ECL Braintree Learning Disabilities Day Centre

At Braintree Day Centre, staying connected to the local community is an important part of what we do. Our centre is just a 10-minute walk from Braintree town centre, giving us plenty of opportunities to integrate with local life. Customers regularly enjoy trips to nearby cafés, pubs, restaurants, and the local library - perfect for making new acquaintances and trying new experiences.

We’re lucky to have beautiful outdoor spaces close by, including a riverside walk and a public garden where we can enjoy fresh air and gentle exercise. There’s even a bus stop right outside the centre, which means we can practise using public transport and take trips to places like Halstead and Witham.

We’re proud of the strong relationships we’ve built within the community. From our links with a local care and nursing home to the kind-hearted neighbour who donates gifts at Christmas, these connections make a real difference.

We also welcome visitors who bring something special to the centre - like our exercise instructor who runs fun, energising sessions every month. These partnerships help create a sense of belonging and ensure our customers feel part of something bigger.

Our centre is designed to be a safe, comfortable, and engaging space where customers can relax, learn, and thrive. We have a calming sensory room complete with bean bags, bubble tubes, soothing lights, and sensory equipment, which is perfect for creating a peaceful environment when customers need time to regulate.

For those with complex physical needs, our physiotherapy room is equipped with two ceiling track hoists, enabling customers with PMLD to access specialist equipment for personalised physio and stretching sessions. These sessions help promote wellbeing and independence in a supportive setting.

We also provide a range of facilities to ensure dignity and comfort, including accessible bathrooms and shower rooms, as well as a private space for medical and enteral care needs.

Outdoors, customers can enjoy our beautiful courtyard with a pond and sensory areas, or take part in activity days on the large field behind the centre. These spaces offer fresh air, relaxation, and opportunities for fun and social interaction.

Learning and personal development are at the heart of what we do. Customers have opportunities to learn new skills through a wide choice of engaging activities and, for those who want to take things further, we offer the chance to follow a certified ASDAN programme, helping individuals gain recognised qualifications and build confidence for the future.

At Braintree Day Centre, we welcome adults with a wide range of needs, including learning disabilities, complex physical and medical needs (PMLD), autism, behaviours that may challenge, and emotional support requirements. Every individual is unique, and we tailor our approach to ensure the right level of care and support for each person.

For those who need it, we offer higher levels of support, delivered by our skilled and experienced team. Everything we do is person-centred, focusing on dignity, independence, and wellbeing - because everyone deserves a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive.

At ECL we work with the individual, their families, and health professionals to identify goals to create a unique and tailored support plan. One of our team will assess the level of support needed, and prices will be based on the recommendations, as well as the number of sessions required.

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