- Service will support individuals with autism, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions
- Former farmhouse converted into three self-contained flats to promote independence
- Designed with person-centred care at its heart, including a sensory garden and dedicated life skills programmes
Priory, the UK’s largest independent provider of mental health and adult social care services, has officially opened a new residential service in Burnley specialising in care for people with autism and learning disabilities.
Priory Hillside, which comprises three self-contained flats for people aged 17 and above, was opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Priory chief executive Rebekah Cresswell and non-executive director Dr Olu Olasode.
The service can also support people with a mental health diagnosis or personality disorder, challenging behaviour, communication difficulties, or conditions such as epilepsy and Prader–Willi syndrome.
All residents at Hillside, which has been converted from an old farmhouse, receive dedicated, person-centred care plans to help them develop life skills — including cooking, cleaning and self-care — and to live as independently as possible within a community setting.
Staff specialise in positive behaviour support (PBS), an evidence-based approach designed to help people with autism and learning disabilities. PBS has been rolled out across Priory’s residential and supported living services, leading to a 51% reduction in placement breakdowns since 2019.
We’ve worked incredibly hard to open this service and recruit a dedicated team with the right skills, values and experience to support each individual we care for. The staff have come together brilliantly – they’re compassionate, capable, and committed – and I’m proud of what we’ve already achieved, and excited about what we’ll continue to achieve together.
Rachel, the first person to move into Hillside, took part in the official opening. She said: “I am delighted to officially open the service, and I am looking forward to being supported by the amazing staff who work here.”
Priory’s work to transform care for autistic people and people with a learning disability was recognised at the HSJ Independent Provider Awards 2025 earlier this year, highlighting the successful transition of 85 patients with complex autism from hospitals (run by Priory, the NHS and other providers) into residential or supported living services like Priory Hillside.
Rebekah Cresswell, chief executive of Priory, said: “We are really proud to open Hillside, which is a service designed not only to offer safety and support, but also the freedom for individuals to grow, thrive, and live with independence.
“From the sensory garden to the individual flats and life skills programmes, every aspect has been developed with person-centred care at its heart. We look forward to helping our residents build confidence, achieve their goals, and take the next important steps in their journeys.”