Gorse FarmResidential Care

At Gorse Farm, our aim is to ensure that people with autism have choices over their lifestyle. We take a person-centred approach to encouraging individuals with autism to live as independently as possible.

Opened in 1997, Gorse Farm provides a home for up to 14 individuals with autism, learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.

Outdoor spaceOur large garden allows our service users to feel a sense of freedom and gives them the opportunity to grow their own seasonal foods. The outdoor space also includes a sensory garden, offering a range of experiences to cater for the differing sensory issues of the service users.

Indoor spaceThe residential bungalows provide communal areas, meaning that each person can take time to relax and socialise with others. Service users are encouraged to decorate their bedrooms to their own specific taste.

ActivitiesAt Gorse Farm, we strongly support each person in reaching their full potential. With input from professionals such as music therapists, speech and language therapists, drama therapists,

Key facts about Gorse Farm

A home for up to 14

individuals with autism in two

bungalows

Fully-equipped

Activity Resource Centre

Large garden

providing seasonal food for the service

users

Activities in the home and the community

Beautiful, mature

sensory garden with seating

area

More than 60

experienced, trained and

dedicated staff

occupational therapists (sensory assessments) and psychologists, programmes, activities and approaches are developed according to the individual’s needs and preferences.

Service users participate in both in-house and community activities. The Activity Resource Centre provides the opportunity for each person to take part in swimming, horse riding, meals out and snooker. Service users also take part in activities that increase their involvement within the community such as shopping, cinema, walks in the park and library visits. All activities organised take into consideration the likes and dislikes of each individual.

EnvironmentGorse Farm is a low-arousal, person-centred environment in which service users are empowered to make choices and live as independently as possible.

An individual care plan for each service user ensures that their specific needs are met. These are reviewed formally every 6-12 months to make sure that each person is getting the most out of their experience at Gorse Farm.

Staff teamAt Gorse Farm, we have a qualified staff team who are dedicated to providing the best care possible for adults with autism.

All members of staff have undergone a supervised induction period, regular supervision from senior members of staff and a thorough introduction to the service’s policies and procedures concerning care plans, health and safety, equality and challenging behaviour.

The members of staff at Gorse Farm work hard to ensure that service users have as much control over their own lives as possible and all of their individual needs are being met.

Make a referralIf you are interested in accessing our services either for yourself or an individual you support, you can make a referral to us in the following ways:

• Complete the referral form online at www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk • Email us at referrals@autismwestmidlands.org.uk • Call us at our Head Office on 0121 450 7582

We are Care Quality Commission registeredCQC Nominated Individual and Head of Regulated Activity:Anabel Sainza-Fernandez

About Autism West MidlandsThere are more than half a million people in the UK living with autism, an invisible, misunderstood and lonely disability. 60,000 live in the West Midlands.

We are the leading charity in the West Midlands for people affected by autism. We exist to enable all people with autism and those who love and care for them to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, providing direct support to people affected by autism.

Contact usAutism West MidlandsRegent CourtGeorge RoadEdgbastonBirminghamB15 1NU

Email:General enquiries: hello@autismwestmidlands.org.ukHelp and advice: info@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Telephone:Main reception: 0121 450 7582 • Information helpline: 0303 03 00 111

Website: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Find us on Facebook: Search “Autism West Midlands”

Follow us on Twitter: @autismwestmids

Our vision is a world where all people on the autism spectrum have the specialist care and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.

Registered Charity Number: 517077Registered Company Number: 1953344 (England and Wales)