West Sussex specialist day services open doors

Carers and people from across the area will be able to look around West Sussex County Council’s eight day centres to see what is on offer.

These were developed following a decision last year to move away from a one-size-fits-all day service into specialist focused provision for those with complex needs.

“The aim is to help to support people to live as independently as they can and still be part of the community they live in,” said a county council spokesman.

“The service is for people who meet the county council eligibility criteria with a physical, sensory or memory impairment, for instance dementia and people with an acquired brain injury, for example through a stroke, or a road traffic accident.”

Day centres offering the specialist services include the Judith Adams day service in Chichester, the Chestnuts day service in Bognor Regis, Glebelands Day Service in Shoreham, Laurels Day Service in Rustington and Rowans Day Service near Worthing.

“Each offers a range of services for customers including personal care; specialist dementia services and carers support; support to access employment, volunteering and educational opportunities and a variety of activities that focus on helping the person remain independent for as long as possible in their local area,” said the spokesman.

Cllr Peter Catchpole, county cabinet member for adults’ services, said: “Last year after consultation, we took the decision to transform our day service provision in line with national government directives.

“We have worked very hard to develop the service, which will allow us to focus our resources towards customers with the highest level of need and to help them achieve a level of independence whilst still remaining a part of their community.

“Anyone who wants to visit any of the day services should phone the relevant centre manager beforehand.”