Former Children's Home to Become Supported Living Facility in Somerset
Somerset Council partners with Discovery to transform Wellington property into a home for adults with learning disabilities and autism, opening in 2027.
By Verity Coombes
••2 min read
AI
Exterior of the former Beechtrees children's home undergoing renovation for a new supported living facility.
Somerset Council is repurposing the former Beechtrees children's respite care home in Wellington into a new supported living facility for adults with learning disabilities and autism, set to open in January 2027.
The former Beechtrees children’s respite care home in Wellington is being prepared by Somerset Council to be used as a new supported living home for adults with learning disabilities and autism. This week, Discovery, a not-for-profit care and support provider based in Somerset, agreed a long-term lease on the site. Work is underway to adapt the building to provide a safe, suitable, and welcoming home for individuals requiring specialised support for independent living. The new service is scheduled to open in January 2027.
This initiative will bring an important local building back into use while creating high-quality accommodation for some of Somerset's most vulnerable residents. The location offers good access to public transport and local amenities, which will support residents in integrating with the wider community. Discovery already provides support services across Somerset for people with learning disabilities and autism, including supported living, short breaks, and outreach.
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"This is a positive step for Wellington and for Somerset. Beechtrees is a council-owned building which is currently out of use, so I am pleased that it will once again play an important role in supporting people in our community. The new home will support adults with learning disabilities and autism to live in a safe, suitable and well-connected setting, with the right care around them. Everyone deserves the chance to live in a place they can call home, close to local services and opportunities."
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"We are pleased to be partnering with Somerset Council on plans for Beechtrees. This development will provide a welcoming home where people with a learning disability and, or, autistic adults can enjoy greater independence while remaining close to the people and community that matter most to them."
Somerset Council will continue to collaborate with Discovery as the building's plans are developed. Further details will be shared with residents, councillors, and stakeholders as the renovation progresses.
