ECL Basildon Learning Disabilities Day Centre

We have a strong presence in the local community, and we’re passionate about helping people feel connected, valued, and included not just in the centre, but in the world around them.

At ECL Basildon our community-based activities are a vital part of what makes our service so enriching and empowering. Being close to the local library gives our customers regular access to books and computers, supporting literacy and digital skills. 

We make full use of nearby supermarkets, where customers shop for ingredients before preparing meals, helping them build independence, confidence, and real-life planning skills. 

The nearby sporting village and local parks offer opportunities for physical activity, promoting fitness and wellbeing in a fun and social way. Walks around the local area help individuals learn key landmarks and routes, building travel confidence and orientation skills. We also visit the Happy Hub, run by Motivated Minds, where customers explore mental health and wellbeing in a supportive environment. 

Our strong community links mean we regularly welcome local services into the centre, including yoga, music, and pottery sessions, encouraging customers to engage with wider community resources. These experiences not only build confidence and independence but also help our customers feel connected, valued, and included in the world around them.

At ECL Basildon, we offer a vibrant and varied weekly programme that includes everything from arts and crafts, meal preparation, and independent living skills to sports, games, and seasonal events. Many of our sessions are part of 12-week themed projects, often linked to ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network), where customers work toward a shared goal or a recognised qualification. These projects might involve hosting a coffee morning after learning meal prep skills, creating a gallery display from photography sessions, or performing a Makaton song as part of a drama activity.

We also run multicultural projects, sensory storytelling for PMLD customers, and ICT sessions where individuals write and send letters to people who inspire them. Some activities, like science experiments, Yogacise, sensory baking, and music, are stand-alone but just as engaging and inclusive.

What makes our centre truly unique is how we adapt every activity to suit individual needs. For example, our art sessions are tailored for all abilities, using hand-over-hand support and creative tools like syringes and brushes on sticks. We also support customers who use communication devices, with trained staff on hand to encourage and assist.

In addition to our in-house sessions, we regularly invite the community into the centre from yoga and music therapy to animal visits and family events creating a lively, inclusive space where everyone can thrive.

We also work with external education providers such as ACL (Adult Community Learning) who deliver various courses including maths, english and 'find your voice' within our centre.

At ECL Basildon, we proudly support individuals with a wide range of learning disabilities and autism, including those with more complex needs who may require higher staffing ratios, such as 1:1 or 2:1 support.

Our experienced team delivers tailored support that reflects each person’s unique abilities, communication preferences, and personal goals. Staff are trained in a variety of communication methods, including AAC devices, Makaton, Now and Next boards, Talking Mats, and visual timetables, ensuring that every individual can express themselves have a voice and engage meaningfully in their day.

We are proud to be Autism Accredited by the National Autistic Society, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality, autism-specific support. In addition, our staff receive SPELL training (Structure, Positive approaches and expectations, Empathy, Low arousal, and Links framework), equipping them with the skills and knowledge to provide safe, respectful, and empowering care for individuals with autism.

We also have staff trained in a range of specialist areas to support individuals with complex health needs. Our centre provides a calm, structured, and responsive environment designed to reduce anxiety and promote independence, confidence, and wellbeing.

ECL Basildon is a place where everyone is welcomed, understood, and supported to thrive — no matter their level of need.

At ECL we work with you to identify your goals and put together a tailored plan unique to you. One of our team will assess the level of support you need, and prices will be based on the recommendations, along with how many sessions you would like to attend.

Funding may be available from Essex County Council subject to eligibility.