Ofsted Registered · URN 2784537

Supporting young people towards independence.

For over 19 years, Supportworks has provided high-quality supported accommodation for young people across Essex — safe homes, trusted adults, and the skills to build a fulfilling future.

Safe. Stable. Supportive.

A bright, welcoming bedroom in a Supportworks home
19+
years of experience
10
homes in Harlow
1,500+
young people supported
24/7
on-call support
More Than Just a Home

Every young person deserves to feel safe, valued and empowered.

At Supportworks, we understand that every young person arrives with their own experiences, aspirations and challenges. Our role is not simply to provide accommodation — it is to provide the stability, encouragement and practical support that enables each young person to develop confidence, independence and the skills they need for adult life.

Our support is individual, compassionate and outcome-focused, helping young people take meaningful steps towards independent living every day.

“Every young person deserves to feel safe, valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.”
Our belief
Why Local Authorities Choose Supportworks

Trusted partners to commissioners across Essex — and beyond.

Today Supportworks provides

  • 10 supported accommodation properties
  • Accommodation for up to 30 young people
  • Ofsted Registered Supported Accommodation
  • Support for young people aged 16+
  • Experienced, long-standing staff team
  • 24/7 on-call support
  • Comprehensive safeguarding and risk management

We specialise in supporting

  • Looked After Children
  • Care Leavers
  • Care Experienced Young People
  • Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC)

Each referral is carefully assessed to ensure the right placement, appropriate matching with other residents and the best possible opportunity for positive outcomes.

Our Homes

Comfortable, welcoming properties across Harlow.

Home should feel safe, comfortable and welcoming. Our properties across Harlow are designed to provide young people with a genuine sense of belonging while encouraging independence.

Behind the scenes, every property is supported by our dedicated maintenance, health & safety and cleaning teams — ensuring consistently high standards throughout the year. All homes comply with current fire, gas, electrical and health & safety legislation, providing reassurance for both young people and commissioning authorities.

Safe
Fully risk-assessed environments
Comfortable
A genuine sense of home
Welcoming
Encouraging belonging
Compliant
Fire, gas, electrical & H&S
Fully-equipped kitchen
Fully-equipped kitchen
Bright, private bedroom
Bright, private bedroom
Modern bathroom
Modern bathroom
Outdoor space
Outdoor space
Comfortable living space
Comfortable living space
En-suite facilities
En-suite facilities
Supporting Independence

Practical, tailored support for the road to adult life.

Our experienced Support Workers work alongside each young person to build confidence and develop practical life skills. Independence looks different for every young person — so does the support we provide.

Education & Employment

  • · College enrolment
  • · Training opportunities
  • · Employment support
  • · Career aspirations

Health & Wellbeing

  • · GP and dentist registration
  • · Emotional wellbeing
  • · Healthy lifestyles
  • · Mental health support

Independent Living Skills

  • · Cooking
  • · Budgeting & managing finances
  • · Laundry & household management
  • · Personal care

Advocacy & Practical Support

  • · Working with social workers
  • · Benefits & financial support
  • · Accessing local services
  • · Cultural & religious support
Experienced People Make the Difference

A team that stays — because relationships matter.

Many of our staff have remained with the organisation for over a decade, creating consistency, stability and trusted relationships for the young people we support.

Our team brings extensive experience across safeguarding, mental health, homelessness, exploitation, trauma, substance misuse, offending, domestic abuse and supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people. Through continuous professional development, regular supervision and collaborative working, we deliver safe, effective and compassionate support every day.

Joshua Lunn
Joshua Lunn
Business Director & Nominated Individual, Registered Service Manager
15 years
Shay O'Byrne
Shay O'Byrne
Senior Support Worker
14 years
Amber Zakrzewski
Amber Zakrzewski
Admin & Operations · Designated Safeguarding Lead
5 years
Julie O'Byrne
Julie O'Byrne
Support Worker
10 years
David Baylis
David Baylis
Maintenance
6 years
What Young People Say

The support I receive from my support worker and the team is second to none.

Supportworks have been an immeasurable help towards me and my children… because you believed in me.

Working Together

Positive outcomes happen when everyone works together.

We work closely with

Local AuthoritiesSocial WorkersPersonal AdvisersSchools & CollegesHealth ServicesMental Health TeamsHousing ServicesProbationCommunity Organisations

Trusted by professionals

Feedback from partners across Essex consistently highlights:

  • Strong partnership working
  • Excellent communication
  • Reliable safeguarding
  • Consistent support
  • Positive outcomes for young people
  • Responsive, knowledgeable staff
Quality, Compliance & Safeguarding

Operating in accordance with the Supported Accommodation Regulations.

Ofsted Registered
URN 2784537
Referrals

Ready to discuss a placement?

We welcome referrals from Local Authorities across England. Our experienced management team is happy to discuss placement suitability, current vacancies and how Supportworks can meet the needs of individual young people.

Head Office
Supportworks
Hastingwood Business Centre
Hastingwood, Harlow
Essex CM17 9JH
Enquire about a placement →