You’ve just read the research setting out the challenges veterans and young care experienced people face; what follows is the practical answer we’ve built. Drawing directly on those findings, we’ve created three interlocking journeys—Residential, Outreach, and lifelong Alumni. Each is designed to translate evidence into day-to-day progress, whether that means a safe home on campus, structured daytime support while someone lives elsewhere, or continued connection once they've moved on.
The next sections walk you through exactly how each journey works for someone joining Ignis Lodge and why it meets the needs the data revealed.
First contact
Starting the conversation
Whether you complete our online referral yourself, a friend helps, or a partner organisation sends it on your behalf, everything begins with the same short form. If you prefer large-print, a phone interview, or any other format, we will gladly provide it.
Clinical review
Our team assesses every referral under our Care with Confidence policy. If Ignis Lodge can help, we will call you—within forty-eight hours for routine enquiries, often sooner if the need is urgent. During that call we explain the next steps and email a copy of the referral process so you can read it at your own pace. All information is handled confidentially.
Residential programme
Before you arrive
You are introduced to your named support worker and invited to tour the Lodge, meet the community, and decide if living here feels right.
Settling in
Move-in day starts with a warm welcome and a conversation about your health and wellbeing. Our in-house clinicians offer direct support and coordinate with NHS specialists whenever needed. Your fully furnished studio apartment is ready, and we can help with clothing, toiletries, or other essentials.
Your first week
Together with your coach, you map your skills, learning goals, and career ambitions, shaping a personal plan to guide your stay.
Life at the Lodge
You meet your support worker at least weekly and your coach at least monthly—more often whenever you wish or we feel it would be helpful. Alongside these sessions, you can join life skills classes, outdoor activities, digital study in the Lectio, or socialise in the Nook. The Refectory provides breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshments throughout the day, so you can focus on progress rather than meals. Food will be prepared by our catering team to the highest standard of nutrition and with provenance which celebrates local produce.
Preparing for independence
When you feel ready for work, we weave employment coaching, placements, and job-matching into your plan, and we stand beside you in meetings with the Department for Work and Pensions or other agencies. Departure is planned well in advance, ensuring your transition to independent living feels smooth and confident.
Outreach programme
Same ethos, your own home
If you prefer not to live on site, or we feel it isn't suitable for you, the outreach route gives you all the Ignis Lodge support while you remain in your own accommodation. Once accepted, you receive a personal support worker, an individual plan, and full campus access from 09:30 to 15:30 Monday to Saturday, with occasional evening sessions which include dinner.
Getting started
Your first day mirrors residential: an in-depth health conversation and a review of your skills and goals.
Daily experience
Throughout the six to eighteen-month programme you engage in workshops, environmental projects, fitness classes, and digital drop-ins. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snacks are provided, and we can arrange transport if cost or confidence makes travel difficult. Meetings with your support worker and coach occur at least monthly and can be increased whenever helpful. Employment preparation and brokerage are introduced as soon as you feel ready, always aligned with your health and skills.
Alumni programme
We want to see you in your happy, healthy and independent life - it's why we exist. However, the community doesn't go when you leave us. Our Beyond the Door policy lays out our commitments to anyone who has been part of a programme with Ignis Lodge and the opportunities for them to be involved more deeply with Ignis Lodge.
Aftercare
For six months after completion, your support worker checks in—weekly in the first month, fortnightly in the next two, and monthly in the final three—to ensure you remain steady and supported.
Lifelong community
Once aftercare ends, you join our alumni network, receiving invitations to social events, volunteering opportunities, and ongoing advice whenever you need it. The Ignis Lodge door stays open throughout your happy, healthy, independent life.