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The Centre
Orchard House is an independent family centre opened in 2006 under the direction of Dr Freda Gardner, Consultant Clinical Psychologist. The centre provides residential and community based assessments and a variety of psychological assessments and interventions for adults, children and families.
Complex assessments can be arranged to include extended family members and other carers when necessary. We are able to provide a specialised assessment and intervention service for parents and children with learning difficulties, physical disability or mental health problems. We are able to provide assessments for children with complex medical conditions. We have close links with the Women and Children’s Division at Musgrove Park Hospital and Somerset Primary Care Trust. We are also able to provide assessments for parents who are engaged in drug or alcohol rehabilitation programmes. We work closely with the established NHS providers of rehabilitation services.
At Orchard House we are able to provide comprehensive psychological and psychiatric assessments if required. We are able to make recommendations for any necessary intervention either during admission or following discharge. At Orchard House we are also able to provide psychological intervention, one to one parenting training including a parenting programme similar to the Webster Stratton Parenting Groups. We are also able to provide emotional based counselling or specialised drug or alcohol counselling. Some of the intervention services can be provided without additional cost. The availability of these services can be discussed directly with the Clinical Director.
Dr Freda Gardner
Clinical Director, Consultant Clinical Psychologist.
Ros Weller
Registered Manager, Social Worker
About Orchard House
Orchard House is situated in Taunton, which is the County Town of Somerset. It is a Georgian house with six large bedrooms each with an adjoining bathroom and some with additional living space. The main living areas are arranged so that families can spend time with other families but they are also able to live as a family unit as they would at home.
Orchard House has accommodation for up to six families. Each bedroom has an adjoining bathroom. There are four separate communal living areas including a playroom. There is a fully equipped laundry room where parents can do the family washing. The kitchen is set up for parents to cook meals for themselves and their children. Five of the residential areas and all communal areas are monitored by CCTV.
We also have therapy rooms in a therapeutic centre where interventions and assessments can be conducted in an appropriate environment.
At Orchard House 24-hour supervision and CCTV monitoring is available in five of our residential units and in all communal areas. There are experienced clinical psychologists at Orchard House who work alongside the social worker and the family assessment staff.
Psychological input is therefore provided for all assessments. Specific psychological assessments and intervention can be provided during parenting assessments if required. Psychiatric assessment and management can also be arranged.
There is a pleasant and enclosed garden where children can play safely and parents can sit outside. There are also safe out-door toys for parents and children to enjoy.
At Orchard House we provide a programme for residents during the assessment period. The sessions include childcare and child development, behaviour management, self care, assertiveness training and relationship issues.
Local Facilities
There is an information booklet at Orchard House which provides details of local facilities for parents and children. There is also information about places of interest where parents may like to take their children. Visits and outings will be arranged and supported by staff. The large town park which parents and children can enjoy is just a two minute walk away. It is a particularly child and parent friendly park, with large areas for ball games and other activities.
The town centre and a large park are both a few minutes walk away. Parents are supported to make use of these facilities. Orchard House is 20-minute drive from both Junction 25 and 26 of the M5 motorway. Taunton train station is a 15-minute drive away. The assessments are conducted in accordance with the Department of Health Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (2000). The service is registered under the Residential Family Centres Regulations, 2002.
Taunton has a modern swimming pool appropriate for families. Visits to the pool are arranged and supported.
The library is a brief walk away and parents can use all the available facilities. Orchard House has arranged for residents to have the use of the sports and fitness facilities at Blackbrook Sports Centre.
There are also many activities for parents and children which residents of Orchard House can attend. Rental of DVDs can be arranged locally.
Health care is provided by a local surgery. Several of the GPs have a special interest in parents and young children. If parents or children have any specific health needs, these will be discussed at the pre-placement planning meeting and the surgery will be informed if necessary in advance.
Education is provided for any school age child at a local school. The Head Teacher is supportive of parents at Orchard House and is willing to provide placements for children whilst they are at Orchard House.
The children who have attended the school while resident at Orchard House have all without exception had a very positive experience. NHS dental care is available at Taunton and Somerset Musgrove Park Hospital for any urgent problems.
There is a Women’s Health and Family Planning Service in Taunton, which offers advice and information. Appointments can be arranged if required. There is a church within easy walking distance, which parents can visit if they would like to attend any religious services or if they would like some time for quiet reflection.
At Orchard House we are also able to make arrangements for any families’ faith based needs. There are a variety of local parent toddler groups, which residents can attend.
It is important to note that no specific extra charges are made for these services.