Children and Young People
West House appreciates that every family is unique and requires different services at different times. With this in mind, Wild West Children’s Services has been designed in a way that offers families a variety of care and support options.
Services can be mixed and matched at different times including weekends and evenings to suit the needs of the family.
We can offer children and young people from ages 8-18 years:
- Respite care
- Short Breaks
- Family support
- Alternative education/ Curriculum
Where fun comes first!
Children love activity and outdoor play, exploring new places and experiencing new things. We can support your child in accessing a wide range of community-based services and experiencing a range of new activities.
Our staff will work with you to plan and arrange activity sessions and outings using local facilities. Sessions will be tailored to meet your child’s individual needs and interests in a way that will engage them, encourage their development and provide opportunities for them to meet with and play with other children. But most of all to have fun!
West House is funded by Cumbria County Council to offer a short breaks service to families of children and young people with a disability between the ages of 0-19 years at both Wild West in Cockermouth and The Elms respite home in Workington. We also run youth clubs in Whitehaven, Workington and Cockermouth and can provide services ehere there is an identified need.
We offer this service in Allerdale and Copeland. The service is for children and young people who have difficulty in accessing universal services and provision.

Wild West Children’s Service is part of the West House Community Activities and is committed to delivering its services in line with the core principles of Every Child Matters – this means that at all times your child will be supported in:
Being
Healthy
Staying
Safe
Enjoying &
Achieving
Making a
Contribution
Economic
Wellbeing
Our Centres
Wild West
Wild West is our Ofsted registered play centre on the outskirts of Cockermouth. Wild West is specifically for children with disabilities. It provides a safe, fun and non-judgmental environment for children and young people.
Sessions available:
- Soft playroom: your child will be supported 1:1 to play in a safe area
- Messy arts and crafts
- Play and learn
- Fun and games
- Outdoor play
- Family session: meet other families in a relaxed environment
The Elms
The Elms is our residential children’s respite home for children and young people from ages 8 to 18. Children can enjoy a short break, staying with their friends and have fun in a safe and nurturing environment.
