Shropshire's first £500,000 autism-respite centre opens its doors

The Autism-Specific Respite Centre in Wem has been developed by the directors at Shrewsbury-based Adelphi Care Services.

Barra House on Aston Road will enable adults with the spectrum disorder to enjoy a rest whilst also giving their carers and families the chance to enjoy a break safe in the knowledge their loved one is in safe hands.

It is Adelphi’s pilot autism-specific service which will be used to gain Autism Accreditation through the National Autistic Society over a three year period.

If successful the accreditation process will be rolled out to their other residential properties which are home to adults aged from 18 to 65 with Autism, Asperger’s, learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.

The new property was designed by Munro Associates, who have designed and constructed similar provision in Wales.

Joe Kwaterski, business development director at Adelphi Care Services, said: “This is an extremely exciting development not only for Adelphi but for many people in Shropshire who are diagnosed with Autism.

“This is the first autism-specific facility in the county and will prove an invaluable asset here in Shropshire.

“People with autism have very specific needs so their families who are often their carers cannot leave them with anyone but this respite centre will enable them to enjoy some respite safe in the knowledge they are being cared for by fully qualified staff who specialise in autism.

“We are working through the accreditation programme with The National Autistic Society and hope to have full accreditation before the end of the three year process.”

The property boasts two service-user bedrooms, a staff bedroom, an office and spacious living area for visitors to enjoy their respite period which could range from a day to a week.

Mr Kwaterski said “This is the start of the process of turning Adelphi’s range of care services from generic to autism specific. This change ensures that all service-users benefit equally.”