Quality & Purpose of Care
Elyon Bedford is a children’s home based in the Bedford Borough Council. It provides care and accommodation for up to four children and young people of either gender from 8 years old to 16 years old on placement with emotional and behavioural difficulties over a medium to long term.
Many of the children and young people we care for will have experienced trauma in their lives, which can manifest in the form of behavioural challenges. Some of our children and young people may require support in relation to mild learning needs, which may include autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We are not able to offer placements to children/young people with severe physical disabilities, including wheelchair users, due to the internal design of the home, nor are we able to offer placements for children/young people with severe learning disabilities.
Therapeutically Informed Residential Care
We aim to improve our young people’s experiences by developing relationships that are built on strengths, psychodynamic practices, ecological approaches with strong emphases on engaging families and an applied behaviour analysis within a family-like environment. We combine systemic practice and therapeutic social work practices bringing therapeutic intervention into our young people’s life-space. We advocate that the “whole is greater than the sum of the parts” and therefore integrate therapeutic practice into young people’s daily lived care and experiences.
Our Principles
Safety First
Multidisciplinary Approach
Evidenced Based Interventions
Multidisciplinary & Interventions
Safety First – This is aligned with our ethos on safeguarding. We ensure that Elyon Bedford is a nurturing environment where our young people are safe and contained. Safeguarding practices are implemented from pre-placement planning through to placement endings.
Multidisciplinary Approach - We work within a systemic model across the informal, formal and public systems. We preserve and strengthen connections between the young people and their extended family. We promote shared responsibility for decision-making and outcomes in collaboration with social workers, therapists, education, health, police, probation and stakeholders.
Evidenced Based Interventions - Through effective individualized care planning and behaviour management underpinned by positive relationship and trust, we collect evidence-based interventions, promising techniques and strategies that are effective in achieving desired and measurable outcomes for our young people with clear procedures to provide strategies to cope with trauma and develop socially acceptable behaviours. Reflective Practice - we use reflective practices, delivered through professional supervision and support, peer supervision, family meetings and continuous professional training, learning and development. Residential workers are trained to understand the experiences of young people, consider why the situations came about, explore possibilities of new experiences and intervene to bring about change and improved outcomes.
Our Location
Elyon Bedford is located within Bedford Borough, situated within a safe, family-friendly residential area known for its welcoming community spirit. Residents have easy access to a variety of local amenities, including supermarkets, healthcare facilities, and community centres, ensuring daily needs and well-being are well supported.
The area boasts several reputable primary and secondary schools nearby, as well as colleges and further education providers, making it convenient for children of all ages to pursue quality education and smooth transitions to independence. Recreational opportunities abound with nearby parks, green spaces, and the scenic River Ouse offering outdoor play, sports, and nature activities.
Local Entertainment & Transport
Local sports clubs and cultural attractions such as museums and libraries provide enriching experiences for young people. Excellent transport links, including local bus routes and Bedford train station, facilitate easy travel for family visits and wider excursions. Overall, the home’s location presents a nurturing and inclusive environment with strong access to education, amenities, and leisure activities ideal for our young people.
