Provision of services for adults with learning disabilities

Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees created this 'Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees report on provision of services for adults with learning disabilities' report to look at the council provided services for people that are living with learning disabilities in the area.

Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees liaised with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council after receiving public feedback around these changes to the provision for adults with learning disabilities and were keen to find out what current provision had been put in place. The Council welcomed the opportunity for Healthwatch to visit their newly refurbished Day Options facilities at Allensway Centre and Stockton Business Centre which delivers community-based learning disability day services to support adults with learning disabilities in the community. They were then were shown around the facilities by the Council’s Service Manager and the Development Manager for the services.

During the visit Healthwatch staff:

 Observed all the newly refurbished facilities

 Observed sessions being delivered for adults with learning disabilities

 Were shown demonstrations of the new state of the art equipment by the team

 Gathered feedback from key staff members

Observations from Stockton Business Centre included:

- Refurbished facilities are now housed together on the first floor of the Business Centre. This ensures smooth running of the service and optimal safety for all staff and service users. Previously the staff had worked without adequate office rooms, furniture and equipment.

- The service users appeared to be thoroughly enjoying activities in a calm and safe environment.

- A wider programme (STEPS) supports people with learning disabilities into other activities and they have set up a range of enterprises including a confidential waste and training company as well as a sports academy.

Observations at Allensway Centre included:

- There were large projected images on the wall of dolphins, fish and other calming scenes which Healthwatch staff noted had a calming influence on service users.

- Healthwatch staff also observed a large trampoline at the centre which is used to provide rebound therapy for service users. There is also a snug and break away rooms as well as outside space with a summer house.

- The interactive learning centre at Allensway has rooms which project images onto the walls to create a relaxed scenic atmosphere in which clients partake in a range of activities such as music and Makaton.

The conclusion from the report was:

"Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees were informed that there were approximately 130 service users based in the community, 50 service users at Allensway Centre and all are supported by 100 staff members. The staff have improved job satisfaction following the newly refurbished service as they can now see the huge difference it is making to the service users. The service delivery and monitoring of service users is regularly reviewed to ensure that each individual is getting the best from the service. Some service users can learn and progress to move forward e.g. from centre based to being out in the community. The main focus is to ensure that all those who attend Allensway Centre and the community services have ‘their best day’. Healthwatch staff feel that this is being evidenced following their visits to the services and observing service users who were positively engaging in their activities."