A Wirral care home run by Autism Together is up for a trio of awards after being named “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission.

Built in the grounds of Raby Hall, Bromborough, The Willows is the only North West care home to receive an “outstanding” acolade from the CQC and has now reached the finals of three national award schemes as a result.

Able to accommodate eight people on the autism spectrum, The Willows is a project of Autism Together - the new name for Wirral Autistic Society - and has been praised for its “effective” and “caring” service.

The home has been designed to be a perfect environment for people at the severe end of the autism spectrum – with curved, extra-wide corridors reduce claustrophobia, a lowered ceiling to minimise echoes, communal facilities to encourage socialising and en suite bathrooms to ensure privacy are just some of the features to make a big difference to their quality of life.

Manager of The Willows, Trudie Konrad, said: “We have 33 staff working here on rotas.

“It’s hard work and we’re challenged every single say but the team are fantastic. They never give up, they support each other and they take enormous pride in working in this special building.”

Former Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez and his wife Montse provided their support for building the facility through a fundraising campaign which raised more than £800,000.

Chief executive of Autism Together Robin Bush said: “The Willows isn’t just another care home, it’s a whole new model of autism-specific care.

“It’s only a few years since the reign of terror at a care home in Bristol was exposed by the BBC. Experts have argued that such antiquated institutions need to be closed down and they’re right.

“What we’ve created at The Willows is a homely environment where very vulnerable people have the best possible chance of a good life.

“I’m incredibly proud of our care team – they deserve to win these awards.”