Spotlighting our incredible services in the South

In April, we're shining a light on our South services, led by Caley Somers, Head of Operations.

From Bexhill to Folkestone, with a little detour to New Romney, our South services are home to some brilliant people doing brilliant things. Eight homes. Hundreds of individual stories. And a team of brilliant colleagues showing up, day and night, to make sure every person we support is cared for in the right way.

That looks different in every service. For some residents, it's the independence of having their own front door. For others, it's a walk to the seafront, a chat over a cup of tea, or simply knowing that someone is there when it matters. Our colleagues support people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, sensory impairments, mental health needs, and more. No two days are the same, and no two people are either.

Here's a look at what's happening across our South services.

• Sandgate Manor and Woodland Lodges, Folkestone

  Bedrooms: 19 (plus three Woodland Lodges)

  Managed by: Caley Somers (new Service Manager appointment in progress)

  Sandgate Manor supports residents with physical and learning disabilities, set within a spacious, beautiful garden and a short walk from the sea. The three Woodland Lodges on the grounds offer semi-independent living for residents ready to take a little more ownership of their day-to-day.

  "Our colleague work amazingly to provide the best care to the people we support."

  Service highlight: The proximity to the coast means residents regularly head out for some fresh sea air. A simple thing, but it means a lot.

• Millfield House, Folkestone

  Bedrooms: 8
  Manager: Louise Gladwin

  Spread across three floors with a wheelchair-accessible lift, Millfield provides specialist care for people with physical and learning disabilities. It's a service that takes real expertise, and Louise's team deliver it with warmth.

  "Our wonderful colleague team at Millfield specialise in looking after residents with physical and learning disabilities."— Louise Gladwin, Service Manager

• Tristford House, Folkestone

  Bedrooms: 12
  Manager: Adam Lancaster

  Many of Tristford's bedrooms overlook Radnor Park, one of Folkestone's green gems. It's a calm, scenic setting for a service that supports 12 people with learning and physical disabilities.

  "At Tristford, we support 12 individuals with learning and physical disabilities." — Adam Lancaster, Service Manager

• Burnham House, Folkestone

  Bedrooms: 5
  Manager: Jo Matthews

  Burnham is a smaller, close-knit service supporting individuals with physical and learning disabilities. One of its five bedrooms sits within a self-contained unit, ideal for someone taking their first steps towards greater independence.

  "Our wonderful colleague team at Burnham specialise in looking after residents with physical and learning disabilities."— Jo Matthews, Service Manager

• Rose Cottage, New Romney

  Bedrooms: 5
  Manager: Sandra Kubiliene

  A spacious, welcoming bungalow in the heart of New Romney, Rose Cottage supports individuals with physical and sensory impairments. Every bedroom is personalised, with advanced call systems to ensure colleagues can respond quickly when needed.

  Service highlight: The home is well-connected to local amenities, including a nearby academy with a gym and cinema, a range of cafes and restaurants, and a beach within walking distance.

  "Our dedicated team is friendly, professional, and passionate about delivering high-quality care. We are committed to promoting independence, ensuring that everyone at Rose Cottage feels supported to live their life, their way." — Sandra Kubiliene, Service Manager

• Buttercup Close, Bexhill

  Bedrooms: 5 (all en-suite)
  Manager: Terry Loftus

  Designed for those with lower support needs, Buttercup Close offers the right balance of independence and community. Colleagues here support residents with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and mental health needs, in an environment that genuinely feels like home. Strong friendships have formed here, and that's not something that happens by accident.

  "Our team at Buttercup Close help create a fantastic 'homely' environment where tenants can live life their way." — Terry Loftus, Service Manager

  What's coming up: The team continue to develop meaningful social opportunities for residents, building on the community feel that makes Buttercup Close a little bit special.

• The Lodge, Bexhill

  Bedrooms: 12 (all en-suite, recently refurbished)
  Manager: Terry Loftus

  The Lodge supports working-age adults with autism and learning disabilities, with thoughtfully designed communal spaces including a lounge, dining area, kitchen, conservatory games room, and a secluded garden. It's a place built around the idea that having fun and feeling safe aren't mutually exclusive.

  "Our team at The Lodge provide a safe and supportive environment where tenants can flourish and have fun along the way."

The people we support often have complex needs, strong personalities. No two days are the same, and that’s what makes this work special. Our colleagues notice when something is wrong, remember the small details, and celebrate achievements that others might miss.

"There’s a real beauty to what our teams do. The people we support have complex needs and varied lives, and our colleagues meet them where they are, with kindness, which makes me super proud of them all." Caley Somers, Head of Operations (South)