Ardlui House

Brief description:

Ardlui House, our short breaks service in Helensburgh for children and young people, is a fun and friendly place to get away from it all. Whether it's about relaxing or getting active, together we'll plan a schedule of activities before arrival to make the most of the holiday.

Organisation name:

Sense Scotland

Type of break:

Dedicated Short Break/Respite Accommodation

Care needs catered for:

Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Learning Disability, Medical Condition, Physical Disability, Visual Impairment

Ages catered for:

Children, Young People

How do people access your service:

Via Argyll and Bute Social Work Department, other Local Authority, or through using an Individual Budget, Direct Payment, or other source of funding. Our Advisory Service can help you with this process, and can be contacted via the email address listed.

Type of accommodation:

The accommodation is purpose built, is all on the ground floor level, and provides 5 single rooms, with one being en-suite. The bath and shower rooms are fully accessible, and there is also a play room in addition to a quiet room/sensory room. There are laundry facilities, and there is a range of specialist equipment, including hoists. There is also a large play area outside.

Cultural needs catered for:

We are able to provide special diets, and will discuss cultural requirements with you before your first stay to ensure we meet these appropriately.

Full service description:

Sense Scotland provides a responsive short break service in purpose built accommodation for children and young people with complex support needs up to the age of 24. Each break is specifically tailored to the needs of the young person, and will meet their communication, health, leisure and other needs, providing an enjoyable break using the wide range of facilities available on site and within the local area. We have active links with a number of schools in the area, and are able to arrange breaks around school attendance requirements.

Price information:

This is usually covered by the Social Work Department, but they may make a charge towards costs which they will clarify once a financial assessment has been carried out. For people funding their own support, costs will be clarified by our Advisory Service once support needs have been agreed.

What is included/not included in the price of the break:

Staff are trained to meet the particular needs of the young person, transport, meals, outings and activity resources are all included. We have a wide range of specialist equipment available, but we will discuss with you whether particular equipment needs to be sent in during the stay.

Any other information you think people might find helpful:

Sense Scotland supports people who have complex support needs due to any combination of: visual impairment; hearing impairment; deafblindness; learning disability; physical disability and healthcare support needs. The people we support often have communication difficulties, and associated behaviours. We aim to provide short breaks in a range of ways to children, young people and adults that meet their needs, and fit in with family life. If you feel this type of short break is not for you, please contact the Advisory Officer listed, who will talk about alternative options with you.

Organisation providing this information:

Sense Scotland

Quality Assurance Accreditation:

OSCR, Care Inspectorate

Autistic Spectrum Disorder Adaptations:

Staff training e.g National Autistic Society Introduction to Autism, Pastel shades in decor, Secure entrance to buildings/grounds

Visual Impairment:

Staff training e.g. Visual Awareness or Sighted Guide training, Task focussed lighting, High contrast signs, Large print notices / menus, Liquid level indicators, Talking clocks

Hearing Impairment Adaptations:

Staff training, Loopback system, Vibrating alarms

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