Modernising facilities for adults with learning disabilities in Kirklees
Local council to repurpose and modernise day care facilities at two sites to support up to 40 adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities and autism.
Day care facilities for adults with learning disabilities at Mill Dale and Crescent Dale in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, are set for major improvements as planning permission has been granted for a modernisation.
in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, photo courtesy of Kirklees Council
Building work will begin in the spring of 2025 with revamped facilities available for use by summer 2026. The work will incorporate design features to provide maximum flexibility and promote independence, while being fully inclusive. The council is keen to ensure that all people with complex disabilities in the region have the best start in life and are independent in adulthood.
All the proposed changes to the building will incorporate design and technology features that support neurodiversity and people with complex physical disabilities. They changes will also meet the standards established by the University of Stirling’s Dementia Service Development Centre.
Among the improvements will be immersive rooms that enable multi-sensory experiences as well as specialist assistive technology including an interactive ‘magic table’. Different kinds of activity will be catered for through a variety of small, medium and large-sized rooms.
Outside the building itself, a separate outdoor eating area will be established. Specialist disability and wheelchair swings will also be installed, and raised beds and a potting shed there to encourage service users to develop their green fingers.
Once open, the repurposed facility will continue to be run and managed by Kirklees Council to support people from across north Kirklees.
Cllr Beverley Addy, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Kirklees Council, says: ‘I’m delighted that we can take the next steps in this key investment project. Now is the time to further improve facilities for our residents with learning and complex physical disabilities – both to support adults facing these difficulties now and for those children who will access support in the future, so they can be supported to live well, independently and achieve better outcomes.
‘Three years ago, we upgraded respite facilities at Cherry Trees in Shepley, and this investment now will bring facilities in north Kirklees in line with those more modern and fit for purpose facilities in the south of the district.’
In related news:
Local Minds help more people than ever with their mental health
