At Grovebrook House day service we provide a welcoming low-arousal environment where adults with autism and Asperger syndrome take part in a wide range of classes and activities. With our support they practise their social skills in a meaningful way, both at the centre and in the community, and develop their interests, becoming increasingly confident and independent.

Environment and facilities

At Grovebrook House we have excellent facilities for people with autism, enabling them to have plenty of space and take part in a wide range of activities. They can use large social, activity and art rooms, a paved sensory garden, a sensory room, kitchen and dining rooms, a communication room, an ICT room, an office and a workroom.

Grovebrook House is in the small village of Whetstone, six miles from Leicester. This is a rural area with lovely country walks and the National Forest is only eight miles away - but we also have excellent local amenities in the village, including shops, cafes and pubs. There is a good bus service into Leicester itself, and a short drive away there is a bowling alley, swimming pool, leisure centre and horse-riding centre.

Leisure and learning activities

Each person using our day service has their own programme of activities. At Grovebrook House itself these include:

  • art and craft
  • music
  • cookery and baking
  • information and communication technology
  • vocational development and office work
  • gardening
  • gym and keep fit.


We also encourage the people we support to take part in activities in the community, including:

  • education
  • shopping
  • visiting pubs and cafes
  • bowling
  • swimming and sports
  • visiting museums and galleries.

Person-centred support

We work with each person and their support network to decide what support they need and to put together a plan which reflects their interests and goals. We encourage people using our day service to be actively involved in developing their support package by attending meetings and expressing their wishes and concerns.

We support people's communication and learning needs using well established strategies such as TEACCH, SPELL, PECS, Signalong and Makaton.

Our team

Our staff are all qualified and experienced in supporting people with autism. They work closely with their colleagues at Leicester College, who provide curriculum support, and with the specialist teaching service Autism Outreach, who provide specialist educational support. We also have partnerships with LEAT employment and Leicester Frith Hospital.