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For
many years it had been the wish of Hamelin Trust to develop
an adult short break service. This would enable children
reaching 16, who had been using Hamelin House, to have continuity
in their respite care provision and would also provide a
service for other individuals in the area requiring high
levels of support.
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In
1998 with financial support from the Rochford & Castle
Point Mencap Group and the Colette Group (which was a Canvey
Island parents group), followed by a grant from the Community
Fund, the Trust purchased Sutton Bridge Farm in Rochford. |
The
farmhouse, known as Gowlands, is set in 5 acres of grounds.
It was totally refurbished and extended to provide 8 bed
accommodation to meet the high support needs of the guests
using the service. The guests needs are high either because
of their additional multiple impairments or because of
their behaviour which may at times be challenging.
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The
building has wheelchair access throughout, a sensory room,
separate activity room and ‘space’ for people
who need it, whilst retaining a homely atmosphere. |
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Gowlands
provides a short break service to young people and adults
with learning and multiple disabilities aged 16 upwards.
It provides a stimulating but relaxed and supportive environment
to enable quests to enjoy their stays away from home.
The development of individuality and independence is encouraged
and guests’ spending social time with their peers
further facilitates this. The service also enables carers
to receive much valued respite from the day-to-day pressures
involved in caring.
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Whilst
staying at Gowlands most guests are still able to attend
their usual school or day service provision, which enables
them to have some continuity whilst away from home. Guests
are also encouraged to bring family photos and other personal
belongings with them to provide the comfort of having familiar
things around them. |
The
surrounding grounds with duck pond, large walled garden,
woodland and orchard provide a calm and relaxing setting
for guests to explore and whilst staying guests are also
able to access social and leisure facilities in the surrounding
area using the wheelchair accessible vehicle.
The
staff team at Gowlands have the necessary experience and
training to meet the diverse needs of the guests who come
to stay and staff are given regular opportunities to develop
and extend their knowledge and experience. A keyworker system
is in place, which is central to the coordination of all
aspects of care and support offered to each guest. In order
to ensure we provide a service centred around the needs
of each individual we work in close partnership with the
parents/carers of each guest and the placing agency, combined
with other support services where appropriate
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