Bridgend Council’s Cabinet will discuss a report on a set of options for day services in the county (pdf).
Day services are used by residents with learning disabilities, living with conditions like dementia – or are otherwise frail – to socialise and develop/maintain skills.
Day services for those with the most complex needs are run “in-house” at the Bridgend Resource Centre (BRC) in Waterton. Some day services are run by partnership organisations. These include the B-Leaf (pictured above) and Wood-B work-based training schemes for adults with learning disabilities (run by Awen Cultural Trust), Employability Bridgend and supported living providers.
“Pathway to Wellbeing”
BCBC’s proposed new approach features what is described as a “Pathway to Wellbeing”, with levels of care and support decreasing as service users are able to live more independently.
The support will also be matched to a person’s life stage. Younger service users will be supported into “meaningful occupations”. Older adults will gradually transition to adult social services. BCBC is also considering what “retirement” means for adults with learning disabilities.
The council also wants to ensure value for money. Where services can’t be provided in-house – and an external contractor is required – any contract needs to be “cost-effective”. BCBC raises the possibility of service users using direct payments to access day services in the future.
Within 2-3 years, BCBC’s vision is to open more integrated hubs, with support from Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board. Potential locations include Pyle Leisure Centre and community centres in the valleys.
Another medium-term goal is to develop an internship and employment programme for disabled people in partnership with local employers and Bridgend College.
