Introduction

Howestead Lodge is situated West of Newcastle, in a residential area just off the A69.  It is adjacent to several bus routes into the city centre.  It is a large detached house with an equally large garden, and it is a similar type of house to others in the same road. 
It has the appearance of being what it is, a generously proportioned family home, and there is nothing on the outside or for that matter inside to suggest it is, in any way, institutionalised.

Howestead Lodge sits in a large enclosed garden, comprising of a safe paved play area, a five-a-side football pitch / netball court and generally grassed recreational area.  It has a separate area with a tree swing, and has a small market garden area supplying fresh vegetables for some of the year.  This contributes, we feel, towards the overall feeling of homeliness, space, and freedom within an emotionally secure home base.

Howestead Lodge is furnished and decorated in a similar way as to that found in any other average home, and is representative of our policy of maintaining a family type environment. 

Howestead Lodge has eight light and airy bedrooms, all of which are single rooms and like the rest of the house are double glazed and centrally heated.  All have fitted wardrobes with internal / external security.  In addition to ample bathroom and toilet facilities there is a large dining room in which all members of the household eat their meals together.  This we feel adds to the sense of belonging to a family.  There is also a large games room comprising of pool table and computer facilities.  We positively encourage the children or young people to use the kitchen and laundry facilities, thus helping to prepare them towards independent living.

Howestead Lodge is approximately 10 minutes bus ride from Newcastle City Centre which is linked by the Metro system to the coast – about 25 minutes away.  We are 10 minutes away from our nearest neighbour, Gateshead, and 15 minutes from Northumberland.  There are many local facilities for additional recreation, swimming pools, bowling alleys, cinemas and various sports complexes.

We organise many of our own leisure activities, whilst at the same time encouraging all of the children or young persons to both use and take part in the many and varied local interests.

There are 4 schools, a training college, and a careers office within a 5 minute car or bus journey unless there are special circumstances we would look to place all our children or young people with one of these establishments.  Hopefully, our young people meet others and make friends, who in turn are welcome into our home.  Meeting with a varied group of contemporaries alleviates the risk of growing-up in a narrow confined environment.  Always mindful that our children or young people may only be with us for a relatively short period, they are encouraged to live and cope with the ways and needs of society at whatever age level.  If one of our children or young people is temporarily excluded from school, education will be provided at Howestead Lodge. 

The Howestead Lodge Ltd Care Staff recruitment and selection procedures adhere to the guidelines and recommendations of the Warner Report “ Choosing with Care”. 

Howestead Lodge Ltd has a suitable qualified and experienced Social Work Consultant.

In order to preserve the privacy and minimise the stigmatisation, the twelve care staff have two vehicles, one a “people carrier” type vehicle, at their disposal.  This enables us to go out in smaller groups, giving us the flexibility to transport children to and from school as well as many other venues.

We encourage all of the children or young people to take part in daily tasks and teach them to be caring and thoughtful towards each other.  Staff endeavour to be good role models for children or young people by treating everyone with courtesy and respect.