ECL Saffron Walden Learning Disabilities Day Centre

ECL occupies a large, welcoming space located within walking distance of the lovely market town of Saffron Walden.

Saffron Walden has much to offer with a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. It has a popular market in the town square, a library, several places of worship, as well as nearby gardens and mazes. Art and culture experiences are an important part of living in the Saffron Walden area, with music concerts held at Audley End and at the bandstand in Jubilee Gardens. Food and historical walking tours take place from the town centre, and art-house and mainstream films are screened at Saffron's independent cinema.

The nearest train station is just a couple of miles away giving easy access to both Cambridge and London. There are local clubs that we can support you to get involved in, including; the Accuro Social Club, Side by Side Community Group, Church Congregation Group, Dig It Allotments and Singing For The Soul.

At ECL Saffron Walden we will find out what community-based activities you would like to try and support you to get involved.

At the centre we organise a range of activities to help you work towards attaining your goals. The activities will be tailored to your needs and the outcomes you wish to achieve.

Regular activities such as shop and cook help you acquire important life skills, our arts and crafts and music sessions enable you to explore your creative side, exercise classes are available to improve your fitness, and sensory and mindfulness sessions for an improved sense of wellbeing.

We also offer opportunities to continue your learning. ACL Essex deliver adult education courses such as basic maths, english, IT, employability, and performing and creative arts at our Saffron Walden day centre. We can also support you to follow an ASDAN course in a wide range of subjects including meal preparation and cooking, horticulture, sport and leisure, personal safety, an introduction to money and using transport.

At ECL Saffron Walden we can provide support for a range of customer needs including those with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), mild and moderate learning disabilities, autism, and related health conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes and dysphagia.

Depending on your level of need and your Care and Support Plan we can provide 2:1, 1:1 and group support.

We have access to ECL's own in-house clinical team for guidance and support in the areas of physiotherapy, occupational support, speech and language, and positive behaviour support. We can also work with other health and social care professionals and providers of living accommodation to ensure that all aspects of your life are coordinated and the best they can be.

Our day centre support staff receive all mandatory training such as emergency first aid and safeguarding, as well as extensive additional training to enable them to provide specialist support. This includes training in the areas of communication (Makaton, Object of Reference, Intensive Interaction, Pictorial Communication Boards and PECS), eating and feeding (IDSSI diets and enteral feeding), and sensory awareness.