A home for young people with autism and severe learning disabilities, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Garreglwyd, which run by Carmarthenshire County Council, is a residential facility enables young people with complex needs to live in a fully supported environment that is close to their families and communities.

Based at Maes Y Gwendraeth school in Drefach it is one of only a few local authority residential homes for young people with complex needs in Wales.

It was established 10 years ago as a partnership between the council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, to ensure that young people who need such support can continue to live close to home in regular contact with their families, and to have their health, education and social needs met within Carmarthenshire.

Cllr Glynog Davies, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said,

“It was a pleasure to visit Garreglwyd as they celebrated their 10th anniversary, and to see young people and their families who have been supported by our staff at this wonderful facility.

Over the last 10 years, we have been pleased to support nine young people with complex needs who have been able to stay in Carmarthenshire close to their families. Providing care and learning in this way is a Welsh Government priority, and we are pleased to be offering this service for Carmarthenshire residents.”

Former residents were among those Invited to Garreglwyd’s celebration event and they attended with their families along with staff from the past and present.

They had the opportunity to see new facilities recently installed at Garreglwyd, including a new sensory play area to stimulate learning and improve skills.

The council’s Director of Education and Children’s services, Gareth Morgans, also attended.

“It was lovely to see families and former staff return for the celebrations,” he said. “Garreglwyd is a fantastic facility and the staff do wonderful work to support young people with a range of complex needs.”