For many years it had been the wish of Hamelin Trust to develop an adult short break service. This would enable children who had outgrown Hamelin House, to have continuity in their short break provision and would also provide a service for other individuals in the area requiring high levels of support.

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, now 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. The building has wheelchair access throughout, a sensory room, separate activity room and space for people who need it, whilst retaining a homely atmosphere.

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 guests 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.

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. 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.