Orchard Vale Trust is a parent led organisation. Parents and relatives have made the following comments regarding the care and support that Orchard Vale Trust offer their relatives.

Our daughter was one of the original residents at Orchard Vale Trust's first house, East Court. After the initial relief of finding a permanent home for where she could have a happy, busy and useful life for her whole life, we began to realise that OVT was giving her not only expert care but almost all the things that a young woman would need to lead as normal a life as possible. She regards East Court as her home and the other residents and the staff as members of her own family. She loves to come home and stay with us but she's always happy to return. It is very reassuring for us to know that she is busy, happy, concerned for her friends and that she will continue to live a full and fulfilled life at OVT even when we are no longer around.

Our son came to East Court after a 2 year stay at Lufton Manor, the residential training unit operated by Royal Mencap at Lufton near Yeovil.

We spent a long time searching for a place which he could consider as his home in the full sense of the word. What we sought was a comfortable base, where not only was there accommodation but also friendship from other residents and staff, and very important, the opportunity for our son to have a job in the outside world. All these requirements have been met.

He has his own bedroom and bathroom, furnished to his taste. Three days a week he works at a restaurant and one day at a hotel. A day is reserved for his 'at home' duties, while Saturday he gives to visiting and shopping. Bristol and Yeovil are within his range as a change from Wells. All in all East Court has really been a wonderful answer to our family need.

'Before having the support of Orchard Vale Trust, our son was frustrated, agitated, aggressive and very unhappy... he is now calm, hard working, far more communicative and happy. We will always be grateful to the dedicated staff at St Chad’s and Ferndale for the excellent quality of life he now enjoys.'

'At St. Chad’s, as with all the other Orchard Vale Trust homes, the Residents live in a warm, homely atmosphere and are involved with all the activities associated with normal home life. The understanding and friendly environment... offers all Residents the chance to reach their full potential.'

'There has been a remarkable improvement in my son’s behaviour... I can sleep peacefully in the knowledge that he is being well cared for and supported. Friends and relatives are amazed when visiting the home for social events at the lovely surroundings and environment that the Residents live in.'