our houses

welcome to no.117

Every Rubicon house is different, but they all share the same belief - that you deserve a place where you can feel safe, at home and able to be yourself.

Rubicon’s smallest home: a close-knit Newhaven setting for two children, with space to build confidence, everyday skills and independence at an individual pace.

space to feel at home

a place to call home

Number 117 is Rubicon’s smallest home, with two children living together in Newhaven. That smaller setting creates plenty of opportunity for you to be known individually, build everyday skills and grow in confidence and independence at your own pace.

There is still plenty going on: a garden, bikes, days out, home-cooked food and the coast nearby - but there is room for downtime too. You have your own space, can personalise your bedroom and will be involved in everyday choices around the home.

comfy lounge

family kitchen

outside space

wifi network

Meet the people who make the house

The best way to understand a home is to meet the people in it. Rubicon House has an experienced, stable team who know the children well and bring their own interests, humour and personalities to everyday life.

Karen Pilbeam professional portrait
Karen Pilbeam natural portrait

karen

home manager

Great at making everyone laugh and feel at home. Looks after everyone.

Charlotte Grinham professional portrait
Charlotte Grinham natural portrait

charlotte

deputy manager

Otherwise known as Auntie Char Char, and has a great laugh and big smile!

Grace Pryor Billington professional portrait
Grace Pryor Billington natural portrait

grace

deputy manager

Lots of fun and always happy to help everyone where she can.

Jennie Fellows professional portrait
Jennie Fellows natural portrait

Jennie

therapeutic lead

Loves taking photographs! And getting into all sorts of strange positions to do it!

Isaac Jengwa professional portrait
Isaac Jengwa natural portrait

isaac

RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT

Loves music and can even help you learn how to play the guitar!

Sam Deket professional portrait
Sam Deket natural portrait

sam

RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT

Super caring and fun and loves walking and to be in nature.

Leah Reid Billington professional portrait
Leah Reid natural portrait

leah

RESIDENTIAL support

Lot's of fun and loves cooking up a storm in the kitchen!

Netty Baker professional portrait
Netty Baker natural portrait

Netty

RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT WORKER

Always has a smile on her face and loves helping you where she can.

Ria Cooper professional portrait
Ria Cooper natural portrait

ria

RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT

Loves people and is super keen to get to know more about you!

Caitlin Ayers professional portrait
Caitlin Ayers natural portrait

caitlan

RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT

Loves exploring and will always try to make you feel special and happy!

Nixon Masukwedza professional portrait
Nixon Masukwedza natural portrait

nixon

RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT

Comes in to help everyone out when we need an extra pair of hands.

Sydney Chinembiri professional portrait
Sydney Chinembiri natural portrait

sidney

RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT

Comes in to help us out when we need an extra pair of hands.

space to feel at home

everyday life - with growing independence

Meals are home cooked and everyone can put forward choices for the menu. There are bikes, outdoor space and plenty to explore locally, alongside days out and opportunities to continue hobbies or discover something new. Not everyone wants to be busy all the time, so ordinary downtime and having your own space matter too.

As you become ready, the team supports the development of practical life skills and increasing independence. That might mean gradually taking more responsibility, building confidence in the community or learning everyday skills that will matter later. It is based on the individual child, their age, needs and plan - not a one-size-fits-all timetable.

The practical stuff - and Newhaven outside the door

You can bring your belongings, phones and games, and you will receive weekly pocket money and get support from a key adult who helps with everyday needs, goals, appointments and meetings.

The team works with you as they build trust, confidence and greater independence while keeping support appropriate to the individual.

The coast is part of local life too.

the rubicon way

relationships first

The relationship comes before the framework. We take time to build trust, stay consistent and be there through the ordinary days as well as the difficult ones.

known properly

A child is more than their history or the information written about them. We get to know the person - their strengths, interests, humour, relationships and what helps them feel understood.

always thinking

What works for one child may not work for another. Our teams stay curious, reflect on what they’re seeing and adapt as they learn more about the individual child.

what people say about no.117

"I’ve been really impressed with 117, I’ve worked with many very good placements but haven’t found many who show the same level of dedication and care to the children as 117. It has helped me greatly knowing that the children are being well cared for with excellent oversight of their support needs, and also the additional support placement staff have provided me and my team in thinking about the children’s needs and care plans."

social worker

"It was a pleasure seeing *** at 117 - it was clear that yourself and the team know him really well and he feels safe with you. I felt confident in my first interactions with him because of the confidence your team exudes."

social worker

"it is a credit to the Rubicon Team that the children are held in mind at all times and receive consistent, individual nurturing and safe residential care and small steps to enable the children to be able to build trusting and secure attachments to their home team."

Lac nurse

"Support in the home to the team is always very good and all continue to work with resilience and resolve"

independent visitor

"I am sooooo unbelievably proud of him 🥹 he has made such phenomenal progress within his development he makes my heart burst"

parent