Care and support

Nightingale House Day Service

Nightingale Road
Hitchin
Herts SG5 1SD

Click on the link on the right called 'See a map of this area' and zoom in on the map to show the exact location)

Tel: 01462 455209
Fax: 01462 440612
E-mail: nightingalehouse.dayservice@hertscc.gov.uk

A guide to our services

Nightingale House is a Hertfordshire County Council Adult Care Services day centre for people from Hitchin and the surrounding area who have needs associated with physical disabilities or difficulties relating to age. The whole building is accessible to wheelchair users and there is a purpose-built kitchen area.

Nightingale House provides a wide range of activities and services for 60 to 90 people each day(Monday to Friday).

What we offer: we encourage everyone using the centre to be as independent as possible, make their own choices and get the most out of their lives. Some people work towards specific goals such as greater independence. Others come to socialise and learn new hobbies in a relaxing and friendly environment.

Each client has an individual care programme agreed with them and tailored to their individual needs and abilities. It may include activities in the centre and in the local community.

Centre-based activities include cookery, gardening, woodworking, discussion and reminiscence groups, music, arts, crafts, quizzes and sessions covering personal relationships, numeracy and literacy, and social and communication skills. Outside the centre our more active clients enjoy activities such as ten-pin bowling, conservation work, horseriding and shopping. We also offer opportunities to attend local college courses, gain work experience or do voluntary work.

Community-based support: we believe that everyone is a valued member of the community and has the right to use its facilities. We arrange a variety of community-based activities and services for more independent clients, who have learning disabilities and do not attend the centre. With support and encouragement from staff, they have opportunities to find out for themselves what is available and become more involved in their local community.
We can also arrange work placements, including voluntary work in the local lunch clubs, playgrounds and charity shops, to help widen their abilities and interests and increase friendships.
We develop many of these opportunities in partnership with the Community Volunteer Bureau, the Library Service, the Countryside Management Service and North Hertfordshire College -which offers nationally accredited courses to enhance educational skills.

Our staff, who come from a variety of backgrounds, have extensive training and experience of working with people who have differing abilities and special needs.
Everyone who attends Nightingale House has the support of a linkworker (a named member of staff) who they can go to when they have queries or problems. The linkworker also helps to draw up their individual care plan.

Client Committee: we encourage everyone who uses Nightingale House to have a say in how the centre is run. Knowing what our clients think helps us to develop our services. We have an active client committee, which meets regularly to discuss everyone’s views.

Lunch and refreshments: a choice of lunch, for which there is a set charge, is offered every day. Drinks are available, for a small charge, throughout the day.

Transport: we are unable to provide transport for everyone using Nightingale House. We encourage people to travel independently where possible but transport can be arranged for those who would not otherwise be able to attend.

Getting a place: if you would like to attend you need to contact your Social Worker or Occupational Therapist. Or you can contact Herts Connect – click on the ‘Contact Adult Care Services’ signpost on the right.