Two services in Malvern for young people and adults on the autistic spectrum are celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Options Malvern View and Options Bredon House have both been shortlisted for an award at the NAS Professional Awards 2017.
The services, which support young adults with a range of needs to live as independently as possible, have been selected as finalists in the Autism Accreditation Excellence Award category.
The National Autistic Society’s awards programme seek to acknowledge the outstanding contributions and achievements of accredited schools and services that have demonstrated excellence, dedication and commitment to improving the lives of autistic people.
Last year, Options Malvern View was given the internationally recognised Autism Accreditation quality standard with a commendation by the National Autistic Society. The National Autistic Society issue less than 20 commendations to services across the UK each year, so the commendation was a huge achievement.
Winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony in Harrogate on Tuesday March 7, which representatives from Options Malvern View and Options Bredon House will be attending.
Options Autism is part of the Outcomes First Group, which looks after approximately 700 children and young adults across England and Wales. Options Autism provides specialist services for children, young people and adults with autistic spectrum conditions (ASC) and learning disabilities. The company offers a pathway which is unique within the sector, providing support to individuals at any stage of their life and allowing people to move between stages depending on their individual needs.
Options Malvern View offers personal development programmes which enables people with autism to fulfil their potential for independence.
The service is committed to promoting independence and gaining positive outcomes for the people it supports. Staff are constantly improving the service based on feedback gained from the people using the service, who are encouraged to share their ideas and views through a consultation board and via accessible forums.
People living at Malvern View are able to try new activities due to taster sessions offered by the clinical team and can also develop their skills in a safe and autism-friendly way by taking part in work experience offered at the on-site café.
Registered Manager from Options Malvern View, Chris Mawby, said everyone at Options Malvern View and Options Autism Bredon house is thrilled with the outcome.
“Staff at both Malvern View and Bredon House have put a lot of time and effort into the accreditation review, and have worked really hard to encourage independence in the young people we support. Since our first accreditation in 2012, we have strived as a team to help the service continue to progress,”
“There’s a fantastic atmosphere around the services, and everyone is really proud of our achievements. We get some fantastic outcomes for the people we support, and this is largely down to the ethics and values of our entire staffing team. One of our core values is to achieve independence and progression for the people that we support, and this is instilled in all members of staff, who are passionate about ensuring that everyone meets their full potential.
Find out more about the range of services provided by Outcomes First Group.