Learning Disabilities


Each of our three centres are specially designed to care for either children/ adolescents or adults with a diagnosed learning disability, including autistic spectrum disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

We believe that a learning disability should not stop a person from achieving their personal aims and gaining independence so the focus of our four centres is to provide clients with the encouragement and skills they need to achieve as much independence as possible within a safe and stimulating environment.

Our centres provide care for children or adults with a moderate or severe learning disability, those with associated challenging behaviours and those with more than one diagnosed learning disability. We are fast gaining a reputation for helping clients who have challenged other specialised services.

Within each of our three specialist centres we provide a safe and caring environment which ensures that all clients in our care receive the professional clinical support and guidance they need.

Our service offers a holistic approach that incorporates the physical, mental, social, personal and where appropriate, further educational needs of our clients. Because we recognise that learning difficulties affect each person differently, we work with each individual to develop a positive goal orientated care plan that tracks their individual progress. For children, this care plan fits into their overall multi-agency plan.

Our centres provide assessment and therapy with a focus on small-group therapy. Our treatment also includes preparation for a client’s return to independent living with regular practising of day-to-day life skills such as cookery. Each age group benefits from appropriate activities and facilities, including classrooms, gardens, play, leisure and recreational areas. For our children’s service we liaise closely with local special needs schools.

Long-term care, short-term care and short-term assessment are all available. We are also happy to provide respite care which offers a break for the main carer which ultimately enables families to stay together at home for as long as possible.

Our teams have considerable experience and qualifications in caring for young people and adults with special needs and learning disabilities.

The following centres offer both continuing and short term care for clients with learning disabilities.

Adult Services:

Children’s Services:

Each year we issue separate surveys to both our patients/ clients and to our referrers asking them what they think of the service we provide. All information is fed back to our clients about what we do well, what we could do better and how we aim to improve the service we provide. All our surveys are anonymous.

Referrer/ Client/ Relative comments 2010:
  • “Since moving to Huntercombe House, Stockton, school have said of the young person ‘it’s like a lightbulb going on’. Very clear evidence of young person being happy in placement and enjoying opportunities to learn…Staff very proactive in promoting independence” (Huntercombe House, Stockton)
  • “I have always been extremely impressed by the very high level of care provided by staff… Staff are patient, understanding and diligent.” (Huntercombe House, Stockton)
  • “In my capacity as an NVQ Assessor I go into many care homes. The Dell radiates “positive Vibes” which is noticeable whenever I visit. The staff are always polite and helpful and I think this stems from the happy management team.” (The Dell, Sudbury)
  • “I am very happy with the care X receives as she has never been happier - Y works fantastically well with her” (Huntercombe House, Peterlee)
  • “I am very happy with the standard of care my daughter receives especially since I have been made aware of the activities she can participate in. X always seems very happy when we visit and the staff are always very helpful and friendly” (The Dell, Sudbury)
  • “The vast majority of staff should be very proud of the care and support they provide both to our son and us, they clearly have pride in their contribution to the lives of young children and this shows in their day-to-day work” (Huntercombe House, Stockton)


Click on a centre below to view its current Quality Rating.

Throughout the year we run events, conferences and seminars where we discuss the treatment of people with mental health issues or addictions. These events provide insight into the conditions, how care is provided, information on new treatments, support for friends and relatives and case studies, amongst other topics. Some events are accredited for professional learning.

The following lists all our upcoming events or conferences where we will discuss mental health issues or addictions:

  • No upcoming events

The following list is all events we have previously held where mental health issues or addictions were covered. The pages for these events contain an overview of the event, programme, as well as downloads of any presentations and documentation.

  • No past events

The following lists various organisations and charities which offer advice, guidance and support to people with learning disabilities. Click a link to view more details for that organisation, as well as contact information.