We believe real understanding comes from both training and lived experience. That’s why one of our core team is a qualified Trauma‑Informed Trainer who has personal, lived experience of trauma. This unique insight enriches our care approach.
All staff receive Trauma‑Informed training as a standard part of their induction, so everyone shares the same foundation of skills and knowledge. We’re committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and responsive environment where young people are supported in ways that respect their past, honour their healing, and help them feel truly understood.
We are proud to have a dedicated, in‑house Mental Health Practitioner who works closely with both young people and our staff. As a fully therapeutic service, our approach is built on understanding, healing, and collaboration.
This Practitioner provides regular assessments, emotional support, and therapeutic guidance, while also supporting staff with training, reflective practice, and wellbeing. Our goal is to ensure that everyone in our home has the mental health care, tools, and safe environment they need to grow and recover.
We have two trained counsellors within our core team who are here to support each young person on a regular basis. They offer individual counselling sessions, help build coping strategies, and support emotional wellbeing. They also work closely with staff to guide therapeutic practice and ensure consistency in care.
Our counsellors contribute to care planning and risk assessment, help with managing trauma, loss, or emotional challenges, and provide a safe, confidential space for young people to express themselves. All of this is part of our commitment to being a fully therapeutic service, ensuring every young person receives the emotional support they need to heal and thrive.
We have an experienced ASN Practitioner as a member of our management team who specialises in supporting young people with a range of additional support needs. They are skilled in understanding learning differences, sensory needs, communication challenges, and neurodivergence.
They work directly with our young people to ensure their individual needs are recognised and supported in their daily routines and care plans. They also lead staff training to build skills and confidence across all levels of the team—helping staff understand how to adapt practice, use appropriate communication tools, and promote inclusion for every child.
With this expertise in‑house, we’re able to provide more personalised, responsive care.
We understand that the foundation of effective care lies in the relationships we build. That's why we place a strong emphasis on Continuity of Care, ensuring that young people are supported by a consistent team of familiar faces.
Familiarity with caregivers allows young people to feel secure and understood, which is especially crucial for those who have experienced trauma or instability in the past. When staff members are consistent, they can better anticipate needs, recognise subtle changes in behaviour, and provide timely interventions. This continuity fosters a sense of safety and belonging. Moreover, consistent staff interactions lead to deeper trust and stronger bonds. This trust enhances the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and promotes a collaborative approach to care planning.
We believe that connections made here don’t end when a young person moves on. Even after leaving Benesse Care, we aim to keep relationships alive—trusted staff remain available, visits back are welcomed, and we stay in touch in ways that support ongoing well‑being. Our commitment is that young people know they’re not forgotten, that the support doesn’t stop with their departure, and that they always have a safe place and caring people to lean on.
Our physical environment has been carefully shaped to nurture wellbeing and support recovery. We offer:
We believe healing isn’t just about therapy and care plans—it’s also about feeling at peace in the spaces you live in. Our spaces are more than just rooms—they’re part of what helps young people feel seen, respected, and ready to grow.
We operate with two members of staff on duty as standard, including overnight shifts, to ensure consistent support. However, this is only a baseline—we adjust staffing levels flexibly according to age, developmental stage, and the specific requirements outlined in each young person’s care plan and risk assessment.
When needed, we deploy extra resources to meet higher levels of need. This may include waking nights, additional core staff, or supplementary day‑shift cover. We also maintain contingency plans to cover staff absences (due to sickness, training, or emergencies) so there is no gap in care. Staff assigned to higher‑support situations are trained and experienced, and leadership oversight ensures safe staffing, continuity, and high standards at all times.
We are committed to the ongoing growth and excellence of our team through Continuous Professional Development. Every member of staff participates in regular training — both internal workshops and external courses — to ensure they stay up‑to‑date, skilled, and confident in providing high quality care.
We use a blend of:
This standard CPD includes refreshers on best practice, updates on regulatory changes, learning new techniques, and developing skills in areas such as emotional wellbeing, additional support needs, safeguarding, de-escalation and communication.
By ensuring that CPD is part of every staff member’s journey, we aim to improve outcomes for young people, enhance staff confidence and competence, maintain compliance, and create a culture of continuous learning and care.
Located at the foot of Loch Lomond, Woodlands House offers a unique environment where nature plays a central role in healing and wellbeing. Surrounded by woodlands, loch shores, and abundant wildlife, our setting helps provide calm, peace, and regular opportunities for fresh air and outdoor connection — all of which support emotional and mental recovery.
We're also conveniently placed close to all important transport links, making visits from family, social workers, and other support services easier. This mix of accessibility and tranquillity ensures young people can benefit from a nurturing, restorative environment without isolation.
Choosing Woodlands House means choosing a location that balances the serenity of nature with the practicality of connectivity — a place where young people can grow, explore, and heal in surroundings that truly support their journey.