Cherry
An Autism Accredited two-bed home for people who have a learning disability or those with autism and/or associated complex needs.
Service overview
Cherry’s primary purpose is to support individuals in developing their skills, enhancing independence, and reducing the frequency and impact of behaviours seen as challenging. Through this focused support, individuals are empowered to progress towards less restrictive environments as they continue along their personalised care pathways. The length of stay at Cherry is tailored to each individual’s specific needs and planned journey of care.
Cherry is proud to have achieved accreditation from the National Autistic Society. This recognition, through the Autism Accreditation Programme, is the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance programme. It demonstrates a strong commitment to understanding autism and delivering high-quality, specialist support. Accreditation reflects Cherry’s dedication to best practice in autism care and its ongoing mission to provide excellent, person-centred support to autistic adults.
Cherry is a detached, single-storey home, with all facilities provided on one level for ease of access. The home features two generously sized double bedrooms, each equipped with built-in wardrobes and en-suite shower facilities, offering comfort and privacy. Communal areas have been thoughtfully decorated in autism-friendly colours, with each space clearly colour-coded to help individuals understand its purpose. A variety of visual supports are strategically placed throughout the home to aid communication, promote independence, and support decision-making.
Externally, Cherry benefits from a large, enclosed garden, providing a safe and calming outdoor space for relaxation and recreation.
Placement Criteria
- Men and women aged 18 and over
- Autism, learning disability, complex needs
- Additional needs which may display as behaviours which challenge
- Admission is primarily based upon an initial 12-week assessment period
What we do
At Cherry, there is a strong belief in truly understanding the needs of each individual through robust and comprehensive assessment. This enables the delivery of highly personalised, person-centred support that empowers individuals to lead happy and fulfilling lives as active members of their local community. The service is built around an autism-specific environment, which encourages staff to reflect on their practice and adapt their support to meet the unique needs of each person. Individualised, person-centred plans form the foundation for positive behaviour support, helping individuals to develop and maintain essential skills that foster greater independence over time.
Collaboration plays a key role at Cherry, with staff working closely with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the needs of each individual are fully met. Cherry also proudly delivers the Active Offer, providing services in the Welsh language to promote inclusivity and celebrate the cultural heritage of Wales. This commitment to linguistic diversity enhances communication and strengthens engagement, ensuring that individuals are supported in the language of their choice.
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
Cherry’s approach is rooted in trauma-informed, person-centred, and least restrictive principles, ensuring that every individual is supported in a way that respects their past experiences while promoting autonomy and dignity. Collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including families, professionals, and commissioners, is central to achieving the best possible outcomes for those supported. The team at Cherry focus on improving each person’s quality of life by recognising their unique strengths and building on them to support meaningful development and progress.
To support this, Cherry utilises the Spectrum Star—an evidence-based tool specifically designed for individuals with autism. This tool enables the team to track progress, set achievable goals, and enhance overall wellbeing in a structured and person-led manner. Shared progress is key, with the team actively promoting inclusion, mutual respect, and effective communication. Positive risk-taking is encouraged as part of the journey towards growth and greater independence, helping individuals to build confidence and embrace new opportunities.
Facilities
- A two-bedroom cottage
- Double sized bedrooms each with ensuite shower rooms
- Shared bathroom with bath
- Lounge / dining room
- Extensive landscaped grounds
- 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
Cherry is set within 30 acres of outstanding natural beauty on the Highfield Park estate in Llandyrnog. On the park there is a spacious activity hub where individuals can choose to take part in a variety of activities, which includes sport, arts, crafts, music and other activities. Cherry 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, Hannah Walker
Hannah is proudly registered with Social Care Wales. Since joining MHC in 2018, Hannah has developed extensive experience across several services, gaining valuable insight and practical knowledge in the care and support of adults with learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum.
Hannah has a proven track record of supporting and leading teams within residential care settings, particularly for individuals who present with a range of risk behaviours. Her compassionate leadership and hands-on approach ensure that high standards of person-centred care are consistently delivered.
She holds a QCF Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care and is currently advancing her professional development by working towards QCF Levels 4 and 5. Hannah is committed to continuous improvement, both personally and professionally, and is passionate about creating a supportive and empowering environment for both residents and staff at Cherry.
‘By working together, we develop pathways for individuals that enable them to achieve positive outcomes.’
