Enter and view: Belgrave Terrace

Healthwatch South Tyneside undertook an Enter and View visit to Belgrave Terrace, a specialist care home in South Shields, on 4 February 2026. The visit formed part of a wider programme requested by South Tyneside Council’s Quality Team to gather independent feedback on how residents experience care and quality of life in specialist homes, rather than in response to specific concerns. 

Belgrave Terrace provides person‑centred support to adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs, including dual diagnoses involving mental health. The home accommodates eight residents in a large Victorian property with communal spaces, private bedrooms and outdoor areas, and aims to promote independence, social inclusion and community participation. 

Seven residents took part in a survey during the visit, and overall feedback was positive. All residents said they were treated well by staff, and most said they felt safe and were happy with their care and support. Comments frequently described staff as supportive, kind and responsive to residents’ needs. One resident reported feeling unsafe due to restrictions on independent outings and issues with another resident, highlighting an area requiring attention. 

Residents described a range of activities they enjoyed, including shopping, bowling, meals out, beach trips and holidays, with a trip to Egypt in 2024 mentioned repeatedly as a highlight. However, views about in‑house activities were mixed, with some residents wanting more encouragement to develop independence and skills such as cooking, while others felt there were few organised activities at home. 

Understanding and involvement in care planning was inconsistent. Several residents were unsure whether they had a care plan or reported limited contact with social workers, suggesting that care planning processes were not always explained in an accessible way. Despite this, many residents said they were content living at Belgrave Terrace and valued the homely environment, personal freedom and their bedrooms, particularly those with sea views. 

No relatives or friends returned surveys, although one resident who was absent wrote a letter expressing very positive feelings about the home, describing it as welcoming, safe and accepting, with staff who genuinely care. Observations by Healthwatch staff noted a clean, bright and well‑equipped environment, welcoming staff, and evidence of residents being supported to pursue individual preferences and independence. 

The report concludes that residents’ experiences at Belgrave Terrace were largely positive, with strong relationships between staff and residents and meaningful activities available. However, it identifies the need for clearer communication about care plans and continued work to support independence and address individual concerns. The provider responded positively, confirming actions to improve residents’ understanding of care plans and reaffirming their commitment to achieving residents’ goals and aspirations.