Our History

In the 1970s the only way that families affected by disability could have a break was if their child or family member was admitted to a special hospital. In 1977 a group of parents in Stockport decided to work together to set up an alternative.

With support from the local authority, they found a large building, which was turned into a holiday home for a small number of children. It was known as ‘The Pines’ and the service enabled parents to have a break, knowing that their children were being looked after in a positive, stimulating and nurturing environment.

‘The Pines’ became Independent Options and three decades after it was set up, the organisation offers a range of services to people of all ages, which are delivered by professionally qualified staff teams. We support over 600 people every year, our services operate in Stockport, Oldham and Trafford and we support people from other boroughs across the North West.

Jennie's Story

Jennie is a young lady who, along with her circle of support, commissions Supported Living services from Independent Options to assist her living independently in her own home.

Jennie and her circle of support (a group of family, friends and professionals who work together to make decisions on Jennie’s behalf with her best interests in mind) are always involved in all aspects of her support and are at the heart of every decision, including the recruitment and selection of each team member, from the advert being placed right up to interviews and on-going development.

There are regular person-centred reviews to monitor what is working and what is not working, ensure outcomes are being achieved and plan together for Jennie’s future.

“My daughter lives independently through her individual budget. Her staff team are brilliant and we couldn’t be happier with everything.”

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