Amber House

A home from home when it’s most needed

Amber House is a four bedroom detached bungalow, which is close to a village for all amenities and recreational activities, the home has been specifically adapted to suit the needs of a children’s home, for the accommodation of three young people of both sex between the ages of 7 and 17 years old on admission. The accommodation is decorated to a high standard, which is conducive to providing a friendly and homely atmosphere.

The home has three young people’s bedrooms, a staff sleep in and a family bathroom. We recognize the importance of the need for both companionship and privacy. We have one large lounge, which is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. The home has an open plan kitchen/dining area where the young people can benefit from the family experiences that are had when cooking and eating a meal. The kitchen is fully fitted, with all the modern appliances.

The young people are encouraged to have some input into the continued maintaining of the home We believe in involving all of the young people with any project that is to be completed within the home. The rationale behind this is to give a sense of belonging and commitment to the home.

Each of the young person’s bedrooms is warm and bright and we encourage all those who come and live with us to bring their own personal possessions so as to make their bedroom feel their own and we encourage this through personalisation upon arrival where each young person is given a room budget, this is to promote the young people taking ownership of their surroundings.

Outside there is a large enclosed Garden and a parking area for vehicles.

Facilities

There is a large kitchen/diner which flows through to a living space. The home also has a cosy living room with patio doors onto the garden. Young people can meet privately with their visitors with having two living spacious areas.

Paula Jennings

REGISTERED MANAGER

Paula has over 20 years’ experience working with children in the residential setting in several different homes including Solo, semi-independence and multi bedded homes.

Paula started her career as a Waking night Officer progressed her career to a Residential Child Care working her way up to eventually becoming a Registered Manager 18 plus years ago and has worked in Manchester, Ripponden, Oldham, St Helens and achieved at least a Good in all of her Ofsted Inspections.

Paula has worked with young people from different back grounds who have had a variety of complex needs and experiences e.g. self-harming, CSE, Substance misuse, MFH and emotional issues for which they need support and guidance to help them overcome a variety of hurdles in order to achieve their full potential.

Paula ensures that each young person is treated as an individual so that their needs are met and encourage them to be involved in developing their Care Plans which includes targets for the young people that they feel are achievable. Paula believes that young people see that small steps will eventually get them to where they want to be with support and important that a young person is fully aware of what they can expect from staff as well as themselves.

Paula ensures that her staff teamwork with the needs of the individual young person as the core of their practice at Amber House.