The Chalet is a specialist residential community home located in St Asaph. Supporting young people aged 16+ with additional and complex needs, it provides a safe, structured and nurturing environment where independence, confidence and life skills are developed. With accommodation for up to five individuals, The Chalet offers a homely setting that bridges the transition from college to more independent adult living, supported by a dedicated and experienced staff team.

Our Ethos

The philosophy of The Chalet is simple: we empower young people to achieve their very best.

We focus on promoting independence within both the home and the wider community, nurturing wellbeing, self-esteem, and confidence. We recognise that a residential setting can never truly replace a family home, but we strive to create a welcoming, family-oriented environment where young people feel safe and comfortable. 

Residing away from the main campus allows young people to experience greater independence often for the first time while still benefiting from the structure, expertise, and reassurance of college support. This important transitional step frequently brings transformative growth in communication, life skills, and self-belief.

Life at The Chalet

The Chalet features five large bedrooms (including one en-suite), each designed with a person-centred approach. Young people are actively encouraged to personalise their space, choosing colour schemes, shopping for décor, and adding posters and photographs that reflect their personality. This fosters ownership, responsibility, and a sense of safety. Bedrooms are designed to be predictable and sensory-considerate environments that reduce anxiety and support self-regulation.

The open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge area is at the heart of the home. Here, young people are supported to:

• Plan weekly, balanced meals

• Shop locally for groceries

• Develop cooking and self-care skills

• Strengthen fine motor skills

• Build communication and social confidence

Cooking and shared mealtimes offer natural opportunities to practise independence in a supportive, structured setting.

We also understand the importance of sensory wellbeing. Our dedicated “Calm Zone” provides sensory lighting, sound, and tactile resources to support regulation and relaxation. With comfortable seating, calming music, games, puppet shows, and a Nintendo Wii, the space balances therapeutic support with fun and engagement.

Outside, the spacious garden is evolving into a sensory-rich environment with trampolines, musical chimes, gardening areas, outdoor sensory lighting, and calming zones. A large grassed area is perfect for summer games like rounders, and beyond this lies the River Elwy and nearby park, all within walking distance.

The Team

The Chalet benefits from a dedicated core staff team whose compatibility and experience are reviewed regularly to ensure the right support is always in place.

We place the individual at the centre of everything we do. Care is designed around outcomes, choice, dignity, and respect, achieved through:

• Wellbeing and Outcomes – Supporting physical, emotional, and social development

• Person-Centred Planning – Ensuring young people and families are central to all decisions

• Rights and Inclusion – Promoting equality, privacy, and community participation

• Safety and Protection – Creating a secure environment while enabling positive risk-taking

• Skilled and Compassionate Staff – Working in line with professional values and best practice

• Partnership and Collaboration – Working closely with families and professionals

• Continuous Improvement – Listening, learning, and evolving our service