Supported Living
Find out how our supported living services empower individuals to live independently — with flexible support tailored to needs, choices and lifestyle.
Our Supported Living scheme, introduced in 2003, offers adults with learning disabilities the opportunity to live more independently within a safe and supportive community. The scheme currently comprises 4 shared homes, 3 shared flats, and 3 single-person flats, all occupied on a tenancy basis. Each is designed to feel homely and welcoming, with the flexibility to make individual choices and build daily living skills.
Care and support are provided by our dedicated Supported Living staffing team, who are experienced in meeting a wide range of needs. This includes personal care and prompting, medication administration, attending health and social appointments, day activity planning, maintaining a tenancy, budget support, and dietary advice.
Tenants are encouraged to develop their independence while knowing that trusted staff are always nearby to provide reassurance and assistance. Alongside this, there are plenty of opportunities to build friendships, join community activities, and enjoy life to the full.
All tenants can access available vehicles for a competitive cost to enable local trips out or longer journeys. Tenants are supported to spend time with friends and explore social opportunities including pub trips, meals out, shopping, theatre trips and a group festive dinner for those people spending Christmas alone.
A range of flats and houses that can be leased on a furnished or unfurnished basis. A 24hr on call system is in place to support any tenancy related query.
Our Supported Living Accommodation
A two bedded (both ensuite) first floor flat (Acorn Village grounds)
A two bedded first floor flat (Acorn Village grounds).
A single occupancy first floor flat (Acorn Village grounds).
An adapted single occupancy ground floor flat (Acorn Village grounds).
A two bedded first floor flat (Acorn Village grounds).
A single occupancy ground floor flat (Acorn Village grounds).
A two bedded house and staff sleep in room (Acorn Village grounds).
A four bedded (one ensuite) detached house with staff sleep in room (Manningtree).
A two bedded semi-detached house (Lawford).
Staffing
The Supported Living service has its own dedicated team of Care Support Workers who are supervised and led by their own Manager and senior team.
Daytime Activities
At Acorn Village, every person is supported to develop a personal plan of activities they can enjoy each week alongside their support workers. These plans are built around individual interests, abilities, and aspirations — helping each person to live life to the fullest.
Activities are designed to promote good physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing while also encouraging independence, learning, and fun. From trampolining, swimming, gym sessions, horse riding, bowling, sailing, and attending local community groups or church, to taking part in college courses — there’s always something meaningful and enjoyable happening.
Within our purpose-built Day Service and Therapeutic Centre, there are many on-site opportunities too. Creative sessions such as art, craft, and weaving are led by skilled staff who encourage each person to express themselves and explore their talents. Gardening, cooking, life skills, and drama sessions are also popular and help people to build confidence and develop practical everyday skills.
The recently developed Strover Centre includes a specially adapted kitchen and a fully accessible bathroom and changing area. This space focuses on life skills and cooking, helping people gain confidence and independence in a safe, supportive environment.
Through a Heritage Lottery grant, Acorn has also created an apple press room and a beautiful fully accessible kitchen garden overlooking open fields. These areas provide hands-on learning opportunities and a calming outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.
Relaxation and sensory experiences are just as important as activity. Our Therapeutic Sensory Room offers a peaceful space for wellbeing and reflection, while pop-up events and activities throughout the year bring everyone together to socialise, have fun, and continue building friendships and social skills.
Acorn Village Day Services are open not only to people who live within our supported living community but also to adults with learning disabilities from the wider area, leading to further opportunities to meet new people and make friends.
Finally, our Walled Garden Café is a vibrant hub open to residents, staff, and the general public, offering valuable opportunities for social interaction and community inclusion. Work experience placements are also available within the café, our on-site charity shop, and on reception — helping people to gain skills and confidence in a real working environment.
Interested In Living At Acorn?
If you’d like to find out more about joining our community at Acorn Village, here’s what to do next:
- Get in Touch – Contact us with your details to arrange an appointment.
- Meet Our Registered Manager – During your visit, we’ll discuss:
- Eligibility
- The type of support or service you require
- Funding arrangements through your local authority
- Take a Tour – Explore our facilities and get a feel for life at Acorn Village.
- Application Process – After your visit, you’ll receive an application form, including a section to be completed by your GP.
- Expression of Interest – Once submitted, your details will be added to our Expression of Interest list.
At Acorn Village, we put people first and disability second — it’s at the heart of everything we do.
Care Contact Details
Mr Tom Cox
Senior Registered Manager
Tel: 01206 394124
Email: info@acornvillages.com
Teresa's Story
“I never thought I could be an artist, but now my work is on the wall in Day Services and has been in the Firstsite exhibition. It makes me feel proud. Art makes me feel good.”
Trainee Registered Manager Karla's Story
"The service we provide for the individuals here is something I am really proud of. Acorn Village really is like a family, where everyone is happy and living their best lives. When they come to live here, they are here for life where they have a home that is safe, happy and they feel free."