Oak
An eight-bed residential home supporting men and women, 18 years and over, who have a learning disability, autism with complex needs and behaviours seen as challenging.
Overview
Oak is a purpose-built residential home providing specialist support for adults with autism, learning disabilities, and a range of other complex needs. Fully accredited for autism support, Oak has been carefully designed to offer a safe, nurturing, and sensory-friendly environment that promotes independence and overall wellbeing.
Set in a tranquil rural location, Oak creates an atmosphere that supports therapeutic living. Every aspect of the home from its interior design to its layout, has been developed using an autism-friendly colour palette and design principles to accommodate a wide range of sensory preferences.
The home follows a person-centred, active support approach that is tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of each individual. Emphasis is placed on developing life skills and fostering independence, with each resident supported through personalised care pathways.
Progress is monitored and supported using the Spectrum Star tool, while communication is enhanced through a variety of bespoke aids, including “now and next” boards, grab sheets, and staff matching techniques. These tools are adapted to suit the individual communication styles and needs of each resident.
Oak has been accredited by the National Autistic Society through its Autism Accreditation Programme, the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance framework, demonstrating a strong commitment to high-quality support and continued development in services for autistic individuals.
Placement Criteria
- Men and women aged 18 and over
- Autism, learning disability, associated complex needs and behaviours seen as challenging
What we do
Oak is committed to empowering individuals to lead happy, fulfilling and independent lives through a person-centred, active support approach. The home’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that every person has the potential to grow, thrive, and achieve their goals when provided with the right support in a nurturing and enabling environment.
The focus at Oak is on building essential life skills and promoting independence, with individuals actively involved in their own care and support planning. The aim is to support people to live with dignity, make informed choices, and experience the fewest possible restrictions and encourage personal ownership of their lives and future.
Oak proudly embraces the Active Offer, ensuring that all services are readily available in the Welsh language without the need for a request. This commitment enhances effective communication and reflects a dedication to cultural inclusivity and respect for the rich heritage of Wales.
By delivering services in both English and Welsh, Oak fosters a stronger sense of belonging and community engagement, honouring the identity and preferences of each individual. This bilingual approach strengthens accessibility and forms a key part of the home’s inclusive, person-first ethos.
Residents are fully supported to access a wide range of primary healthcare services within the local community, including GP visits, dental care, opticians, and other essential medical services.
How we do it
At Oak, all support is tailored to the individual through a person-centred approach that places each person at the heart of their care. The dedicated team works closely with individuals to promote and maintain independence, create opportunities, and encourage active engagement in everyday life. Care is fully personalised, with support provided across all areas of daily living based on each person’s unique needs and preferences.
Individuals are encouraged to develop new skills in environments where they feel most at ease, whether within the home or out in the community. Oak also empowers residents to have a voice in the running of their home by facilitating participation in resident forums and shared decision-making processes.
An on-site activities hub enhances the support provided, offering a wide range of social, recreational, and educational opportunities. These include both informal experiences and more structured learning sessions designed to enrich residents’ lives.
A strong emphasis is placed on promoting independence and practical life skills. Oak’s dedicated garden area gives residents the opportunity to take part in daily tasks that support personal growth and self-reliance. Individuals are encouraged to take ownership of the outdoor space by growing their own fruit and vegetables, maintaining the garden, and carrying out essential tasks such as hedge trimming.
Residents are also supported in managing their own laundry, a valuable life skill that helps reinforce routine, responsibility, and independence. These structured activities are facilitated by staff and play an important role in preparing individuals for more independent living, while building confidence and a strong sense of achievement.
Oak’s approach remains consistently person-centred and least restrictive, supporting each individual’s unique journey at a pace that is right for them.
Oak is committed to:
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- 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 individual progress.
- Encouraging shared progress by promoting inclusion through open and effective communication in all aspects of care.
- Supporting health, wellbeing, and independence through structured routines, active lifestyles, and personalised care plans.
- Collaborating closely with families, health professionals, and stakeholders to ensure consistency and continuity of care.
- Embracing positive risk-taking to enable individuals to explore new opportunities and build confidence in a safe and supported environment.
Facilities
- Eight ensuite bedrooms, each tailored to reflect the preferences and needs of the individual
- Two comfortable lounges
- A dedicated activity room
- An Activities of Daily Living (ADL) kitchen
- A fully equipped sensory room
- A beautifully designed sensory garden
- A spacious enclosed outdoor area with themed zones including a musical space, water play area, relaxation zone, and a sensory wall
Surrounding Area
Oak 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. Oak 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
Michael Rawlins, Registered Manager
Michael has worked with MHC since 2010 and has worked in various services within the company. He began as a Support Worker and has progressed to a Registered Manager.
He has experience in supporting and leading a team in residential services for adults with learning disabilities and autism who may have behaviours seen as challenging. Michael has received his QCF Level 5 in Health and Social Care.
‘We are really optimistic about our son’s future, he is so settled and calm at Oak.’
