The Exchange provides person-centred support for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, promoting choice, independence and meaningful experiences.
The Exchange, Billericay
We know that caring for someone with profound and multiple learning disabilities can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. Supporting someone’s needs day in, day out leaves very little time to rest or recharge. The Exchange is here to offer meaningful daytime support for the people you care for, while also giving you valuable peace of mind and time for yourself, safe in the knowledge that your loved one is being supported by caring, dedicated and experienced staff.
Based at our Billericay site, The Exchange provides a safe, nurturing environment where individuals are supported to have as much choice, control and independence as possible. Support is fully person-centred and delivered on a one-to-one basis, ensuring activities are shaped around each person’s interests, preferences and abilities.
Sessions take place both on site and out in the local community. This allows people to explore the world around them through rich sensory experiences that support communication, confidence and engagement, while focusing on what they enjoy and respond to most.
Individuals also have the opportunity to work towards an ASDAN qualification. This supports personal development and recognises progress, whether that is through exploring interests, developing life skills or engaging in sensory-based activities at their own pace.
Above all, The Exchange aims to provide reassurance to families and carers, knowing that their loved one is supported with care, dignity and understanding in a setting that values their individuality.
If you would like to find out more about The Exchange or discuss whether it may be right for your family, please get in touch with us.
Resources
The Exchange activities
DownloadFAQ
The Exchange offers a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where individuals can enjoy meaningful activities, build confidence, and develop independence. We provide a wide range of structured and flexible sessions designed to meet different abilities, interests, and support needs.
Activities include social groups, arts and crafts, music and movement, sensory sessions, life skills, light exercise, themed events, and community based activities. We focus on promoting wellbeing, choice, and inclusion, while encouraging social interaction and personal development.
Our experienced and caring staff work closely with individuals and their families to create a positive, enjoyable day that is tailored to each person’s needs and goals.
The levels of support provided at the Exchange is determined after an assessment has been carried out and agreed upon by the service manager, social workers and the individual’s support network. Currently we offer 1:1 or 2:1 support. Individuals also have the option to attend the Exchange with their own support or personal assistant(s).
Currently we offer support for those aged 16 plus.
Health / social care provider, GPs, social workers or transition workers can help people access the service. Individuals or their families can also reach out to us directly.
We do not provide transportation to and from the service. Most of the people we support have transport provided by social care or their primary support.
The Exchange is a spacious facility, often described as a ‘Tardis’. Our large lounge is a room of multi-use, used for community lunches, hosting entertainment, sports, fun, games and discos. There is a fully equipped sensory room, quiet spaces and wellbeing room.
There is a large shower room with accessible toilet facilities, as well as a smaller accessible toilet. Both have overhead hoist systems and changing beds. Other toilet facilities are also available.
Within the Exchange there is a generous kitchen and food preparation area, and also a quiet dining space and small outdoor area.
We encourage all individuals and their families to visit the Exchange prior to completing an application form. This will allow them to be able to see the space that is available, meet the staff team and other members of the Hamelin community.
We also offer two taster days free of charge where we can get to know each other, experience a range of the activities and an assessment can take place to ensure that Hamelin is the correct environment for the next step in your journey.
Individuals have a variety of options for refreshments and lunch, this really is a personal choice. Individuals can bring lunch in daily, prepare their own food in the kitchen facilities, shop weekly and store their purchases within the kitchen or choose to go out for lunch. This arrangement does not have to be set in stone.
The Exchange has the facilities for special dietary needs, this includes meeting SALT requirements or taking in nutrition via other means (PEG/PEJ)
Individuals have a variety of options for refreshments and lunch, this really is a personal choice. Individuals can bring lunch in daily, prepare their own food in the kitchen facilities, shop weekly and store their purchases within the kitchen or choose to go out for lunch. This arrangement does not have to be set in stone.
The Exchange has the facilities for special dietary needs, this includes meeting SALT requirements or taking in nutrition via other means (PEG/PEJ)
Get involved
We’re proud to work with a broad cross-section of our community; together improving the world for disabled and neurodiverse people. Our work is only possible thanks to individuals and businesses generously giving us their time, fundraising efforts and donations.
