Darville Farm House

We are pleased to introduce Alex Powell, the Registered Manager of Darville Farmhouse. Alex has been an integral part of the Unique Care Group for several years, previously running one of our smaller homes.  Alex is proud to lead a diverse team that shares a commitment to excellence and the same core values.

Alex is deeply passionate about enabling young people to achieve the best possible outcomes, regardless of the challenges they may face. Believing that every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, Alex is honoured to play a key role in supporting their journeys.

With 15 years of experience in the childcare sector across various settings, Alex has developed a strong focus on providing high-quality care in residential environments. This experience has further reinforced the importance of creating safe, nurturing spaces where young people can thrive.

At Darville Farmhouse, Alex leads a highly skilled team, all of whom are dedicated to providing a home-from-home experience for the young people in their care. Each team member brings unique qualities and strengths to their roles, and together, they consistently strive for excellence. Their commitment to delivering the highest standard of care is inspiring.

The progress and achievements made at Darville Farmhouse are a testament to the hard work of both the team and, most importantly, the young people in our care. As Darville Farmhouse continues to grow, Alex and the team are excited about the future, ensuring that every young person receives the care and support they deserve.

About Darville Farmhouse

Darville Farmhouse was originally constructed in 1905, located in the historic town of Shrewsbury, set within approximately 4.5 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. The property has undergone careful renovation, including the conversion of traditional outbuildings that are used for creative recreation and extracurricular activities. These thoughtfully developed spaces complement the home's capacity to provide high-quality care and support for young people. The ground floor of Darville Farmhouse features a large kitchen and dining area, two lounges, two staff offices (one located adjacent to the home), along with a sensory room and messy playroom situated in the outbuildings. The surrounding grounds are expansively laid to lawn, offering a serene yet stimulating environment.

The environment at Darville Farmhouse is designed to be physically safe and appropriately secure, tailored to meet the diverse needs of the young people in our care. The interior is decorated in therapeutically neutral colours, with an emphasis on creating a calm, homely atmosphere. With the guidance of their parents and/or social workers, young people are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms to reflect their individual sensory needs, preferences, and interests. The home respects these preferences in areas such as room colour, curtains, duvet sets, furnishings, toys and visual aids to enhance understanding. Bedrooms are adjusted according to individual risk assessments to ensure comfort and safety.

The children’s home and its gardens are furnished to create a peaceful yet enriching environment, with a wealth of resources to support the well-being and development of each young person. Darville Farmhouse functions as a residential care facility, offering support to children and young people of both genders.  This provision caters to young people with learning disabilities, including those with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and co-occurring needs such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, (ADHD), dyslexia, anxiety disorders, attachment conditions, Down syndrome, and emotional difficulties. We are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment that addresses the unique needs of each young person, promoting both personal growth and well-being.