Committed to providing full care and support for children and young people
About C2I
Providing person-centred, professional care and support
Connections 2 Independence (C2I) was set up in 2020 by people who understand the social care sector well and care deeply about giving young people the right support at the right time. Our approach is shaped by real-world experience and a genuine commitment to helping young people feel seen, heard and supported.
Our mission is to provide personal, consistent care that helps young people grow in confidence, make positive choices and move towards independence with feeling more confident about their future.
The values we started with still guide everything we do today. We believe in care with purpose, support with dignity and always treating young people with respect and high aspirations. These are more than just words to us; they shape every moment of support we provide.
Our Core Values
Putting Children and Young People First
Children and Young People First
We make decisions based on what is best for the young person. Their safety, voice and future independence guide everything we do.
Respect and Dignity
We treat every individual with compassion, kindness, and respect. We listen carefully to their voice and empower them to make positive, lasting changes in their lives.
Personalised, Meaningful Support
Support reflects each young person’s identity, strengths and goals. Plans are shaped around the young persons direct needs.
Open Collaboration and Shared Purpose
We work honestly with young people, families and professionals. We communicate clearly and build trust through openness and consistency.
Compassionate, Skilled Adults
The quality of care is defined by the adults delivering it. We choose people who care deeply and act with integrity, calm and hope, supported through reflective practice.
1:1 Relationship Building
Progress begins with safe, trusting relationships. Each young person deserves a consistent adult they can rely on, who shows up and stays present.
Community Engagement
Young people should feel part of their community and develop confidence through real experiences that build skills and a sense of belonging.
Promoting Independence
Independence means having the confidence and tools to move forward, not having to do everything alone. We guide, encourage and stand alongside.
Growth Through Empowerment
We focus on strengths, ambition and future potential. By offering responsibility and celebrating progress, we build belief, confidence, and ownership of their journey.
What Makes Us Different
we go beyond standard care and support
At Connections 2 Independence, we don’t just provide care, we create opportunity, belonging and a genuine sense of home. Every element of our provision is designed with purpose, grounded in therapeutic practice, and delivered by people who truly care.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- In-house Education, Training & Employment (ETE) Specialist
We provide direct, hands-on support to help young people re-engage with learning, develop skills and access meaningful employment and training pathways, not just for now, but for their future independence. - A Warm, Homely Environment
Our environments are intentionally warm, and welcoming . We believe children thrive where they feel safe, valued and genuinely cared for and we never accept anything less. - High Standards, Always
We work to the simple rule: If it wouldn’t be good enough for our own family, it isn’t good enough for our young people. This ethos shapes every decision we make. - Tailored Independence Pathways
Each young person receives a tailored, outcome-focused independence programme that builds confidence, life skills and resilience, ensuring they leave us more equipped. - Direct Access to a Qualified Therapist
Young people have direct access to a qualified therapist, ensuring emotional wellbeing and trauma recovery are prioritised as part of their everyday experience, not treated as an optional intervention. - Mental Health Nurse Advocacy
Emotional wellbeing is actively championed by a dedicated Mental Health Nurse Advocate, ensuring young people’s voices are heard and their mental health needs are understood, prioritised and responded to with expertise.
Our Directors
Putting Children and Young People First
More about Keaton Pearce…
Keaton is a compassionate leader with a clear vision for change, holding a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services. From a young age, Keaton demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with and champion young people facing adversity, using empathy, resilience, and strong values as the foundation of his practice.
With hands-on experience supporting young people with complex needs through private 1:1 contracted care, Keaton developed a deep understanding of personalised support and the power of meaningful relationships. His insight into the challenges faced by care leavers grew further through his work within social housing, where he advocated for independence, dignity, and safe transitions into adulthood.
To expand his understanding of trauma and safeguarding, Keaton worked with Gloucester Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS), supporting young people through challenging circumstances, including evidence giving and access to justice and specialist support. He later provided floating support for adults experiencing homelessness through Green Square, further strengthening his knowledge of systemic barriers and the importance of compassionate, high-quality intervention.
Motivated by a clear vision for change, Keaton founded Connections 2 Independence at just 20 years old. His ambition was bold yet simple: to create a service that does not just provide support but empowers young people to build a life of confidence, purpose, and genuine independence. His leadership is rooted in the belief that every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and equipped to move forward with hope and self-belief.
More about Paige Stokes…
Paige has NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care and is also a director of our sister company C2I Chapter One.
Paige directs our Community Support and Education and Mentoring provision. She has worked within social care for over 12 years and has an extensive amount of training and qualifications. Paige’s qualifications include Team Teach, NVQ Level 3 Supporting Children and Young People, Emergency First Aid and more. Her training includes around substance misuse, mental health, safeguarding, equality and diversity, personal care and housing support.
Paige has spent many years working with young people, from the ages of 5 – 18+, as a mentor or manager, helping them develop a strong and positive sense of identity and learn to recognise and manage their feelings. This was shown through positive re-engagement into schools, children achieving personal goals shown through their own journeys, and supporting families from lack of support and care. Paige also supports children and young people with additional needs in her own time, and has been praised for going above and beyond for families. Paige also helped young people gain certificates in ASDAN programmes.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about Connections 2 Independence and the services we provide, please call today on 01452 924 946 or alternatively, you can use the form below.
01452 924 946
info@connections2independence.com
Registered Office:
Unit 14 Capitol Park, Pearce Way, Gloucester, GL2 5YD
Company Number: 12466129