A New Chapter in Person-Centred Support: Inside Our Day Centre

At Olivian Homes, we believe that the right environment can unlock potential, confidence, and independence. That belief became a reality with the official opening of our Day Centre on 10 December 2025—a milestone that represents far more than a new building. It marks the beginning of a space purpose-built for learning, empowerment, and meaningful daily experiences.

From the moment you step inside, the Day Centre reflects our commitment to a truly person-centred approach. Every area has been carefully designed to provide a safe, welcoming, and sensory-friendly environment where service users can feel comfortable, motivated, and supported to thrive. The centre brings together enjoyment and learning in equal measure, ensuring that development feels purposeful rather than pressured.

The facilities themselves offer something for everyone. A swimming pool, games room, cinema space, outdoor activities, and sensory-based areas create a varied and engaging setting that supports social interaction, relaxation, and personal growth. These amenities are available free of charge to Olivian Homes service users, reinforcing accessibility while also providing opportunities to build independence in a structured and positive way .

Learning at the Day Centre goes far beyond traditional activities. Service users are actively encouraged to take part in everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, basic till work, and money-handling. These activities are carefully adapted to individual abilities, ensuring that learning remains achievable, confidence-building, and relevant to daily life—both within the centre and in supported living environments.

One of the most innovative elements of the centre is the use of “learning money.” While not real currency, it provides a powerful and engaging way for clients to understand effort, responsibility, and reward. By taking part in activities, clients earn learning money, which they can then use to access certain amenities, such as cinema or swimming sessions. This system reinforces positive behaviours while promoting choice, planning, and independence.

The cinema experience is a great example of this flexibility. Clients can choose group screenings or private, luxury streaming sessions, allowing those who prefer quieter, low-stimulation environments to enjoy films in a way that suits their needs. Similarly, the swimming pool can be booked for exclusive use, giving clients a sense of control, comfort, and ownership over their experience.

To further support structure and understanding, clients receive physical tickets when booking activities, with five tickets allocated per session. This helps reinforce concepts such as access, limits, and planning, while continuing to build confidence around money-management skills in a clear and tangible way.

Above all, the Day Centre is a place where enjoyment and empowerment go hand in hand. With consistent support from dedicated staff, clients are encouraged to form routines, develop positive habits, and recognise their own achievements. Over time, many may even progress towards volunteering or work-related opportunities within the wider community.

Officially opened on 10 December 2025, the Olivian Homes Day Centre stands as a testament to what can be achieved when care, creativity, and person-centred values come together. It is more than a facility—it is a space where individuals can learn, make choices, build life skills, and truly thrive. Check out our virtual tour video to learn more.