Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Mums in Havant are helping to encourage other mums to breastfeed. Sarah Dauncey and Chloe Paige are the stars of a campaign to help parents access breastfeeding support when they need it. The campaign material signposts parents to the Southern Health website.

Here, women and their families will find useful information about breastfeeding and details of the support groups available. We're focusing on Havant and Gosport, as fewer women breast feed their babies here than elsewhere locally.

Chloe Paige, said, "Breastfeeding my son is one of the best decisions I have ever made. It helped me really bond with my baby and I found it so much easier and convenient than bottle feeding. I was helped to start to breastfeed by my midwife, shortly after giving birth to Jensen. No-one else in my family breastfed but when I realised the benefits, I was determined. Now I am really keen to help other mums."

Sarah Dauncey has a six-month old daughter and is also particularly keen to ensure that mums know where to turn for breastfeeding support in the Havant area. "Sometimes mums just need a bit of extra reassurance to help them breastfeed for longer. Sometimes they might be concerned their baby isn't feeding enough, or feeding too much and it's great having that opportunity for a chat."

As a trained breastfeeding counsellor, Sarah, together with Chloe and some other mums, has also set up a breastfeeding support group in Havant. This support group, known as 'Mums Know Breast', meets every Monday 1-3pm in Havant Library, Learning Zone 1 (directly opposite Havant bus station). They also have a facebook page known as MumsKnowBreast Breastfeeding Support.

Hampshire County Council, local health organisations, Action for Children and other voluntary organisations support this campaign and would like to see the breastfeeding rates increase here. Over half of mums in Havant and Gosport choose to breastfeed immediately after birth but for many reasons the numbers dwindle to about a third at six to eight weeks. "We know that more people would like to breastfeed for longer and this campaign will be useful in ensuring all parents know how to access help," says Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing (Public Health), at Hampshire County Council.

Breastfeeding benefits both mothers and babies. Babies who have been breastfed are less likely to be admitted to hospital with respiratory and gastrointestinal difficulties compared to those who have been formula-fed. They are also less likely to be obese when they grow older. There are also health benefits for mums as breastfeeding helps to protect against some forms of cancer. "There are enormous benefits to breastfeeding; not only is it free and protects against some illnesses, it also provides a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby," says Lynn Timms (Baby Friendly Lead, Southern Health Foundation Trust), pioneer of the website. "It's good seeing all the information about breastfeeding support in one central place. The website provides lots of information for anyone who wants to breastfeed."

• Breastfeeding Support Service

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Hampshire County Council has signed a contract with the Argenti Telehealthcare Partnership, led by PA Consulting, to deliver telecare services to vulnerable adults across the county for up to five years.

Telecare uses wireless sensors to help people remain independent in their own homes by minimising risks, promoting a sense of security and giving peace of mind for their families and friends. Telecare systems, which are much less intrusive than traditional home care, range from devices mainly focused on preventing problems - such as a fall or forgetting to take medication - to intervention monitors which check sleep and activity. If the service user requires help, the 24-hour monitoring centre is alerted to respond appropriately.

Telecare provides a bespoke solution for individuals but is only one of many tools available to choose from when designing a care package. Telecare can be used to complement traditional care or be used to replace it. For example someone who requires help with tasks such as gardening will be visited by a carer but they may also have Telecare to remind them to take their medication and detect any falls. Through the contract Telecare will be free for all critical and substantial users making it a more viable choice for people who are looking into different care options.

The wider roll out of Telecare will also offer good value for money for the County Council at a time when funding from government is being dramatically decreased and demand for care is increasing due to an ageing and increasingly frail population with more complex needs. Mainstreaming Telecare is part of the Council's work to transform Adult Services to meet these challenges and sits alongside other new ways of delivering social care - such as Extra-Care schemes to ensure that Hampshire residents continue to receive quality services at the lowest cost.

Councillor Anna McNair Scott, Executive Member for Adult Social Care at Hampshire County Council said:

"People want to stay in a home of their own for as long as possible and Telecare can provide the confidence to enable them to do this. Telecare can significantly improve people's sense of dignity and quality of life, and complements traditional care. For example, someone who remains in a home of their own, but has help with washing or dressing, may also use Telecare to remind them to take their medication or detect any falls. Telecare can also offer people with a learning disability much greater independence as it enables them to travel safely on their own.

"As the average age in the UK rises, due to better health care and nutrition, it will become increasingly important to find more effective ways to care for older people and help them enjoy their lives in the way they choose. Telecare, as part of an overall package of care, is sure to play a more prominent role in future care plans."

Steve Carefull of PA Consulting and the Argenti Programme Director, comments:

"It is tremendously exciting to be partnering with Hampshire County Council on this journey to deploy Telecare at scale. We have brought together a world-beating consortium consisting of PA Consulting Group; Tunstall; O2; CareCalls; Medvivo and Magna Careline. Between us, we have unmatched industry experience and expertise, operating to Telecare Service Association Platinum Standards. As importantly, we all share a passion for assistive technology, believing it to have been long under-exploited as a way to deliver significant benefits to vulnerable people and their carers."

• Telecare wireless alarms and sensors for people in Hampshire

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

Hampshire County Council is highlighting safer sex and screening advice to help reduce further the rate of sexually transmitted infections.

Data released by Public Health England indicates a small decrease in the number of new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed in local sexual health clinics across the Wessex area which includes Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

However rates of STIs remain high and Public Health England says this suggests that too many people are continuing to put themselves at risk through unsafe sex especially young adults and men who have sex with men.

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed in Hampshire followed by genital warts and herpes. Those aged under 25 experience the highest STI rates contributing to almost 74 per cent of Chlamydia diagnoses in the area.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council's Executive Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing said: "Left untreated, sexually transmitted infections can lead to a range of complications including ectopic pregnancy, infertility, disability, cancer and premature death. As part of our new public health responsibilities, Hampshire County Council already commissions a range of programmes and services delivered in a variety of community settings that support people to develop and maintain good sexual health.

"Getting screened for HIV and STIs can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, as often these infections have no symptoms. In addition, reducing the number of sexual partners and avoiding overlapping sexual relationships can reduce the risk of being infected with an STI."

Individuals can also significantly reduce their risk of catching or passing on an STI by:

• Always using a condom when having sex with casual and new partners.
• Getting tested regularly if in one of the highest risk groups:
• Sexually active under 25 year olds should be screened for chlamydia every year, and on change of sexual partner
• Men who have sex with men having unprotected sex with casual or new partners should have an HIV/STI screen at least annually, and every three months if changing partners regularly.

• Further information on local sexual health services in Hampshire

Tuesday, 04 June 2013

Hampshire County Council and Southern Health NHS are working together to help older people put their 'Best Foot Forward' during Age UK's National Falls Awareness Week.

During Falls Awareness week (17-21 June), which is themed 'Best Foot Forward' there will be information events happening around Hampshire including workshops on keeping steady, looking after your feet, and tips on exercise, diet and much more.

Maintaining healthy feet is vital for older people to maintain their mobility and independence and help prevent falls, the consequences of which can be serious such as osteoporosis and fractures.

Cllr Anna McNair-Scott, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said:

"Hampshire County Council is dedicated to helping older people maintain their independence. Having a fall can be a major set back for an older person; limiting their mobility and affecting their self-confidence.

"The events during Falls Awareness Week aim to provide people with the information they need to help themselves or a loved one avoid having a trip or fall. Small things like undertaking regular exercise, routine eye tests, and removing any potential trip hazards at home, such as small rugs and trailing wires, can all help."

To find out more contact Sophie Jevons 01962 846605 or email sophie.jevons@hants.gov.uk.

Partner organisations are also being encouraged to run their own information stands or events in their areas.

• A supporting pack is available via the Age UK website

Friday, 31 May 2013

Children with disabilities and their families are set to benefit from just under £1m of funding allocated by Hampshire County Council to improve accessibility to services as well as help them in their homes and respite care.

A total of £500,000 will pay for specialist equipment needed to aid the youngsters, either in their own homes, or in their family-based short breaks placements. The remaining £325,000 will be spent on enhancements to help children and young people with disabilities access a range of leisure and recreational opportunities around the county.

The accessibility projects selected for capital funding were chosen in partnership with parents and carer representatives from Hampshire Parent / Carer Network and from Parent Voice, using the results of a survey undertaken by Parent Voice. Parent Voice is an information and participation service hosted by the Rose Road Association and funded by Hampshire County Council. The service supports families enabling them to access information about activities and support available with the aim of increasing participation of families with disabled children. The aim of the survey was to identify how access to leisure opportunities in the community for their children could be improved.

Commenting Hampshire County Council's Executive member for Children's Services, Councillor Keith Mans, said: "The County Council wants all children to be able to participate as fully as possible in recreational and leisure activities. This is why we have listened to parents and carers views on how accessibility to some of these services can be improved for children with disabilities and targeted capital funding accordingly to help leisure providers make enhancements to their facilities. In doing this we are enabling providers to meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families so that even more will be encouraged to take part in the leisure opportunities available around the county."

Parents involved in the selection of projects to be funded know how important making activities more inclusive is. Al Crabtree, from Netley whose son Dylan, 14 has cerebral palsy said: "As a parent there is nothing more sad than seeing your child as a wheelchair spectator watching while other children have fun. It breaks your heart. When leisure facilities are truly inclusive my son has the opportunity to play and take part like any other child. Accessible changing facilities at swimming pools mean the difference between us being able to go swimming as a family and enjoy it or go and be stressed by the lack of facilities - in the past I have had to try and change Dylan on a wet floor in view of other people which is undignified for him and unhygienic. More often than not we would not go at all than face that. This investment in making activities accessible makes a real difference to children and their families."

Ray Daniel from Medstead whose son Matthew, 18, has cerebral palsy and complex physical disabilities agrees with Al. A member of Hampshire Parent/Carer Network he said accessibility to services had improved considerably since Matthew was a young child: "As a result of this investment there are more places in Hampshire which are accessible compared to many other areas. Parent and carer involvement is very important as it will help us and the County Council build on this work so that children with disabilities have the same opportunities as non disabled children."

Funded projects include:

• The creation of a redesigned inclusive play area at Royal Victoria Country Park, Eastleigh. Parents / carers and children and young people will be involved in fun consultation sessions to say what they want from their new play area. (£100,000)
• Improved access and changing facilities including changing bench and hoist at The Rapids fun pools, Romsey (£52,200)
• Improved accessible changing area including hoist and changing bench at Horizon Leisure Centre, Havant (£34,000)
• Extension to accessible changing facilities and improvement to facilities including a changing bench and hoist at Hamble Sports Complex pool (£34,000)
• Accessible play equipment at Alice Holt Forest (£20,300); part of wider improvements undertaken by the Forestry Commission including a more accessible cafe and a Changing Places toilet
• Sensory4All - a multi-use sensory space available for families or groups to hire, based at Pavilion on the Park, Eastleigh. A later phase of building by Eastleigh Youth Trust will see other improvements including a Changing Places toilet and a café. (£16,500)

In addition to these projects there are a range of smaller enhancements which will be undertaken at the following venues: improved changing facilities including hoist and changing bench at Farnborough Leisure Centre, Farnborough, Ringwood Leisure Centre, Ringwood, West End Arts Centre, Aldershot, part of Hampshire County Council’s wider improvements to the access at the centre, a hoist at Taro Leisure Centre, Petersfield, improved changing facilities including a changing bench at Basingstoke Sports Centre, Basingstoke; and improved access via a hoist to the swimming pool at Bishops Waltham school pool.

Changing Places toilets have a height-adjustable changing bench, a hoist and plenty of space - and can make all the difference to someone with profound and multiple learning disabilities. For more information see the MENCAP website.

• Parent Voice and Hampshire Parent / Carer Network

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

"A good foster carer is like a safety net. I knew that if I messed up someone would be there to catch me. Good carers don't judge you and you can tell them anything."

Powerful words from a young person who knows the very real and positive difference a foster carer can make to a vulnerable young person's life.

Nikki is 18 now and living independently in supported lodgings but to mark Fostercare Fortnight , 13- 27 May, she is helping Hampshire County Council to raise awareness of Fostering in a bid to recruit more carers.

Nikki, who is one of Hampshire's Care Ambassadors supporting other young people in care, spent around ten years in foster care. She still has contact with the family she lived with prior to living independently. "Penny was everything I could have wanted in a foster carer," said Nikki. "She made me feel at home in her family, she understood the difficult things I was dealing with. When I made mistakes she was there to help me but she never judged me. A good foster placement helps you feel safe and secure and for me it enabled me to be a child again."

Security and stability are very important for vulnerable children coming into foster care. Emma, 19, who is studying Philosophy at university with the aim of becoming a teacher has lived with foster carers for the past five years. She said the ability to give and take is key to the success of a placement. "Sometimes carers need to stick with it," she said. "When you come into care you may have a range of feelings, there may be upset, stress and some conflict. It's really important for carers to be willing to work through the hiccups. My carers are lovely people, supportive, consistent, and reflective. I can talk things through with them and they don't let problems escalate."

Like Nikki and Emma, children and young people are looked after by the local authority in foster placements when their own family, for whatever reason, is unable to care for them. It is often a time of turmoil and the one thing they need is someone who will be there for them, listen to them and support them with whatever challenges they are facing.

Nicky from Waterlooville is one of Hampshire's dedicated team of foster carers. She and her husband Steve have looked after around 25 children in the five years they have been fostering. They currently have four boys living with them and their own teenage son. "It certainly makes for a full house," said Nicky, "but I can't remember it being any different. It's the little things which make it so rewarding. I had one little boy and no-one had ever sat and read a book with him. He was so happy to do that and his enjoyment was great to see."

Nicky mainly fosters older boys now and it is not without its challenges: "It's not always easy," she said "but when you see a young person who may have come to you troubled or quiet and withdrawn, gain in confidence, smile and succeed at things they didn't think they could do, it is worth it."

It is not just the child who benefits. Nicky is in touch with one mum of two boys she cared for. "Mum really turned her life round so she could have her boys back. She and the boys are doing well. That's when fostering really works and it is a pleasure to see."

The County Council is always on the lookout for more people, like Nicky, who can rise to the challenge and make a real difference to a vulnerable young person's life by being a foster carer. Right now the County Council is especially keen to hear from people who can offer a stable and caring home environment to a teenager, sibling groups, or children with complex needs. Opportunities exist which range from long-term caring roles to respite and short break care. Carers are also needed to support parents and babies.

Anyone can be a foster carer as long as they have what it takes to care for children. To help foster carers Hampshire County Council has a range of training courses and comprehensive support recognised by Ofsted who judged the Fostering Service to be good with outstanding features. The Council also offers a competitive package of fees and allowances according to skills and experience.

John Coughlan, Hampshire County Council's Director of Children's Services said: "Foster carers like Nicky are vital to us - without them our job of ensuring good outcomes for vulnerable children would be much harder. It can be challenging at times as all parenting can be, but carers tell us it is a very rewarding role and as we can see from the testimony of Nikki and Emma being a foster carer is a chance to make a real difference to children's lives."

To find out more about how you can make a difference, call the Foster Care team on 0845 603 5620 or log on to the website.

• Foster with Hampshire County Council

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

To mark Dementia Awareness Week (19 - 25 May), Hampshire County Council is holding a number of events to promote greater understanding of the condition, which mainly affects older people.

Dementia Awareness Week is the Alzheimer's Society's annual flagship awareness-raising campaign and this year's theme is 'talking'.

The events are being co-ordinated by Andover Mind, who are commissioned by Hampshire County Council to deliver the new Hampshire-wide Dementia Friendly Communities project, as well as provide services for people with dementia and their carers.

Around one quarter of the population of Hampshire is likely to be over the age of 60 by 2026 with the largest growth being in the number of people aged 85 and over. One in six people over the age of 80 have dementia but currently only a third to a half of older people with dementia receive a diagnosis. People can, and do, live well with dementia and early diagnosis can improve a person's quality of life and help them to maintain independence for longer.

Monday 20 May 2013

• Alresford Library 10.00am -1.00pm: leaflets display/information session
• Information session at St Thomas' Care Home, Basingstoke

Tuesday 21 May

• Bishop Waltham Library poster/leaflets 2.30- 3.30 pm and Dementia Friends session
• The Wellbeing Centre, Vyne Rd Basingstoke - information session
• Fareham Library - find out more about dementia and dementia-friendly communities

Wednesday 22 May

• Fareham Shopping Centre - taking over a shop in the shopping centre with a display and several awareness raising information session
• Information session at Randell House, Blackwater

Thursday 23 May

• New Milton Mind Charity Shop, 118 Station Rd New Milton - raising awareness of dementia including a stand and posters

Friday 24 May

• Hart Shopping Centre in Fleet - find out more about dementia and how the community can help 9.30 -1.00pm in conjunction with Hart DC, Alzheimer's Society, Hart Voluntary Action and Minding the Garden

Saturday 25 May

• Hart Shopping Centre in Fleet - find out more about dementia and how the community can help 9.30 - 1.00pm in conjunction with Hart DC, Alzheimer's Society, Hart Voluntary Action and Minding the Garden

Monday 20 May - Friday 25 May

• Andover Library - display and information available at 'help point' in the library. Stand will be manned every morning during the week by Dementia Advice and DementiaFriendly Communities staff and volunteers.

Hampshire County Council, NHS Hampshire, Andover Mind and The Alzheimer's Society have teamed up to provide a Dementia Advice service across Hampshire to support the delivery of the Joint Hampshire Commissioning strategy for Older Peoples Mental Health.

The strategy identifies the need to develop further information and signposting services for older people with mental health needs and their carers. The Dementia Advice Service helps people access appropriate care, support and advice.

The new Dementia Friendly Communities project, commissioned by Hampshire County Council and delivered by Andover Mind aims to create an engaged community, enthusiastic about and supportive of people with dementia. The project will involve and empower people with dementia and their carers, giving them a role in developing communities which enable them to 'live well' with dementia.

Other ways the County Council supports work to help people with dementia and their carers is through grants to voluntary organisations.

• Dementia Awareness Week

Monday, 25 March 2013

On Friday 22 March Hampshire County Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) examined the proposals to change services provided from Chase Community Hospital in East Hampshire by the South Eastern Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). Although the decision on the future service provision from Chase Community Hospital lies with the CCG, the CCG is required to seek the views of the HOSC.

Chairman of the HOSC, Councillor Pat West, said: "The HOSC has been examining this issue over the past year. We have previously recommended that the NHS undertakes further engagement with local stakeholders, specifically on the proposed bed-based model of care, in order for the PCT and CCG to better understand local concerns, including the views of local GPs. The November 2012 meeting of the HOSC received the outcomes of this engagement, but determined that more work would need to be carried out around this area before the HOSC could be satisfied the NHS had demonstrated how local community concerns had been met. It was therefore agreed in conjunction with the CCG that the final business case and proposals come back to a future meeting of the HOSC."

As a result of the November meeting a Working Group of the HOSC was set up which scrutinised the proposals put forward by the CCG in further detail. Stakeholders including the CCG, the local County Councillor as the local community representative, the community service provider and Hampshire County Council's Adult Services were questioned by Members of the Working Group to challenge the evidence provided to support the changes.

The findings of the working group were reported to the 22 March meeting of the HOSC. At this meeting the CCG presented the final business case for the future of Chase Community Hospital, including the services intended to be provided from the site, and the CCG's preferred bed-based model of care for the Whitehill and Bordon area. The HOSC also received a number of deputations at this meeting from local people, and heard from the local County Councillor for the division where the Chase Community Hospital is located (Cllr Adam Carew).

Councillor Pat West added: "When considering proposals for substantial service change, the HOSC needs to be satisfied that appropriate engagement has been undertaken in relation to the proposals, and that any changes are in the interests of patients, carers and the healthcare system as a whole. In this case, following lengthy debate, the HOSC made the following recommendation to the CCG:

That:

• There has been appropriate stakeholder engagement in the development of the proposals for Chase Community Hospital
• The changes to service provision are in the best interest of the local population
• The subsequent recommendations made by the Hampshire Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chase Working Group are agreed. A further request was made that investigations into x-ray diagnostics be undertaken by the CCG

The HOSC was mindful of the concerns raised by local stakeholders, and therefore requested that the CCG return to the 30 July 2013 meeting in order to provide an update on the progression of the business case, prior to the expected closure of the Chase Community Hospital inpatient beds in September 2013."

• Read the agenda papers - Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Tuesday, 19 March 2013

More than £30million is being invested by Hampshire County Council in the Havant area to improve schools, and support older people to live independently for longer, according to reports presented to Members of Hampshire's Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel (BLAPP).

At their latest meeting (19 March), Councillors were informed of progress on a number of key projects. These included the official opening event last month of the enhanced learning environment and improved facilities for students, staff and the wider community at Havant Academy following £9million of refurbishments by the Council's in-house Property Services team.

Updates were also provided on a £20million project currently underway to transform, replace and refurbish buildings at Park Community School to provide a 21st century learning environment for the school's 900 pupils. Design plans were also unveiled at the meeting, for the provision of improved sports facilities at Warblington Community School where a synthetic turf pitch and floodlighting is due to be delivered to benefit pupils and the wider community, at a cost of around £1.03million.

Separate plans for the development of a health and wellbeing campus on the former Oak Park hospital site in Havant were also outlined to BLAPP Members. The scheme will see the creation of 50 extra care homes to provide older people with a secure place to live but with care and support on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Extra Care housing also has the benefit of allowing couples, who may have very different care needs, to stay together. The proposals also include plans to create a 30 bed nursing home.

County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "In spite of very difficult ongoing financial challenges across the public sector, this overall package of improvements and redevelopment in the Havant area represents a significant investment by the County Council in the long term future of the area. These new school developments will not only give pupils the best possible start in life with the provision of outstanding learning facilities, but the local community is also set to benefit.

"Meanwhile, the development of a Wellbeing Campus in Havant represents our long term vision and commitment to new ways of delivering social care to meet the future demands on our services from an increasingly elderly and frail population. Through this pioneering scheme, we aim to provide greater choices and independence so that older people continue to be well-supported in their local communities."

Recommendations from the BLAPP meeting will go before the County Council's Executive Member for Policy and Resources for approval on 18 April 2013.

• Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel

Monday, 18 March 2013

Having a fall can have a serious impact on anyone's life - but for older people the consequences are even greater, including a loss of independence, mobility and confidence as well as the time it takes to recover.

That's why Hampshire County Council and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust have teamed up to prevent falls and keep older people independent for as long as possible by organising Steady and Strong community exercise classes across the county.

The benefits of exercise for general health are widely recognised - but specific, tailored exercises improve strength and balance and help reduce falls and injuries by 50%. By preventing falls, older people's chances of staying independent at home are significantly increased and they can continue to live an active lifestyle.

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Felicity Hindson said: "When older people have a fall it can have devastating results so prevention makes a lot of sense. By keeping fit and mobile, older people can help themselves to stay independent in their own home, which is what everyone wants.

"Steady and Strong classes help older people gain strength and confidence in their mobility. The classes are also sociable and fun and people benefit from the encouragement of others. A wide range of health professionals are now signposting older people to the new classes but you can also contact the instructor yourself if you feel at risk of falling because you're unsteady or have lost confidence in getting out and about."

There are classes running in most parts of Hampshire in a variety of locations including church halls, community centres, leisure centres and sheltered housing schemes. Classes are all taught by qualified postural stability instructors, who have been specifically trained to reduce falls in older people.

Pamela from Hythe fell on her sternum (chest bone) last year. As a result, she was worried about going out, had to use a walking aid and experienced considerable pain. Her GP recommended the Steady and Strong classes at Hythe Medical Centre and after only a few classes, Pamela is walking outside for 20 minutes each day, has virtually no pain and is confident about going out: "After attending the classes and listening to Gilly the instructor, I have more confidence and believe in what I can do. It's the right teaching for us older people."

To find out more about local classes in your area call Sophie Jevons, Falls Prevention Coordinator on 01962 846605, or email: wellbeing@hants.gov.uk

• Better balance for life: Independent living for older people in Hampshire

Thursday, 28 February 2013

Being able to do the same things as everyone else - that's the aim of Hampshire County Council's transformation of day services for people with learning disabilities, which is marked on Friday 8 March with the official opening of the new Basingstoke Community Link by Cllr Felicity Hindson, Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

The contemporary designed facility provides a drop off point in the Discovery Centre, at the heart of Festival Place, for families to link with support staff from Basingstoke Day Services. Staff will then help people to get to their chosen activities by public or community based transport. Activities will be led by community based organisations, which include dance classes and gymnastics supported by Active Lives.

Facilities available at Community Link include access to a kitchen / server area, sensory and presentation area, a meeting room and access to IT for staff. The Community Link and Discovery Centre also provide changing facilities to enable people with complex needs to access the local community without being confined to the facilities of a traditional day service.

Once established, the Community Link in Basingstoke will provide a model for future community integration for adults with learning disabilities in line with the Government's Valuing People Now.

The new improved service follows consultation with users of County Council-run learning disability services, their families and carers, which sought views on how services should be provided in the future both for daytime services and also residential services and respite opportunities.

The changes include enhancing day services options to around 17 bases across the county, providing specialist day services for those with complex needs, and offering a wider choice of day opportunities for less disabled people. The focus is on bringing services closer to local communities to enable people to take part in a wider range of activities' something the consultation highlighted as important.

Modernising learning disability services will improve choice and provide better value for money for tax payers. Demographic trends show that demand for services is changing due to the increased needs of people using these services. The changes will increase choice for the most able people and ensure the Council continues to meet the needs of people with complex disabilities.

Councillor Hindson said: "We listened to what people with learning disabilities told us - that they want to live ordinary lives, have jobs and live in their own homes - this will mean continuing to provide services, but in new and different ways.

"The new Community Link is in a very central location which will help people with learning disabilities and their families feel a part of the local community and at the heart of what's happening in Basingstoke.

"We are modernising our learning disability services so that people have a greater choice and the flexibility to select from a range of services that meet their individual needs. Our aim is to lead the way by using our existing resources as effectively as possible."

• New plans for Learning disability in-house provision