Lily’s Place
Lily’s Place is our short break children’s home, which is fully equipped to provide overnight respite care for up to four children and young people with complex physical and/or learning difficulties.
In addition to those coming for overnight visits, we are also able to provide day care sessions at weekends and during school holidays, as well as visits after school in term time.
Facilities also include fully equipped bathrooms, rooms with hoists and specialist equipment, a soft play area, sensory room, ball pool, and garden.
Visiting Lily’s Place
Visits can be during the day, or for a sleepover, allowing the children to meet and make friends and to relax and enjoy themselves. Short breaks offer a lifeline for families managing the challenges of providing full-time care for their child; a break for them, as well as a safe haven in any emergency.
Children can choose and experience new activities during their stay, including outings to local attractions, for example the cinema or Poole Park. Staying at Lily’s Place helps the children to develop greater independence, as well as social skills, through interaction with a small number of other children.
To access Lily’s Place, an assessment is required by the local authority.
A part of Diverse Abilities
Lily’s Place works closely with other services provided by Diverse Abilities, including Shapes, which provides support for children, and Project, the holiday activity and after school club programme.
The staff are trained to look after the children and young people, who often have complicated individual care needs. Staff have particular skills in developing effective communication strategies for everyone we support.
Delivering high standards
At Lily’s Place, we are regularly visited by Ofsted and receiving a ‘Good’ rating at the last inspection during 2024. Click here to read our latest Ofsted report.
Our history
Formerly known as Smithers, Lily’s Place opened in 1995 as a short-stay residential home providing short breaks and giving families some of their own time while their child or young person’s needs are met by our staff.
Don’t just take it from us, here’s what the families we support have to say:
“My child has opportunity to socialise and to spend quality time in a safe environment and I can have a break.”
“Social benefits for child. Respite for family.”
“For us, a break…for him, a change of face!”
“Independence for my child in a safe, friendly environment. A break and peace of mind for me.”
“Have time to rest and time to spend with my other son.”
“Literally a life-saving provision.”
“It’s a home from home environment service, where my daughter feels accepted and loved, very well looked after. She can meet and chat to different people and learn cooking skills etc. She feels encouraged and welcome. Seeing our child happy and well looked after gives us joy in the midst of everyday burdens and cares. Our daughter so looking forward to the day at LP! She keeps asking how many days till she goes to LP, she counts the days and so are we. We are very grateful for all dates we receive.”
“A break from the 24/7 care for us. A chance to relax and have a break. Our son enjoys a change of scene and different people but in a family. Familiar environment.”
Information links:
Getting in contact
Phone: 01202 718238
Email: amiee.barnett@diverseabilities.org.uk
Address: Lily’s Place, 17 Manor Avenue, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4LB