Self-funded Day Centre Placement

Every person who uses our day centres is unique, with their own personal battles, challenges and limitations. Our specialist teams of carers take time to learn and understand each person in depth and build a strong rapport with them. Through this, we’re then able to support them in achieving any personal goals – no matter how small – or breaking down barriers and changing behaviours. 

We have so many positive success stories over the years where people have come to us in a distressed state or with extreme challenging behaviours, and over time we’ve been able to calm them and improve how they interact with the world. 

One such example, is someone who when they came to us was non-verbal; never speaking, not even at home. Over several months our team was able to find their wavelength and communicate and interact with them in a way which they responded to positively, until one day, they spoke. It started with just one word, and went from there. Their parents couldn’t believe it and were overjoyed. 

Our day centres are more than just a physical place to spend time. They are a place of healing, of learning. A safe and social space where they can express themselves, be understood and grow.    

A placement at one of our adult learning disability day centres is straight forward, involves a few steps and takes a couple of weeks. This is essential to ensure a thorough assessment of the person and the compatibility of our service with their needs. No two placements are the same, and we take care to ensure that every person who attends our services is placed somewhere that feels right for them, as well as somewhere that can meet their needs safely and effectively. 

Our Assessment process usually includes: 

• Initial placement enquiry (see form below).
• A full assessment completed.
• Comprehensive internal review and risk assessment of the assessment. 
• We may arrange a visit to your home to meet you and the person who may be attending our service. This helps us get to know you, understand what matters to you and make sure the placement feels right for everyone involved.
• We may also arrange for you and the person who may be attending our service to visit our day centre on a ‘taster day’, to ensure the space is right for them.
• Agree the placement with you and arrange days of attendance and start date.

From the initial enquiry, the process usually takes around one to two weeks. This gives us time to complete a thorough assessment and, where helpful, arrange any visits so that everyone can feel confident the placement is right.

We understand that some placements may need to happen within a particular timeframe, and we will always do our best to support this where possible. We will keep you updated throughout and let you know the outcome of the assessment and next steps as soon as we can.

Once a placement has been confirmed, payment will be required in advance. This can be made by BACS or through a secure online payment link, which we will send to you.

Our day centres are priced at a day rate, which covers placements from 9am-3.30pm. We currently do not provide placements for less than a full day, however if you or they want less time, you can always agree collection and drop off times to suit you. 

Day centre placements may be suitable for people with learning disabilities, autism or related conditions who would benefit from spending time in a safe, supportive and meaningful environment. Placements can be arranged where appropriate funding is in place.

We understand that self-funding can be a significant financial commitment and that this may not be possible for everyone. In many cases, local authorities may be able to provide funding for day centre placements, or support may be arranged through direct payments. Where local authority funding is not available, families may choose to self-fund if they are in a position to do so.

Some people may also receive benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which can help with additional costs linked to a long-term health condition or disability. PIP and other benefits are assessed separately from our placement process, so families may wish to seek advice about what financial support may be available to them.

Where a placement is being self-funded, the person with legal authority to make welfare and financial decisions should usually be our main point of contact and the person responsible for arranging payment.

Local authorities are elected administrative bodies responsible for delivering public services and providing community leadership, each covering a specific area of the UK. Funded by council tax, business rates, and central government grants, they handle crucial services including Adult Social Care – which is where you may be able to obtain funding to cover the cost of our day centre placements – in full or part. 

With our day centres located in Luton and Bedford, the local authorities which most commonly provide funding for placements are from are Luton Borough Council, Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council. Other nearby Local Authorities may also provide funding, however it is generally only ‘within area’ or neighbouring area. 

You will need to go through an application and assessment process with the relevant local authority, during which you have the right to specify your preferred service. Should funding be granted, we will deal directly with them to finalise the placement and will keep you informed throughout. 

Should funding not cover your full needs, for example 2 days funded, you might wish to self-fund additional days i.e. to allow you to work full time. Once the funded placement is set up, we can then work with you to arrange the self-funded part for a smooth and seamless placement.