It was established with the primary aim of enabling and supporting individuals to achieve lifestyles that are both satisfying to themselves and valued by others in society. The Orchards provides medium to long-term enhanced social care for people with learning disabilities and enduring mental health needs. Its main focus is to enable individuals to live fulfilling and inclusive lifestyles within local communities with individually tailored support packages of care.

The team at The Orchards believes that this can be achieved by valuing both the individual and those within their social networks.

Admissions criteria

The Orchards admits males and females aged 18-65 with a history of learning disability and/or mental illness and/or autistic spectrum disorder. Clients may be on a Community Treatment Order (CTO), but have a risk profile that does not warrant admission to a hospital environment.

Care team

The team follow a social model of care with high staff to client ratios. This ensures that clients receive sufficient support to develop confidence in their skills and in the community living environment. Additionally there is regular access to consultant psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists.