The Lodge provides a residential service to young people from the ages of 6 through to 16 years of age: it has the capacity to support up to 9 students.
The house is equipped with a variety of facilities which students use on a regular basis. This includes a soft play room, an activity room, a quiet lounge to relax in and a large playing area.
The property is situated in the heart of a busy local community, where transport links are within walking distance, and the high street is just around the corner. Where appropriate, these facilities are used to develop student's independence and social links with the wider community.
Students are encouraged to participate in shopping trips, walks to the local parks and using local public transport to access the wider amenities that are on offer.
The house has its own vehicles which are used on a regular basis to participate in a range of group and individual activities such as picnics, trips to the youth club, and walks in the New Forest. For students who find using local public transport difficult, the house car is used to support them in being able to have the same experiences as other young people.
We are committed to providing a happy, caring, safe and secure environment for students, together with individual structured programmes that support social and life skills, and also ensure inclusion to 'Society' at every given opportunity. All programmes are tailored to each individual's wishes and needs.
We also use a Key Worker system where each child is allocated a member of staff who is responsible for their well being and will advocate for them through the course of their stay with us.
All staff are trained to the highest standards of support; this is demonstrated in the high levels of staffing. The Lodge philosophy is about promoting independence. This is established through encouraging each individual to reach their full potential in all areas of self development.
Communication with parents is an important element of our work; this is carried out on a weekly basis through telephone contact and home letters which report on all aspects of the children's development and any concerns that may have arisen. This is a two way process as we thrive on building positive relations with all parents.
Hampshire Autistic Society has developed a thorough transition programme used with all students either entering or moving on from our service. All transitions are student centred and needs led to ensure the young person remains as comfortable as possible. The plan is created through close communication with parents and other relevant agencies involved in the young person's life. Initial assessment is carried out by experienced practitioners and is supported by the Family Liaison Officer who maintains family links and provides support as required.
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