Derby House – A care home for women with Learning Disabilities and Autism
Derby House is a warm, caring home for six women with learning disabilities and autism, offering a safe and supportive environment where each person is empowered to live a fulfilling and varied life.
We provide personalised support packages and offer a wide range of activities both in the home and within the community. Derby House is located in the quiet, leafy area of St Ebba's in Epsom set within its own large grounds.
Welcome to Derby House, a registered care home for six women with learning disabilities and autism. Derby House provides a safe, caring home where people are supported to live a full and varied life. The residents enjoy an active social life and are encouraged to do what they want, both at home and in the community. Our staff team tailors support to each person’s individual needs, promoting independence and personal choice.
The women at Derby House need a lot of support in various aspects of their lives, and I’m here to make sure their goals and wishes come to life. My role is to support them to have a good quality of life, not just by providing personal care or administering medication, but by creating a warm and friendly environment that builds confidence. People are happy here, and that goes a long way in helping us understand what they’d like to do.
We take the residents out and support them in whatever they choose. Consistency is key, and learning what makes them happy and understanding their routines helps us make their lives easier and more enjoyable. We go at their pace.
I love taking the ladies out. We go to lots of places, and they’re involved in everything. About three times a week, I do sessions with people on an individual basis. For example, one session with a lady involves going out for lunch at a café, where she uses her iPad to choose what she wants, and we chat using her iPad. This helps her communicate functionally, not just saying “I want a cup of tea” but talking about whether it’s too hot or too cold, if she enjoyed it, or if she’d like another.
Derby House has been absolutely amazing. From the moment I walked in that April and met Pam and the whole team, I felt like I was with extended family straight away. There’s such a feeling of warmth and caring. When Karen came for a trial day, we had a cup of tea together, and she felt at home immediately. She’s thriving now, thanks to all the support that’s in place.
If you give the residents the time, a smile, and a warm welcome, they’ll tell you what they need. Their opinions matter greatly here. Derby House is a compassionate and supportive home, and we’re like one family. It’s incredible to see Karen flourish—she’s doing things she’s never done before.
Karen attends MyTime sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, although she didn’t go today because of this meeting. Her favourite activity is going for drives, and she’s often out on the road. Recently, she went to the seaside, and she loved it.
Everyone at Derby House works with the same goal in mind. There is passion, care, and, most importantly, respect. The ladies here always come first.
Life at Derby House
Specialist support and person-centred care
Derby House provides intensive support for women with learning disabilities who may not find the right fit in mainstream services. We focus on each person’s unique needs and preferences, creating a supportive space where people can truly be themselves. Our highly experienced team works closely with each person, helping them lead a fulfilling, enriched life.
A safe, purpose-built home
Our home is designed with both comfort and accessibility in mind. Derby House has individual bedrooms, a large enclosed garden, and spacious communal areas for relaxing or enjoying activities together. Our communal spaces—including the lounge, dining area, and kitchen—are often used for group activities, crafts, and social time, providing a welcoming environment that feels like home.
Experienced and skilled staff
Our dedicated staff are well-trained in both statutory and specialist areas, including communication techniques, and all hold current DBS (formerly CRB) checks. With a staff on duty throughout the day and waking staff on duty overnight, people receive consistent, high-quality care and support. Team members are also trained in medication administration, ensuring health and safety at all times.
Independence and meaningful activities
The people living at Derby House have a personalised schedule of activities designed to support their interests, abilities, and goals. From simple cooking and gardening to crafts and relaxation, our activities promote independence and skill-building in daily life. People are encouraged to join in the general running of the home and garden, building confidence and a sense of community.
Connections with local services and social outings
Located near MyTime Epsom, which offers day services for people with learning disabilities, the people living at Derby House are welcome to participate in activities there or meet friends for a casual chat. They enjoy a very varied social life, including bowling, swimming, eating out at pubs and cafes, discos, and trips to the theatre, giving people the chance to experience new places and enjoy time away with support from the team.
Welcoming new residents and their families
Referrals to Derby House typically come from local authority care managers within Epsom & Ewell, Sutton, and surrounding areas. Once we receive a referral, we invite prospective people who want to use our services and their families or carers to visit, allowing them to get to know our service and facilities. This initial visit helps us understand each persons preferences, ensuring that they feel safe, welcome, and at home from the start.