Young People

The young people we care for may have survived abuse, family breakdown, multiple placement breakdowns or rejection. We aim to provide an environment which allows young people to build on their self-esteem, establish relationships, assess their experiences and plan for their future.

The Lorimer Group cares for young people who have suffered or are suffering from the following issues:

  • Neglect
  • Offending behaviours
  • Mental health needs
  • Emotional abuse
  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Low self-esteem
  • Disruptive behaviour
  • Physically challenging behaviour
  • Sexually harmful behaviour
  • Sexually vulnerable young people
  • Developmental delay
  • Attachment disorders
  • Absconding
  • Educational refusal
  • Multiple placement breakdown
  • Self-harm
  • Mother and baby placements

What we provide

We provide a positive group living experience for young people who cannot be accommodated at home or in family placement settings. 

A strong feature of our homes is that they retain a distinct homely atmosphere similar to a nurturing family setting. 

Our ultimate aim is that young people will return to their families if appropriate. When this is not possible, we enable young people to maximise the choices available to them within the care system.

We wish the young people themselves to enjoy and value their time with us.


The Lorimer Group provides:

  • Extensive links with local schools and Local Education Authorities
  • Individual educational provision at home by an appropriately qualified teacher
  • Assessments
  • Contact with family and friends
  • Outward bound activities at the crisis centre
  • Holidays
  • Individual care plans
  • High staffing ratios, with 1:1 support available on request
  • Weekly reports and planners
  • Statutory review reports
  • Court reports
  • Proactive health programmes
  • Therapeutic sessional work
  • Keyworker system
  • Leisure activities and interests
  • Highly motivated staff teams trained to NVQ 3 standard

Why group living and not a family placement?

The aim for most young people in care is eventual re-integration with a family. Many young people who reside with us have experienced foster care that has broken down. This can be largely due to their behaviour, presenting as too intense to accommodate within a foster family.

Some children may find the experience of foster care too close to a family, and therefore too painful, to manage.