Modernisation should bring more choice (From Halesowen News)

Modernisation should bring more choice

4:33pm Thursday 4th February 2010

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In reference to the letter ‘Day centres are a lifeline’ (Jan 21) in relation to Dudley’s day opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

In response to Government requirements, we are part way through a modernisation programme of day opportunities for people with a learning disability.

Our aim is to make sure we achieve better outcomes, that we promote independence, provide improved access to employment, enhanced support for carers and offer greater choice and control over how people live their lives.

We want to provide a centre of excellence at Amblecote which will provide an improved resource for those with complex needs. Other people will transfer to our successful community-based service PULSE (People Using Local Services Everyday). Two day centres at Lower Gornal and Stourbridge will be closed.

We will also be offering people and their family carers personal budgets so with support they can purchase and arrange their own services from a range of providers in different settings. This is called personalisation and is a national requirement called Transforming Social Care, launched in December 2007, and covers the whole of adult social care and not just people with learning disabilities.

We appreciate this may be an anxious time for some people and their parents and carers. We have and will continue to provide support and information. We have held many consultation events and every person currently receiving a council-provided day service will have their individual circumstances reviewed. We will also provide tailored support to meet their needs.

We appreciate there will be further major changes in how people receive services and we are confident we are not underestimating people’s concerns. Our assurance is we will fully support any individual and their carers and we genuinely believe this modernisation programme will ultimately give people greater choice in how they live their lives.

Many people already benefit from individually tailored packages of active support within the community.

Those with concerns can call Richard Carter, assistant director of adult community and housing services, on 01384 815804 or Sue Close, service manager on 01384 815830.

Cllr Lesley Faulkner, Cabinet member for adult and community services

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