Southview

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Southview is a well established service, specialising in supporting individuals with autistic spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, epilepsy and associated behaviours. The service is situated in the village of Fair Oak and its location in the centre of a thriving community provides opportunities to access a wide variety of activities with ease. This can be achieved by using local transport, which is on our doorstep, or by using one of the service vehicles, which enables access to places further afield, such as Monkey World and Bournemouth.

We believe everyone should have a varied and fulfilling lifestyle and be able to choose to do anything that any other young person would, such as studying and going to night clubs. The service provides a structured, warm environment, which we believe plays an important part in providing people with the opportunities and experiences in life that promote their individual growth. This empowers them to make choices and to take control of their life at their own pace. We support each person to reach their goals to the best of their abilities and recognise achievements, however small they may seem.

The progress people have made has happened because we listen to what they are telling us, however they communicate it, and build on each person’s interests to develop their confidence and flexibility. We encourage everyone to be involved in how the service is run and take on responsibility, if they wish, through tasks like interviewing staff or helping with maintenance checks. Several people have developed special roles in the service, such as Party Co-ordinator and Makaton Co-ordinator. We hold regular house meetings where everyone can share their thoughts and one individual recently took part in the Voyage area forum.

At present we enjoy a variety of activities, which include visits to the QE2 activity centre, soft play and play zone, swimming, horse riding, theatre trips, cinema trips, day centres, work placements, college courses and holidays, to name but a few. The service continues to seek out new adventures. Our current activity base has grown, and will continue to do so to meet individual needs and interests.

One person communicated an interest in working with animals. We contacted our local animal shelters and found one where this young man could work weekly as a volunteer. This has provided him with the opportunity to learn new skills and have a valued role in his community. He has been involved with the cleaning, feeding and comforting of the animals. He says, “petting the cats is my favourite”.

Southview has a pet rabbit who is a firm favourite with everyone, especially one lady, who has made it her job to feed him. Making the rabbit an important part of her routine gives her another marker for her day and her contribution to the service is valued by others.

Another young woman arrived at Southview not wanting to participate in any activity that involved other people, as she found it very difficult to be around others. However, with a consistent approach, and building on her favourite things, she is now able to be relaxed with all the people she shares the house with and do the ordinary things in life, and has even started to go to the local shop without anxiety.

All bedrooms have en-suite facilities and could be adapted to meet the mobility needs. The shared areas of the service include a large kitchen, a sensory room and a well maintained garden.