Situated in a rural area of Otley, Leeds, The Thicket is a beautiful converted stone building with excellent facilities which have been purpose-built for adults with autistic spectrum disorders.

On the first floor there are two en-suite bedrooms and a shared lounge, dining room and kitchen; a layout which promotes the values of communal living whilst still enabling the residents to maintain their privacy. The ground floor is divided into two self-contained flats, each with its own bedroom, lounge/dining room and bathroom, and offers greater independence for those who are ready.

Whilst The Thicket is attractive and homely, the accommodation is designed to cater for residents with challenging behaviour. Residents are always encouraged to decorate their rooms to reflect their individual personalities.

Set amongst six acres of countryside, the site has a number of onsite facilities that provide access to meaningful and purposeful activities which promote lifelong learning.

The onsite barn incorporates an arts and crafts area for personal expression and the development of hobbies and interests. Following thorough risk assessments, the residents are also supported to engage in rewarding activities of their choosing such as home baking, trampolining, sewing and jewellery making.

Horticultural activities that promote self-awareness and care and respect for living things are also available to the residents with the provision of specially cultivated land and planting areas. 

With Otley town centre nearby, there are plenty of shops, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants for residents to visit.

Residents are encouraged and supported to learn the life skills necessary for independence including budgeting and shopping for their own food and to become active members of the local community.