Cutting edge facilities to benefit more service users
Plans to modernise services for people with learning disabilities in Neath Port Talbot have taken a major step forward this week. Councillors have approved a proposal to relocate Cadoxton Special Needs Day Service to the new Trem y Môr building which is due to open on Aberavon Seafront this year.
This means that more people with learning disabilities will benefit from the purpose built facility than originally planned.
Cadoxton Special Needs Day Centre is no longer able to meet the needs and aspirations of today’s service users. Whilst the quality of care delivered by staff is not in question, the building is tired and outdated.
With this in mind, a consultation took place on options for relocating the service. Feedback from this included the suggestion that service users should, on occasion, be taken from the day centre to use the brand new facilities in Trem y Môr.
This prompted officers to rethink the proposal and investigate the viability of relocating the day service to Trem y Môr full time. It was found that with slight modifications to the planned changing and personal care facilities, both the short break and day services could be accommodated within the new building. A further 30 day consultation on this proposal followed.
Trem y Môr is a modern short break facility for people with learning disabilities and complex needs. It has been built to a high specification and facilities include sensory rooms, soft play areas, a sunken trampoline area and an Arjo Jacuzzi bath. The building has level access and is within easy reach of other community facilities. It has been specifically designed for people with learning disabilities.
When the service moves, service users from Cadoxton will benefit by continuing to receive their local day service within the county borough in a purpose built environment. There will also be continuity of care as the day service will continue to be managed by the Council and operated by Council staff.
Leader of Neath Port Talbot, Councillor Ali Thomas said:
“The Council is committed to supporting people with disabilities and those who care for them by ensuring that they have access to high quality facilities which are tailored to meet their specific needs.
“When complete, Trem y Môr will be one of the most cutting edge facilities in the country for people with learning disabilities. We want to make sure that as many people as possible can benefit from this excellent resource.
“This move will maintain the quality of service and dignity in care that that service users have come to expect, but will help us to improve our special needs day service provision as it will be delivered in a local venue with modern facilities”.
It is expected that Cadoxton day service will relocate to Trem y Môr in Spring 2014.
Additional notes
- Cadoxton Local Day Service in Neath provides day care for adults from across Neath Port Talbot who have severe learning disabilities and who might also have physical disabilities and sensory impairments.
- A range of activities are provided in the centre and out in the Community. Some of these are leisure based, whilst others are therapeutic or help people to improve their basic life skills.
- The service is usually open Monday to Friday for most of the year
