A new day and respite service for adults with a learning disability in Swansea has been officially opened by Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Social Services Cllr Nick Tregoning.
Woodlands has been developed by Swansea Council in partnership with the Community Lives Consortium and Coastal Housing.
This is the first time a facility of this kind has been available within the Swansea area whereas previously people have had to travel outside the area.
The day service will accommodate up to eight people and the respite service has three beds.
Both services employ a specially trained staff team and are specifically designed for adults with a learning disability who require additional support in order to make relationships with others.
The new services enable the users to have time and space to themselves when this is needed and to undertake activities with others as they feel able.
The day service will be used as a base from which they will be supported to access activities and facilities in the community.
The respite service will enable family carers to have a break from caring activities whilst providing the individual with opportunities to develop some skills for independence.
The service has taken several years of planning and building to make sure it meets the needs of adults with a learning disability now and in years to come. It has been completed by Coastal Housing Group to the specification of CLC and Swansea Council commission places for individuals it supports.
Carol Rea, Swansea Council Principal Officer for Learning Disability Services, said: “Through working with our partners we have added to the range of provision available locally.
“This will minimize the number of adults with a learning disability who have to travel outside the area to receive the services they need and enables services to grow in line with local demands.”
Cllr Tregoning said: “As a Local Authority we recognise the need to work with partners to benefit people in Swansea who need specialised support.
“I’m delighted to see this development open and meet the specialised needs of service users whose carers expressed the desire to get help closer to home.”
