ECL Canvey Island Learning Disabilities Day Centre

We love getting out and about! From community walks and trips to the local sports centre for music and dance, to visits to the garden centre, shopping for our “shop and cook” sessions, or enjoying lunch at a café - every outing is an opportunity to practise money skills, learn to use public transport, or improve health and fitness.

Our centre is fully wheelchair accessible and offers a wide range of facilities:

• Sensory Room – a calming space with bean bags, sensory equipment, and Omi Vista projection technology for those who need a safe place to relax and regulate.
• IT Suite – perfect for building digital skills, supporting learning, and accessing the internet safely.
• Training Kitchen – a hands-on space to develop culinary skills and prepare tasty meals during our shop and cook sessions.
• Outdoor Area – including a summer house with electricity and heating, ideal for relaxing, playing games, or socialising.
• Art Room – a newly refurbished space for those who enjoy arts and crafts, gentle exercise, or simply a quiet cup of tea with friends.

We offer a wide choice of activities designed to build confidence, independence, cognitive skills, social interaction, and wellbeing. These include:

• Shop and cook sessions
• Fitness activities such as FABS (Flexibility, Aerobic, Balance, and Strength) and boccia
• Puzzles, quizzes, and interactive projection sessions
• Computer activities and live storytelling
• Movie time for relaxation
• Sensory cooking, gardening, yoga, and meditation

We support people with autism and learning disabilities who want to become more independent, confident, and socially connected. For individuals with more complex needs, our sister service ECL Benfleet (Hesten) may be more suitable.

To aid communication, we use tools such as “Now and Next” prompts, daily timetable visuals, and Talking Mats to help people make choices and have their voices heard.

We can also support individuals with Dysphagia and prepare food to safe IDDSI levels.

Our team is highly skilled and receives comprehensive training to provide the best possible care tailored to the individuals they are assisting. Many staff members have lived experience and diverse backgrounds, bringing extra depth and understanding to the care we offer.

For those who would benefit from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, or positive behaviour support plans, we have direct access to our in-house clinical team.

For individuals who want to get more actively involved in their communities or explore voluntary or paid work, we can connect them with our Community Connectors or Inclusive Employment teams to help make those aspirations a reality.

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.