Enter and View: Somerset Court, Highbridge

A key priority laid out in our work plan for 2016/17 is to engage with people who have a learning disability. The service is located close to the village of Brent Knoll near Highbridge. There are six purpose-built houses set in 26 acres, which operate as independently registered residential homes for people with autism.

Recommendations

1. That plans to partition the large communal space at Lakeside House are considered.
2. It would be useful for the manager of Blackdown House to visit Knoll House which had lots of plants, visual timetables for the customers to see near the door, gardening opportunities and a very welcoming environment.
3. To explore opportunities for the horticultural and woodworking areas to make, grow and sell products to the local community.
4. Somerset Court contact ‘Reminiscence Learning’ who coordinate the Archie project to explore if this can be adapted. Local NAS branches may also be able to help.
5. That individual menus are considered to further support the development of independent living skills.
6. Planning for future sharing opportunities between houses would bring benefits to all houses.

This report was produced by the previous Healthwatch Somerset service provider, The Care Forum.