KILVE Court is providing a haven for the county’s most vulnerable young people and adults during the coronavirus lockdown.

Along with the Charterhouse Centre on the Mendips, it is one of two of Somerset County Council’s Outdoor Centres (SSE Outdoors) opening its doors to young people most in need of a safe and reassuring space.  

The grounds of Kilve are also being used as a safe place for vulnerable adults to take their daily exercise.

With the pressures of the lockdown, reduced attendance at school and the uncertainties created by coronavirus, the outdoor centres have been providing respite care for young people and their carers, and emergency placements when they are needed.

Since March 24, the day after the lockdown began, the centres have worked with 43 young people providing both day visits and overnight stays with more than 1,000 meals served.

As well as working closely with children’s services, the centres are also linking with adult social care.

“Normally at this time of year our centres would be welcoming around 400 children a week for residential visits,” said Cllr Frances Nicholson, lead member for children’s services.

“During the current health emergency, activities are still being provided for young people with centre staff working closely with social workers, the Family Intervention Service, the ‘virtual school for children looked after’, and the emotional health and wellbeing team to provide a comprehensive package of support for young people and families

“Staff have worked immensely hard to change the focus of the outdoor centres to provide space and safety for vulnerable children, young people and their families at this very difficult time.”

The young visitors’ needs vary from a chance to run around outside to day activities for those moving from care. Social distancing is practised so the spaces remain safe.

SSE Outdoors has also been providing, free of charge, specialised equipment such as stimulus lights, ‘safe place tents’ and off-road wheelchairs to children with special educational needs and or disability and their families.