Adults with learning disabilities and/or Autism have a new base in the heart of Taunton with the creation of Compass Everyday.
This new service from the charity, Compass Disability Services, has been designed for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism (including those with profound and multiple disabilities).
The closure of the Six Acres facility in Taunton at the end of March 2019 meant families were faced with finding other options to meet the needs of their loved ones.
Richard Pitman, CEO explained; “Following the success of our Thursday evening Anything But Ordinary weekly discos and Monday evening social for those with learning disabilities and/or autism. It was a natural next step to fill the gap Six Acres was leaving by offering day opportunities for those whose needs not met by other providers once the Six Acres site closed.”
“However, it was vital to us to deliver a service shaped around the needs and aspirations of our customers so after consulting with families to find out what they needed and wanted, Compass Everyday was developed, initially our ‘Choices’ service – specifically for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities. It is a truly person focused service that we are very proud of and feedback from families has been terrific”
Staff comment that working at Compass Everyday is “good for the soul”.
The service was pleased to receive a positive first audit from Somerset County Council. Customers are experiencing lots of activities in the local community including library, shops, emergency services, trains and the amazing countryside we have locally. Weekly themes are adapted to suit each customers’ ability and preferences including art/craft, sensory, food/cookery and outside experiences.
The next phase of service developments will focus on learning and skills development for those with learning disabilities and/or autism to meet individuals’ personal development goals and aspirations towards increasing independence and confidence.
If you would like to find out more about the service, please call 01823 762559 or email choices@compassdisability.org.uk
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