New Autism Service for Men to Open in Colchester

A new service supporting individuals with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs will open in Colchester next month.

Chestnut Court will be a part of Cygnet Hospital Colchester, on Boxted Road, Mile End, and will offer a five-bed, highly specialised autism service for men.

It will contain five independent living areas and each flat offers a robust environment designed to provide a safe space for individuals who may exhibit behaviours of distress or have specific sensory needs. Each room will be personalised to accommodate preferences, strengths and abilities of each service user.

Located a short drive from the centre of Colchester, individuals at the service will have access to a wide range of community facilities.

Kudzanai Chikodzi, Clinical Manager, said: “Chestnut Court will provide round the clock support to the individuals in our care. The team will work closely together with those we support to ensure that their voices are heard in order to make a positive difference, improve lives and support independent living.

“The team will focus on enabling individuals to achieve three key targeted outcomes; reduction in behaviours that challenge, increase in positive social behaviours and progress to future out of hospital placements within lesser restrictive environments.”

The 59-bed hospital offers services across four more wards include an acute mental mental ward and high support inpatient rehabilitation.

Cygnet is set to open five new state-of-the art hospitals in 2024 and completely modernise existing facilities as part of an extensive expansion programme.

By 2025, the company will have in excess of 200 services across the UK, which will make it one of the largest and best leading providers of behavioural health services in the country.

Dr Tony Romero, Cygnet CEO, said he is looking forward to seeing the difference the new ward will make to so many people.
He added: “Our purpose is to make a positive difference to the lives of the individuals we care for, their loved ones and all those who work with us.

“We are proud of our reputation for delivering pioneering services and outstanding outcomes for the individuals in our care and I am delighted to see us extend our care offer in Colchester.

“It is our priority to ensure those suffering get the very best support they need and we are delighted that we will soon be able to support more people who need our help.

“We are a proud partner to the NHS we want to be part of the solution and work together with the NHS to provide the best treatment and facilities to help people on their recovery journey.”