Ash
A six-bed residential home supporting men and women aged 18 and over, with a learning disability or those who have autism with complex needs and behaviours seen as challenging
Overview
Ash is a detached, single-storey home designed to be an autism-friendly environment for six adults. The dedicated staff team support individuals to develop their skills and independence, while also helping to reduce the frequency and impact of behaviours that may be perceived as challenging.
Ash’s primary purpose is to support individuals in developing their skills and independence, while also working to reduce the frequency and severity of behaviours that challenge. Over time, the aim is to enable individuals to step down to a less restrictive environment and continue along their chosen care pathway. The length of stay at Ash depends on each person’s individual needs and their planned pathway of support.
Ash has been accredited by the National Autistic Society through its Autism Accreditation Programme, the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance programme, offering support and development for providers of services to autistic people.
Placement Criteria
- Men and women aged 18 and over who have a learning disability and autism with complex needs and behaviours seen as challenging.
- Admission is primarily based upon an initial 12-week assessment period.
What we do
Prior to people being placed at Ash we undertake a thorough assessment in partnership with them and the people who know them best, to understand their individual needs and how best we can support them.
We do this through:
- Offering an autism-friendly environment for residents but which also encourages staff to reflect on practice and how best to support each person.
- Developing person-centred plans putting the resident at the heart of all decisions about their life. It focuses on what is important to them and builds on their strengths, preferences, and goals.
- Making sure all team members receive training and development that is relevant to their role and experience.
- Ensuring that compliance and audit systems support service delivery and constantly drive improvement and quality.
- Working in partnership with families and other stakeholders to meet the individual’s needs.
- Delivering the Active Offer by offering and delivering services in Welsh central to providing bilingual, person centred, rights based care under the Welsh Government’s More Than Just Words framework.
- Providing services that represent good value for money by demonstrating measurable, effective outcomes and progression.
Residents are supported to access a full range of primary healthcare services within the community, including GP visits, dental care, opticians, and other services.
How we do it
At Ash, all support is tailored to the individual, following a person-centred approach that places each person at the heart of their care. The team works closely with individuals to increase and maintain independence, promote opportunities, and support engagement in everyday life. Care is fully personalised, with support provided across all areas of daily living, depending on individual needs and preferences. People are encouraged to learn new skills in environments where they feel most comfortable, whether within the home or in the community. Staff also empower individuals to have a voice in how their home is run by facilitating participation in resident forums and decision-making processes.
The on-site activities hub further enhances support by offering a wide range of social, recreational, and educational activities, including both informal experiences and more structured learning opportunities.
Our approach is always person-centred and least restrictive, designed to support each individual’s unique journey at their own pace.
We are committed to:
- Improving quality of life by developing meaningful skills through tailored support and real-life experiences.
- Using the Spectrum Star tool to set and track personalised goals and celebrate progress.
- Encouraging shared progress by promoting inclusion using open and effective communication in every aspect of care.
- Supporting health, wellbeing, and independence through structured routines, active lifestyles, and personalised care plans.
- Collaborating closely with families, other health professionals and stakeholders to ensure consistent care.
- Embracing positive risk-taking, enabling individuals to explore new opportunities and build confidence in a safe and supported way.
Facilities
- Six en-suite bedrooms with showers
- Two large lounges
- Sensory lounge
- Dining room with activities area
- Shared bathroom with bath
- Activities of Daily Living (ADL) kitchen
- Large garden and access to extensive landscaped grounds
- Options to access the ‘Woodlands’, an outdoor learning environment
- Access to a range of social and educational opportunities including college courses, work experience, swimming, bingo, cycling, bowling cinema, and options to utilise a day opportunities service
Surrounding Area
Ash is set within 30 acres of outstanding natural beauty on the Highfield Park estate in Llandyrnog. It offers individuals the tranquillity of countryside living while being conveniently located near local amenities and areas of interest in North Wales and the North West of England.
Both regions provide access to a wide range of colleges, libraries, leisure centres, cinemas, cafés, and shopping facilities. One key local resource is HWB Denbigh, a centre that offers educational, employment, and wellbeing opportunities. HWB Denbigh features teaching rooms, a music studio, workshop space, IT suite, teaching kitchen, and hosts a variety of activities including fitness classes. Denbigh also has a public library, small shops, and supermarkets.
Further afield, but easily accessible via Highfield House’s vehicle or public transport, are the historic market towns of Ruthin and Mold, the seaside town of Rhyl, the city of Chester, and the popular coastal resort of Llandudno, all set within the stunning North Wales countryside.
Registered Manager
Registered Manager, Tammy Griffith
Tammy brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Registered Manager. She holds a QCF Level 5 qualification in Health and Social Care, a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Management, and an ILM Level 4 in Leadership and Management. Since joining MHC in 2005, Tammy has progressed through a variety of roles, from Support Worker to her current leadership position, demonstrating her commitment to high-quality care and professional development.
She has extensive experience supporting individuals with autism, complex needs, and behaviours seen as challenging, and is passionate about delivering person-centred support that promotes independence, wellbeing, and positive outcomes.
‘Excellent care is provided for my daughter who is very happy at Ash.’
