Health Minister opens two new centres for those with disabilities
Two new centres for people with disabilities were opened yesterday in Newry. The Windsor Day Centre cost £3.7 million and aims to provide day care for 39 adults with learning disabilities. The Carrickore Children’s Respite Unit cost £2.5 million and aims to provide respite care for eight children with a disability from ages 4 to 8.
Speaking at the launch Edwin Poots said said, “Improving services for those with a learning disability has been one of my top priorities since I became Minister for Health. It has been my Department’s policy for a number of years to encourage and support people with learning disabilities to live in a community setting such as provided by Windsor Day Centre.”
“The Centre not only offers a welcome and modern environment for users and staff in the new building, it also provides a range of activities which may lead to other opportunities for users, including workforce training.”
Mr Poots continued, “Respite care is the most important thing we can offer to families and carers supporting dependent relatives at home. This is doubly important in the case of young people and adults with learning disability who need opportunities for social interaction, for stimulation and for improvement in independence.”
“The Carrickore facility does just that and, moreover, allows parents and carers the necessary respite, knowing that their children are being looked after in a warm and caring professional environment. Minister Poots concluded: “These two facilities are an excellent example of co-operation between professionals and service users and what can be achieved when we work together for the good of our clients,” he added.
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