Personal Independence Information

Personal Independence (PI), a Community Interest Company, specialises in behavioural education for young people. PI was founded in 2010 to help young improve their social, emotional, physical and behavioural development. We help young people to develop the social and citizenship skills that will enable them to embrace the benefits that come from taking a positive role in an equal, diverse and democratic society. We provide an inclusive environment and work with all our young people to help them achieve the best they can and focus on future goals, instead of past difficulties. Through our service we teach young people: 1. To value themselves, embrace their identity and recognise that the differences between us are a great benefit to our society. 2. The skills to identify and change negative behaviour, and deal with conflict. 3. The confidence that will help them to overcome negative circumstances and make better decisions. 4. The importance of teamwork and communication. 5. The social skills that will equip them to succeed in education and work 6. To challenge themselves by developing new friendships and trying new things We view partnership working and collaboration as key to achieving social impact and leading positive change in the communities where we work. We deliver our services in partnership with the police. We work with officers from a range of boroughs to enable young people to build trusted and respectful relationships with law enforcement and to challenge negative perceptions of the police service and the criminal justice system. Our partnership with police is mutually beneficial. Officers reach a better understanding of the challenges our young people face and the root causes of the negative behaviours that manifest in public. In turn our young people get to know the individuals behind the uniforms and learn the basics of police procedure to lessen the chances of conflict when they return to their shared community.