Haydock Respite Centre, the new, purpose-built centre for children and young people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities has opened its doors.
Watch the welcome video above.
Ealing Council commissioned Action for Children to run this new short breaks service, which caters for those between eight and 18 years of age.
The Haydock Respite Centre in Haydock Avenue, Northolt, was built on the site of disused garages and provides a supported, safe, spacious and warm respite home environment.
It allows young people to have time away from home and to make new friends, while also giving their family a break from caring. They can even stay overnight.
A home from home service
The building boasts an open plan dining area and living room, an adapted bathroom with tracking, bedrooms and a sensory room and a large outdoor space with wheelchair access. There is also plenty on offer for leisure and play times, giving those using it space and safety to move around in a home-style environment. The centre also caters for the specific food requirements of each person.
Emily Evans, the council’s children’s services manager, said: “Our aim for the service is for children to come here and make friends in a safe place that feels like home. We want to be able to nurture their transition to adulthood so they will learn independent living skills whilst they are here.
“We want to give them every opportunity that a non-disabled child takes for granted.”
Relaxed and welcome
Parents and carers of children and young people with additional needs worked with the council and Action for Children throughout the project.
Bernardette, one of the parents who have been involved, said: “It’s amazing to see what a wonderful job they have done. Looking around, the facility is incredible and the standard and the quality of everything; and the thought that has gone into each of the bedrooms, the sensory room and the calm room is fantastic. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families in Ealing and I know that the children are just going to absolutely love it.”
One of the residential support workers at the centre, Maria, said: “My aim is to make the children feel comfortable when they come through the doors. We want it to be a home from home. I hope when every child or young person comes here that they feel very relaxed and welcome.”
‘Everything we had hoped for’
Councillor Binda Rai, the council’s cabinet member for health and adult services, said: “It is everything we had hoped for, and it’s amazing to see this new facility finally completed. The feedback and engagement from parents has been very positive and supportive. I want to especially thank the parents and the staff who have been involved in the design of the centre from the very beginning.”
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