Acton Lodge to be replaced by a smaller centre
In July 2012 Cabinet agreed proposals for a newly built specialist day centre for people with complex disabilities or challenging behaviour is proposed for Acton Lodge in Brentford. This would provide session-based activities for between 40 and 50 people per day and would include services for those with severe challenging needs on the autistic spectrum.
The services currently provided at three sites will be reconfigured so that those with challenging and
complex needs will attend Two Bridges, in Bedfont.
Those who need community support and life skills development will attend The Triangle in Hounslow,
which has recently been refurbished, whilst the new facility on the Acton Lodge site is built. When the new
facility is opened the Two Bridges site will be closed, with residents with complex needs transferring to
the new facility.
This new build replaces a 40 year old centre, Acton Lodge and will be purpose built and will once again mean Hounslow is providing modern facilities for vulnerable people. As a modern building it will need only part of the site occupied by the current day centre.
The new centre will provide session-based activities for between 40 and 50 people per day and will include services for those with severe challenging needs including those on the autistic spectrum.
The changes to the day services aim to help people develop independence, be less isolated by taking part in group activities, improve self-confidence and help access mainstream services.
The new services will provide support for a wider range of learning disabilities than at present, as well as supporting people with physical disabilities, sensory impairment or autism.
This is about delivering a service that focuses more on the specific needs of an individual. With new facilities, and a wider range of specialist support, we will help make sure adults with disabilities receive the care and support they deserve.
The decision was made following extensive consultation with service users, carers and the public through 32 meetings as well as questionnaires and information posted on the Council website. The majority of respondents supported the changes. Some specific concerns were raised particularly around how the changes would be implemented.
Detailed work is now underway on planning how the changes will be made, including making sure that all service users have a personal support plan. This will ensure continuity of support based on individual needs and will aim to ensure friendships and circles of support continue wherever possible.
Discussions are currently being held with carers and family members of service users so that we can plan to meet users needs and support them through these changes which will start in spring 2013.
Council officers have sought to involve carers in these planning discussions to agree the details of how the changes will be implemented. Unfortunately this approach has raised the concerns of some carers because the council does not yet have answers to all their questions as we want to work with them to agree what will happen.
Over the next few months council staff will be continuing to work with service users and carers to review their needs and plan how these needs will be met as the services change. This approach is based on each service user having their own personal support plan and ensuring advocacy is available for those who need it.
December 11, 2012