Care provider Heathcotes Group has opened a new residential service in Fulwood, near Preston, for adults with learning disabilities, challenging behaviours and complex needs.

Located off Albert Road, the 3,057 sq.ft accommodation provides seven en-suite bedrooms and 24-hour support from a team of experienced care workers. The facility employs 20 full-time care staff, all trained in practices which help to maintain a positive influence on service-users and minimise the level and frequency of challenging behaviour.

The services teach daily living skills and encourage self-sufficiency to enable residents to achieve a transition into a more independent setting, where appropriate, as well as provide a permanent placement for other individuals who may never be able to live fully independently.

Heathcotes’ Head of Commissioning, Natalia Lysiuk, said: “Heathcotes Group significantly expanded our estate last year with the opening of eight new services across the UK, including our first specialist service for children, and the opening of our Fulwood service is part of our next phase of expansion in 2018.

“In line with the Transforming Care agenda, our services are often utilised as an intermediary between hospital and supported living – the Preston facility certainly fits that model and we are accommodating individuals who may have spent long periods in a hospital setting or may have additional complex needs. Wherever possible, Heathcotes’ ambition is to prepare and equip service-users for a more independent life. All staff are trained in Non-Abusive Physical and Psychological Interventions, a care practice which is particularly effective when working with individuals who sometimes engage in challenging behaviour.”

The accommodation was designed by Heathcotes’ in-house architectural consultancy, JDS Design, and built by contractors John Ryan Developments Ltd to provide a homely feel.

The property also includes two communal lounges, kitchen and dining area, en-suite bedrooms, a shared bathroom providing disabled access on ground floor as well as large outside space with a lawn area. The services are close to a wealth of community facilities including several nearby colleges which offer accessible courses, providing service users with the opportunity to develop new skills.

www.heathcotes.net