Anima Youth provides specialist supported accommodation, supported housing, and semi-independent living for girls and young women across South London.
Our housing model has been developed from over 10 years of frontline experience supporting those at risk of exploitation, violence, and systemic disadvantage. We offer a continuum of care, from looked-after children through to independent living and motherhood; including step-down accommodation for young mothers transitioning from mother and baby units and parental assessment centres.
come and take a look inside
Inclusive supported accommodation for young mothers and their babies, including step-down from mother and baby units and parental assessment centres.
Her Nesting Place
A culturally specific, one-of-a-kind service. The first in the UK designed specifically for Black and Black mixed- heritage looked-after girls aged 16–17
Zintarah Haven (16–17)
DASA Accredited by Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime Inclusive provision for care leavers and young women
Zintarah Haven 18+
our ACCREDITATION
Zintarah Haven
- Adultification
- Trauma and exploitation
- Placement instability
- Unmet emotional and sensory needs
Our model focuses on understanding behaviour through need, not just risk, creating a stable and relational environment for girls to feel safe and supported.
Zintarah Haven is a specialist Ofsted registered supported accommodation home for looked-after girls aged 16–17.
This is a culturally specific provision for Black and Black mixed- heritage girls and is one of the first services of its kind in the UK, developed in response to gaps in culturally competent placements.
While this home is culturally specific, our wider accommodation offer
includes inclusive supported housing and semi-independent accommodation for all young women and young mothers.
Key Features:
- Ofsted registered provision
- Therapeutic-informed support model
- Small, nurturing environment
- Structured routines and engagement
- Education-focused support
- Strong safeguarding framework
Suitable For:
- Looked-after girls aged 16–17
- Girls at risk of exploitation
- Girls experiencing placement breakdown
- Girls requiring culturally responsive care
- Girls with trauma history in Sexually Harm Behaviour
First of its kind in the UK
Zintarah Haven 18+ (Croydon & South London)
- Non-staffed
- Independence-focused
- Floating support available
- Move-on pathway
Our 18+ provision is inclusive and open to all female care leavers and young women, including those transitioning from care, semi-independent settings, or domestic abuse refuges.
This service is supported through MOPAC's Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation (DASA) programme. We offer both culturally specific and inclusive supported housing options across South London.
Self-Contained / Studio Accommodation (Semi-Independent)
- Therapeutic Support
- IDVA Support
- Independence and life skills
- Emotional stability
- Employment and education
- Healthy relationships
- Transition into long-term housing
- Advocacy
Suitable For:
- Care leavers
- Young women at risk of homelessness
- Young women leaving domestic abuse refuges
- Those stepping down from higher-support placements
Focus Areas:
Therapeutic Group Living (Staffed):
- Staff sleep-in overnight
- Floating daytime support
- Structured relational environment
- Cultural-specific home available in Croydon
dasa Supported
Her Nesting place
- Transitioning out of mother and baby units
- Leaving parental assessment centres following a positive parenting assessment
- In need of supported housing to continue building independence before moving
This service is specifically designed for young women who are:
- Staffed overnight
- Floating daytime support
- Weekly keyworking sessions
- Parenting support
- Move-on planning
Focus Areas:
- Independent living with a child
- Parenting confidence
- Emotional wellbeing
- Budgeting and tenancy readiness
- Transition to permanent housing
- Child must not be subject to a Care Order or Interim Care Order
- Mother retains parental responsibility
- Placement is not for assessment purposes.
This is a step-down supported housing service focused on independence, stability, and long-term housing readiness.
Support Model:
Important Placement Criteria:
Mother and Baby Units & Parental Assessment Centres
Partnership Pathways:
We work in partnership with Local Authorities, mother and baby units, and parental assessment centres to provide step-down supported housing for young mothers transitioning into independent living.
including:
We support referrals from:
Everything we do is rooted in safety, consistency, and relationship-led support; helping young women feel seen, supported, and empowered as they transition into independence.
our approach
Individualised Support
Tailored pathways designed around each young woman’s needs and goals.
Trauma-Informed
Support centred around emotional safety and wellbeing.
Relational
Consistent support built on trust and connection.
Culturally Responsive
Support that recognises identity, lived experience, and community.
Our provision is inclusive and designed to support a diverse range of young women and young mothers.
Supporting young women across Croydon, Sutton and South London
