Parents and carers of disabled children in Calderdale now have a state of the art respite centre, after the final touches were added to the Linden Brook centre’s recent makeover.
The Linden Brook centre offers short stays for disabled children, to give parents and carers the opportunity to rest, assured that their child is in a safe and secure environment.
The centre has recently undergone a massive transformation, with new multi-sensory equipment, a large touch screen computer that fits over wheelchairs, an update of the decor and improvements to the outdoor equipment.
The finishing touches were added to the makeover, as the centre opened a new summer house with ramp access, sensory touch/feel walls and electricity. The house, with financial contributions from the Bearder Charity, friends and family of Linden Brook and Cheryl Jones (Walk for Autism 2013), has a specialist focus for music, with a drum kit and guitars for the young people to use.
The centre is moving from strength to strength as is reflected in the recent good Ofsted inspection rating, with the inspector commenting that an outstanding rating is achievable if the centre continues to develop as it has done this year.
Young people at the centre were consulted throughout the refurbishment, with specialist questionnaires and communication bags to ensure that those with complex needs can also have their say. The bags include relevant pictures so they can choose which toy, music or activity they’d prefer.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Megan Swift, said:
“Linden Brook is a great facility, and one of a number of centres in Calderdale providing a fantastic service for disabled children and their families. The refurbishment has transformed the centre into a top class facility that people can be proud of.
“The summer house is the last part of the refurbishment, but the centre continues with our commitment to achieving an outstanding provision for young people.”
Photo: Senior Support Worker Mandy Whelan at the opening of the summer house.