blend of one-to-one support and group activities.
As part of the youth offering ILS organise a weekly groups which operate in Stranraer & Dumfries, with activities ranging from outings to places of interest, crafting & other social events. The groups focus what our young people want and need.
ILS youth keyworkers build trust and commitment with that young person enabling a managed approach to recovery e.g self- esteem, confidence and resilience building to reduce social isolation, reducing debt, managing relationships, education access and attainment worries, housing and shelter challenges. In short ILS can take very complex needs and tackle each issue over a period of time if required.
Adult Service
Our adult services currently are delivered through two programmes peer-to-peer and My Great Start – housing sustainment for new tenants
Advocating, building and sustaining life-long skills into a clients’ everyday life to help them self-manage to become independent and resilient is our goal.
As part of our adult services we provide group work to help adults who have progressed from the one-to-one support.
Peer-to-Peer Service
Due to the success of our approach across all services ILS have provided peer-to-peer programmes since 2021.
Led by Lesley McWilliam who has undertaken training and development programmes with the Scottish Recovery Network to deliver this initiative. Working in partnership with our clients has enabled them to volunteer for our service, or other services to use their lived experience in a positive way to help their community.
