Steady Hands Care is a short-stay residential service providing therapeutic, activity-based 28-day placements for children and young people aged 8 to 18. Designed for those in transition, crisis, or requiring stabilization, Steady Hands Care offers a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where every child can pause, heal, and take the next step forward.

Our Approach

Our placements are delivered in child-centered holiday homes that promote comfort, reflection, and meaningful engagement through planned routines and activities. We support children presenting with emotional and behavioral difficulties, attachment trauma, risk-taking behaviors, and disrupted care journeys. Each young person receives a tailored care and activity plan shaped by their needs, interests, and goals.

Steady Hands Care is a dedicated service provider offering a range of flexible and person-centered care and support for young people. Our primary aim is to help children and young people navigate the challenges they face, empowering them to achieve positive outcomes, reach their potential, and develop the skills necessary for a successful future. We specialize in providing a safe and nurturing environment where young people can grow, learn, and thrive through a variety of structured activities, life skills development, and tailored care plans.

Local Attractions

Our residential home sits in the Borough of Knowsley, Merseyside. This location offers convenient access to a variety of active, sensory, and educational day-placement venues suitable for children and young people

 

 Immediate Local Attractions (Under 10 Minutes Away)

Acorn Farm

  • Location: Depot Road, Kirkby - 5 mins Drive
  • Activities: A 4 - Hectare working community farm featuring livestock (pigs, goats, sheep, horses), small animal petting sessions, pony rides, sensory woodland walks, and outdoor play areas.
  • Placement Suitability: Excellent for younger children or those with sensory processing needs, building empathy with animals, and gentle outdoor activity.

Volair Kirkby / Kirkby Leisure Centre

  • Location: Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby - 5 mins drive
  • Activities: 25 - metre swimming pool with adjustable floor and splash pad, Clip 'n Climb walls, soft play area, indoor sports hall (badminton, football), and a dedicated sensory room.
  • Placement Suitability: Ideal for structured sports coaching, water confidence, low-stress physical burn-off, and high-energy indoor climbing in a safe, monitored setting.

Mill Dam Park & Environmental Centre

  • Location: Mill Lane, Kirkby - 5 Mins drive/ walkable
  • Activities: Angling lake, outdoor play areas, green space for sports/football, and nature trails.
  • Placement Suitability: Low-cost, high-yield location for outdoor physical activities, team-building games, or simple walking/grounding trips.

 

Adventure & High-Energy Outings (10-20 Minutes Away)

Knowsley Safari Park

  • Location: Prescot - 15 mins drive down M57/A58
  • Activities: A 5-mile safari drive, foot safari, sea loin shows, high-ropes, and animal talks. They also offer a "Baboon Bus" option if using transport where vehicle damage may be a concern.
  • Placement Suitability: Excellent reward outing, providing high engagement and sensory stimulation while staying mostly contained within vehicles or structured footpaths.

The Climbing Hangar (Liverpool North)

  • Location: Birchall Street, Aintree/Bootle - 10-12 mins drive
  • Activities: Indoor bouldering, youth coaching clubs ( Rock Club Junior/Mini), and structured climbing sessions.
  • Placement Suitability: Fantastic for older children and teenagers (ages 8-17) to build confidence, focus, problem-solving, and emotional resilience through physical activity.

Ninja Warrior UK & Air Unlimited/ Bounce House

  • Location: Aintree/Liverpool North - 10-15 mins drive
  • Activities: Inflatable obstacle courses, trampoline parks, wall running, and wipeout challenges.
  • Placement Suitability: High-energy physical releases for children who need expend energy in a structured, soft-impact environment.

 

Experimental & Learning Based Outings (15-25 Minutes Away)

Imagine That

  • Location: Wavertree - 20 mins drive
  • Activities: Hands-on science, slime making, construction zone, and interactive art studios
  • Placement Suitability: Primary age (3-11)

Otterspool Adventure 

  • Location: South Liverpool - 25 mins drive
  • Activities: Outdoor go-karts, mini-golf, bouncy pillows, and adventure play.
  • Placement Suitability: All ages/ Outdoor day trip

World Museum & Planetarium

  • Location: Liverpool City Centre - 20 mins drive/ direct train via Kirkby station
  • Activities: Indoor science, aquarium, bug house, and space shows.
  • Placement Suitability: Structured educational reward days

Practical considerations for Children in Care

  • Concessions & Pass schemes: Knowsley Council and Volair often offer looked-after children (LAC) leisure passes for free or discounted swimming and gym access. 
  • Travel: Our residential home is within a 6-minute walk of Kirkby Railway station and close to Headbolt Lane Station, providing direct public transport links into Liverpool Central if cars/minibuses are unavailable.
  • Sensory Considerations: Venues like Kirkby Lesuire Centre and Acorn Farm both feature designated quiet/sensory spaces, making them suitable for children who may experience emotional overload in louder, busier environments.