Day opportunities consultation extended

The purpose of the public consultation is to seek the views of those with an interest in the day opportunities model available to adults with a learning disability. The consultation document considers a regional model which sets out the need to both improve day centres for people with complex healthcare and behavioural support needs, and community based day opportunities.

Aidan Murray, Assistant Director of Mental Health and Learning Disability, Health and Social Care Board, said:

“The vision set out in the Bamford Review and confirmed in Transforming Your Care was to enable people with a learning disability to lead full and meaningful lives in their communities. The Health and Social Care Board is consulting on a regional day opportunities model for adults with a learning disability to ensure that there is a consistent regional framework for greater access to day opportunities.

“Since the consultation process began in September we have heard views from carers, service users, staff, political representatives, community and voluntary groups, and service providers. However, to ensure everyone has the opportunity to share their views we have decided to extend the public consultation until 5pm on Friday 10 January 2014. I would encourage everyone with an interest in the day opportunities model available to adults with a learning disability to make sure they respond with their views.

“There are many good examples of redesign, diversification and innovation across all Trust areas and across different areas of peoples’ lives, from social and leisure to education and employment – all of which offer more choice in the way people can be involved in the community with support.

“There will always be a place for day centres to provide care and support for people with more complex health and support needs. Engagement with people with learning disability, carers and families shows that a wider choice of day opportunities is increasingly important to people who use day services.

“Services will be designed locally within this framework and consulted upon locally as appropriate.  It is estimated that the programme for redevelopment of day services and day opportunities may take up to five years to complete in some areas.”

The closing date for consultation responses is Friday 10 January 2014 at 5pm. For more information about the consultation, to request the consultation documentation in an alternative format, or to send a response, please email [email protected]; write to: Day Opportunities, Social Care Directorate, Health and Social Care Board, 12-22 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8BS; telephone 028 9032 1313; or visit www.hscboard.hscni.net/consult

To view the consultation documentation visit www.hscboard.hscni.net/consult