Here are the details of all our services laid out on one page so you can see everything we're doing in one place. Please take time to view them all as some of our members and their families have missed out on some activities that they would have found valuable or enjoyed. If you have any questions, please contact the SWALLOW Office.
For a scheduled of planned activities click the "View Activities Schedule" button below:
SWALLOW Services
Supported Housing
We support people to live in their own homes as independently as possible. We currently have 16 accommodation spaces within three locations. One of these locations provides sleep in support and at the others receive morning, daytime and evening support as required.
People are encouraged to do things for themselves and develop their skills however support is on hand when needed. All our housing support is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Our supported housing is extremely popular and often fully subscribed, but if you want to learn more please contact us.
Work Skills
Our members make a positive contribution to society and they often wish to achieve this through employment but may lack the skills to do so. In our three strands of Work Skills, we support people to learn what is expected in a work environment as well as offering hands on work experience. This can then lead to opportunities in paid employment.
In the arts and crafts work sessions, members make cards and gifts which they sell at local stalls and events, gaining further experience in handling money and getting the satisfaction of seeing items that they have made being sold.
In the horticulture group members learn about growing plants and vegetables and also plant hanging baskets which are sold. They also are taught garden maintenance and use these skills in the community.
In our Community cafes, individuals gain valuable catering knowledge, both in the kitchen and front of house.
Courses & Day Activities
SWALLOW offers a range of day activities to allow creativity and expression such as art and drama as well as teaching skills such as cookery and life skills. The sessions are member led, individuals are empowered to choose what they do, rather than following a set curriculum. We build confidence and feelings of worth.
These sessions run at the SWALLOW Centre in Westfield, the Percy Centre in Bath, Chilcompton Village Hall and Orchard Hall in Midsomer Norton.
Outreach & Community Support
We offer one to one support in people's homes and in the community. This support can be for day to day living tasks, or to enable people to get out and about in the community.
The tailor made packages of support enable individuals to remain independent and to get the most out of life.
Base House - Independent Living Skills Training
Base House is a 4 bedroom family style training home specialising in preparing teenagers and adults with learning disabilities for independence.
Members can book overnight stays and learn new general household skills such as cooking, cleaning and shopping as well as experiencing life outside the family home.
Here, we can enable people to assess their support needs for when they plan to move on to further independence.
Fitness and Health
Our range of health and fitness activities includes football, swimming, walks and Zumba. We are always keen to start new groups if there is interest.
The SWALLOW football team trains on a Monday night at Chilcompton Village Hall 6:15pm till 7:15pm and we are always looking for new players – please contact Justin Ricards on justinricards@swallowcharity.org if you are interested.
Social Activities
Once a month we organise Fun Club activities that are chosen by our members, these range from trips to the seaside to quiz and film nights, parties and barbeques. The Fun Club activities are open to all SWALLOW members but does require advance booking.
We also hold evening clubs including monthly Ladies’ and Men’s nights and twice a week we have our very popular Boogie Nights dance sessions, on a Thursday night in Midsomer Norton and on a Monday night in Bath.
Youth Group 13+
The Youth Group meets after school on a Thursday for young people aged 13+ to have fun and explore independence. Activities have included, a day trip to Chew Valley Lake, online safety training and social activities.
The Youth Group enables links with the adult world to aid transition and is funded by Children in Need.
