“I can relate to them with what I’m going through” – resident experiences of an approved premises psychologically informed planned environment (AP PIPE)

Purpose Despite the theoretical foundation of psychologically informed planned environments (PIPEs), clinical research on their effectiveness in approved premises (APs) remains scarce. This study aims to explore residents’ experiences within an AP PIPE, exploring psychological wellbeing and its role in supporting desistance from offending. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the lived experiences of six residents residing in an AP PIPE. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used, with external auditing by the research supervisor, to ensure analytical rigour and enhance the credibility of the findings. Findings The experiential themes of “internal world” and “relational encounters” highlighted the AP PIPE role as a therapeutic space that fosters belonging and psychological growth, facilitating residents’ reintegration into the community. Consistent support was crucial for addressing insecure attachment styles, with stable, healthy relationships enhancing residents’ self-worth and reinforcing their desistance journey. Originality/value These findings provide crucial insights into the experiences of an AP PIPE, emphasising the importance of its ethos and clinical value. However, challenges such as peer judgment and high resident turnover hindered engagement, highlighting the need for stable community dynamics. The limitations are addressed, and future directions are discussed to enhance the effectiveness and delivery of PIPE services.