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In this section you will find information about our residential care services. Autism West Midlands has six of these homes for people with autism.

Photo: Sensory garden at a Gorse Farm community event

► Oakfield house

Oakfield House, which is located in Selly Park Birmingham, has provided residential and day support for 19 adults with a diagnosis of autism since 1989.

The project was established in partnership with the Family Housing Association (Birmingham), City of Birmingham Social Services Department and West Midlands Regional Health Authority. The property is situated just off the A441 Pershore Road, only a fifteen-minute bus ride from Birmingham City Centre. Oakfield House was originally converted from four residential properties and stands in over an acre of grounds.

Those who are accommodated at Oakfield House represent the whole spectrum in autism and some individuals have additional learning disabilities. Support is tailored to meet the needs of the individual. Following a review of needs, people are provided with behaviour support strategies, sensory assessments, communication assessments and strategies and support plans relating to their daily life.

Oakfield House is currently registered within the National Autistic Society (NAS) Accreditation scheme and was last awarded an accreditation certificate in October 2011. The NAS quality assurance programme provides external validation that Oakfield House provides support which has an “autism focus.” At present only four services in the West Midlands have accredited status.

Residential provision

At Oakfield House each person’s bedroom is decorated and furnished according to their personal preferences and assessed support needs. For example, if as a consequence of their autism there is a high level of challenging behaviour, environmental adaptations will be made accordingly.

Within the home, people have a structured daily routine which fosters a sense of security. Any deviations to this routine are carefully managed to ensure levels of anxiety are kept to a minimum. Keyworkers are assigned to ensure each person’s 24-hour support needs are met and for the purposes of continuity and consistency.

Resource Centre and leisure activities

Oakfield House has a well-equipped resource centre, a large mature garden and several indoor relaxation areas. During the day, people can use the resource centre for activities such as music, cookery, drama therapy and art and craft. The resource centre has a spa and aromatherapy suite which is overseen by a member of the team who is a trained aromatherapist. In addition to in-house sessions, people are supported take part in community based activities such as shopping, swimming and golf. Leisure activities are provided by residential staff and this includes visits to the theatre, cinema, pub and local places of interest.

Further information

You can read more about Oakfield House online below.

Vacancies