Bridge House (Somerset)

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Autistic spectrum disorders, Behavioural support, Learning disability, Mental health

At Bridge House in Taunton we support 11 individuals with autism who may also exhibit behaviours that challenge.

We provide high quality support to the people who live at the service and aim to make a difference to their lives every day. Our goal is to give each individual the confidence to pursue their own interests, both within the service and in the local area. We use a lot of local facilities, including the pub, the cinema, the swimming pool, cafes and garden centres, as well as holding discos at the local football club. We enjoy having a high profile in the area and have built a good reputation.

Several individuals attend the local college for courses, such as dance and movement and cooking. Not only does college improve people’s skills in areas such as literacy and money management, it also gives them the opportunity to develop a circle of friends outside of the service.

We encourage everyone to take a hands on approach around the service and have a rota for making lunch, washing up and laundry duties, as well as encouraging people to help maintain the garden.

We have a strong staff team and the more experienced members of the team are always happy to pass on their knowledge and skills to the newer staff.

All rooms have en-suite facilities and those on the ground floor have direct access to the patio and gardens. Bedrooms can be adapted and personalised according to each person’s needs and tastes. The service has a large secure garden which features a vegetable patch, a patio area, a barbecue and a variety of garden games.