Creating Independence, Confidence, and Community: Life at the Independence Project & Clubs
At Independence Project & Clubs, everything we do begins with the belief that everyone deserves to live a full, independent and joyful life. As a registered service provider for Essex County Council, we’re proud to support young adults and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by providing fun and meaningful day opportunities, social activities, events and holidays - all designed to build confidence, skills and friendships.
A Base in the Heart of Chelmsford
Our Chelmsford base is more than just a building - it’s a place where independence grows every day. With an accessible kitchen ready for cooking sessions, a cosy mini-cinema, and a games area perfect for socialising, our base provides a safe and welcoming environment where members can thrive.
From here, our young adults head out into the community to experience real-life learning. Whether it’s life skills training, accessing local facilities, or collaborating with schools and services, we focus on building the practical abilities that help our members move towards their personal goals - from employment and travel training to forming friendships and stepping confidently into adult life. We encourage our members to communicate in whichever way works best for them, and Makaton has been great for many of them. Some of them are now looking at supported living, another area we are beginning to develop with our new company HD Supported Living. Independence isn’t just a word to us; it’s everything we do.
More Adventures with Independence Clubs CIC
Because independence grows best when opportunities grow too, we launched Independence Clubs CIC to offer more experiences to our members.
These include:
● Our allotment, where members learn about gardening, teamwork, and the joy of nurturing something from seed to harvest.
● Independence Journeys - unforgettable trips in the UK and abroad, including favourites like the Latitude Festival, Disneyland and Spain.
● IndepenDANCE club nights, for a chance to enjoy live music and dancing within a safe and supported clubbing experience.
● Weekly social evenings, giving members the chance to build friendships and enjoy time together.
Plus, The WashClub, our growing social enterprise. Here, members create beautiful soaps, candles, and wax melts (you can find them at thewashclub.co.uk), while gaining hands-on work-based training and employment opportunities.
Empowering Choice Through the Individual Service Fund
We’re always looking for ways to give our members more control over their own lives. That’s why we’re excited to now be a listed Individual Service Fund provider for Essex County Council. This approach gives people real choice in how their Personal Budget is used - ensuring support is tailored to what matters most to them.
Supporting Young People from Age 8+
Although we began by supporting young adults, our mission naturally expanded, we now also deliver Essex Short Breaks community clubs and activities for children and young people aged 8 and above across Mid Essex. We offer a variety of after school, weekend and holiday clubs offering dancing, swimming, cooking, arts and crafts and days out and about in the community.
Our goal remains the same: helping young people build independence, confidence, social skills, and self-esteem - all while having a lot of fun.
The Hive: Purpose-Built Support for Young Adults with PMLD
July this year marked a huge milestone for us with the opening of The Hive, our second premises, purposely designed for young adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and complex health or medical needs.
While the space is new, our ethos remains the same: everyone deserves meaningful opportunities, community connection, and a fulfilling life. At the hive, we combine specialist support with rich experiences - both inside and out in the community.
Introducing SEND FEST: A Celebration of Inclusion
In September, something magical happened. Alongside SAA Clothing, we launched SEND FEST - an inclusive event created to bring young children with SEND and their families together to play, connect, and make joyful memories.
The response was overwhelming. What started as one event is growing into a full calendar of events for 2026, hosted at some incredible venues across Essex - and maybe even our very own music festival! For all the latest updates on SEND Fest event announcement make sure you follow @send_fest on instagram.
At the Independence Project & Clubs, our passion is simple: we believe every person deserves the right to live an independent, meaningful, and fulfilling life. We advocate fiercely for our members, celebrate their achievements, and dream big for their futures
Follow us on Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/ipessex
https://www.instagram.com/thewashclubuk/
https://www.instagram.com/hd_supported_living/
Independence Project & Clubs