1 South Avenue

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Autistic spectrum disorders, Behavioural support, Learning disability, Physical disability, Sensory impairment

South Avenue is an adapted house that can accommodate up to six young men and women who have moderate to severe learning disabilities, physical disabilities, challenging behaviors and other associated needs. The service currently supports individuals with Downs’s syndrome, autism and sensory impairments.

People living at South Avenue have different communication needs and staff are trained and experienced in supporting everyone in the way that they prefer – from verbal communication to Makaton and person specific communication techniques. Each individual has a detailed communication plan which is updated on a continual basis.

Each individual is supported to plan a weekly timetable of activities, both inside and outside of their home, which they enjoy and which enables them to develop skills, work towards goals or simply to enjoy themselves. They are also supported to carry out all aspects of daily living and encouraged to participate in household decisions through regular service meetings. The people who live here are encouraged to be as independent as possible and are supported to attend appointments, social activities and work if they choose.

Individuals living at South Avenue have full use of the service’s own transport to enable them to get out and about and take part in wider community events.

“I have lived at South Avenue for 8 years. I like living here because the staff are nice and they know what I like and don’t like. I have my own room upstairs and it is full of things I like. Every Saturday I work at the local Scope shop and staff support me to get there. I enjoy going out on activities and the staff here help me to plan what I am going to do and then to do it. I have started to go dog walking and would like to work with babies which the staff are trying to help me with.

I have been on lots of holidays while living at South Avenue. When I am at home I like to sit in the garden when the weather is nice and we sometimes have a BBQ. I enjoy jigsaw puzzles and have a huge collection of them. The staff join in with doing the puzzles and with painting and drawing. When I am upset or angry the staff make me feel better and help me to talk about my feelings. They help make sure that I can go home every Sunday to see my mum and dad.

I love the other people that I live with, they make me laugh and give me cuddles when I am upset. We get on well most of the time and I enjoy spending time with them.”

Our Environment

South Avenue is a bright, roomy building with seven bedrooms over two floors, all of which have en- suite toilet and wash facilities. Some also have en-suite showers. There are two large shared bathrooms, a large lounge with a separate area for arts and crafts and activities, a functional central kitchen, a double conservatory which acts as a smaller lounge area, a small sensory/relaxation area, a dining area and a mature, secure garden ideal for BBQ’s or just relaxing. The downstairs and outside areas are fully wheelchair accessible and suitable for individuals with mobility difficulties.

Our Staff

Here at South Avenue we have a small, dedicated team of staff who are passionate about the support they provide and about enabling the individuals that live here to lead as full and active lives as possible. Staff hours are specifically tailored around when individuals want them to support them and staff are on site 24 hours per day. All of our staff are trained and experienced in supporting the individuals that live at South Avenue and take pride in the fact that the service has a homely, relaxed feel.

“My name is Marie and I joined South Avenue in April 2013 as the deputy manager. Straight away I felt really welcome and the service felt more like a family home than a residential care home. The house itself has a friendly, relaxed feel and is always filled with laughter.

I am passionate about ensuring that not only do the people that live at South Avenue receive the best quality support possible but that as a service and a staff team we continually look to improve and enable the individuals here to develop new skills, have new experiences and fulfill their goals.

It is a real team effort at South Avenue and everyone who lives and works here is involved in all decision making that takes place. We are always looking for new activities to take part in and new ways to join in with the local community.”

Our Location

South Avenue is a large, adapted, detached house set in a picturesque tree lined street, in an established residential suburb of Derby. Chellaston is a popular commuter area as it is only a 15 minute walk from the small shopping area of Allenton and a short bus ride into the centre of Derby. There are also excellent road links with the A50 minutes away in the car and we are situated on a major bus route. Just a five minute walk from South Avenue there is a park, cycle track, local pub and shop.