Learning disabled 'will run round town unescorted'

Rodney Edwards • Published 14 Apr 2011 13:00 Comments 1 Comment

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THERE are no plans to close the Buttermarket Unit in Enniskillen which provides a wide range of day care opportunities and services to adults with learning disabilities.

There had been some concern that the Western Trust, who supply the service to ten adults with learning disabilities, were considering axing it but a spokesperson has told this newspaper that it will remain open. However, it's understood the service will be altered somewhat.

The Trust says they have met individually with families and clients to explain the introduction of a new model - 'Fresh Focus' - at the Buttermarket unit.

Trevor Millar, Western Trust Director of Adult Mental Health and Disability Services, said: "The Fresh Focus model has already been successfully implemented in Fermanagh with very positive feedback from clients, their families and social workers. Assessment of clients for this model of support is carried out by experienced and professionally qualified day care staff. The introduction of the Fresh Focus model to the Buttermarket Unit will enable clients to have a "greater engagement" in the community, for example through using local leisure facilities. The model also encourages social inclusion through activities, such as shopping, and active citizenship, as an alternative to day care. The clients would continue to be supported by day care staff, says the Trust.

Mr. Millar added: "This model of day opportunities has been recognised as an innovative service improvement and is in line with the Bamford Review and the Health and Social Care Board review of Learning Disability Services, 'Opportunities for Change'."

A concerned parent, however, has said he and his wife are "hugely worried" about making changes to the service.

Norman Jenkins from Enniskillen said: "There is no reason why it cannot continue as a dual purpose unit. The vast majority of the adults would not have the mental ability to run about Enniskillen unescorted - which is what they are proposing. These adults would be very vulnerable. What I heard was that they [The Trust] are offering train them but you cannot train someone at 40 or 50 years old with the mental age of a seven or eight year old child. I am calling for it to remain as it is."

Meanwhile, there have been claims that the Mencap Summer Scheme, which is funded by the Western Trust, could be axed.

Based at St. Michael's Scout Hall in Enniskillen the scheme has been operating for two weeks each summer for 16 years and caters to children in the age groups six to 12 and 13 to 18. The children can avail of a range of activities including play therapy, games, arts and crafts and dance workshops. They are also taken to the cinema, on a picnic and a boat trip from the Share Centre at Lisnaskea.

Responding, a spokesperson for the Western Health and Social Care Trust said: "Summer scheme provision is being planned within available resources. No final decision has been made in relation to the Mencap Summer Scheme."

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 14 Apr 11

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skocjanske
3 posts
Apr 16, 13:54
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Typical another bright idea by the Western Trusts. How much does Mr. Millar earn and his side kicks 10% drop in their salaries would keep the scheme going for another year. Full marks to the Western Trust kick the most Vulnerable in our society where it hurts.

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