Company History
In 2000 Wycar Leys, Bilsthorpe comprised three small homes and a number of vacant buildings. All were in generally poor condition. The new owners set about improving the quality of accommodation and extending the facilities. Substantial changes were made to work practices and a new team of senior staff was recruited.
One of the core philosophies of Wycar Leys has always been to ensure Service Users are given every opportunity to maximise their potential and enjoy the most fulfilled life possible. Those living in a Wycar Leys home often greatly exceed expectations when encouraged and supported in the right way and, when this happens, there are few things more satisfying for everyone involved.
In March 2001 Dave Hazlehurst joined the management team as an Activities Manager. Still with the company (but now part of the Quality Monitoring Management Team), Dave was asked to maximise the range of activities those living at Wycar Leys could access, both on and off site. One of our more ambitious projects was to build a go-kart track within the grounds at Bilsthorpe which, as far as we are aware, is the only one of its type in the country. Wycar Leys Service Users now have the opportunity of driving our two-seater go-kart around the track with a carer beside them. It’s not exactly Formula One but driving their own vehicle is not an experience many Service Users have – and this facility is open to all Service Users living in Wycar Leys homes.
Like Bilsthorpe, the site at Bulwell was once a nursing home for the elderly. However, unlike Bilsthorpe, it is located within a residential community. An adjoining GP’s surgery was bought and both The Cottage and The Homestead were developed, opening in 2002. Whilst following the Wycar Leys philosophy, both these homes have moved more towards caring for those with autism.
With six homes on two sites and 58 registered beds in Nottinghamshire, the owners decided to develop further outside the county and purchased three adjoining buildings in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. The first of these properties – Trent View, which opened in June 2008 - is a home for nine adults with learning disabilities, challenging behaviours and complex needs. Within the grounds is The Coach House, a home for two adults which operates independently of Trent View. Next door is River Lodge, which opened in 2011 and is for eight adults. This building has been specifically designed for Service Users with Prader Willi Syndrome.
In the last two years the owners have also opened Hollybrook House and The Quays in Doncaster, as well as Church View in Leicester. These are all similar properties and offer a high standard of accommodation for those able to enjoy a slightly more independent lifestyle. The Quays has been specifically developed to promote a pathway for young people needing to enter a full adult service.
Ian, Gaynor and Joy, together with a committed staff team, now oversee 12 homes providing 97 registered beds in four counties. The range of care provided has evolved over the years and we are now seeing some of the Service Users moving from our homes for the more challenging to those where they can enjoy a slightly more independent lifestyle. The company’s goal will always be that of maximising the potential of every Service User, whatever their disability. The company will also continue to grow and evolve: it has already acquired the site next to its two homes in Doncaster and a purpose-built home will be developed there within the next two years.
