Cabrini House provides a home-from-home for adults with learning disabilities. It is based in a private road in Orpington, Kent, in the London Borough of Bromley. We provide support and care for our residents who have a range of needs so that they can flourish and lead fulfilling lives. Cabrini House is rated Good by CQC.

Learn more about Cabrini House by getting in touch or read on to hear from registered Manager, Claire Morlham. 

For all residential enquiries please call our placements line on 01689 891401 or email residential@diagrama.org

An introduction to Cabrini House by Registered Manager, Claire Morlham

Claire was a semi-professional Latin American dancer and a member of a formation team.  She had always seen her career being in the dance profession and she wanted to be a choreographer. But whilst she was a student Claire took a job in the care sector, she enjoyed this work so much she has never left. She has worked at Cabrini House for 16 years.

“At my previous job, I worked on the spinal injuries unit at a large nursing home. The people we were supporting had just come from specialist hospital after their lives had been completely changed due to their injuries. This is where it really struck me to think outside the box and ways to adapt the person’s environment to aid their independence.

“I have always described life at Cabrini as the Cabrini rollercoaster. You never know what sort of day it’s going to be every day is different,  I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“For example, during Covid-19 lockdown the world outside was in a horrible situation but here at Cabrini we managed to shield our residents from the worst of it, to make the time as fun as possible. We had no choice but to stay here and make our own entertainment.

“This time it was so hard for the families not to be able to come in and see their family members but the spirit here was really good. The community rallied round for us and everyone played their part – when I went to do my own shopping, I’d always have a shopping list for the residents too so they would be able to buy the items they need and wanted too.

“A lot of that was down to the staff team, who are absolutely amazing. They really came together; helped each other out and nothing was ever too much trouble. I can’t speak highly enough of their creativity and professionalism especially as we was all living through such a scary worrying time.

“Seeing positive change and growth in residents is really fulfilling, it’s what brings you to work every morning. Just the other week, I was having  a horrible day just really busy with so many thinks to do, I popped into one of the houses for a change of scenery before tackling my next task. One of the residents was in a playful mood and she came over to me chatting, she was laughing so hard there were tears in her eyes. This completely made my day and totally lifted my mood. And this is exactly why I do this job.

“My children have been visiting Cabrini House since they were babies they have always spent time with the people we support. Cabrini House is such a big part of my life.

“When Diagrama took over, the care we offer here changed and became a lot more people-centered across the whole site. We promote as much independence as possible  to give the residents ownership over their decisions and choices

“Now I have made the move from the support side to the Registered Manager , I spend less time in the houses with the residents than I would like as I do miss that close contact. Not that it stops the residents popping in to see me in the office, even if in in a meeting  they will still pop in and just join the meeting  to  say hello!

“I couldn’t imagine doing my job anywhere else.”

Find out more about Cabrini House, call 0203 137 2378 and speak to our friendly team.