Cotswold – The Disabilities Trust

Cotswold is run through Autism Spectrum Partners, part of The Disabilities Trust. The house offers 24-hour support to people on the autism spectrum with severe learning disabilities and behaviours that may challenge other services.

Facilities

There are five large double bedrooms and spacious living areas. The house boasts a substantial garden with a vegetable patch and it is close to the Bedfordshire countryside.

Location

The house is set in semi-rural Bedfordshire. Although it is surrounded by open countryside it is within comfortable walking distance of local shops and Bedford town centre.

Staff

All staff at Cotswold receive extensive training in working with people with autism, severe communication difficulties, learning difficulties and challenging behaviours. A Clinical Psychologist, Psychology Assistant and Speech and Language Therapist are also available to provide specialist input.

All service users have person centred support plans and are encouraged to take part in an extensive programme of activities set to meet their individual needs, lifestyle choices and aspirations. The Disabilities Trust benefits from having its own training centre which offers QCF/NVQ level certificates in Health and Social Care, Team Leading and Learning Disabilities.

Community

Service users are supported to attend a variety of college courses, social clubs and work schemes in addition to being fully involved in the day-to-day running of their home.

Transport

There are good public transport services close by, including mainline railway links to London and Brighton. Service users are encouraged to use public transport but there are also cars available to support access to the community.