4 About Leeds Leeds City Council section Summer 2011
www.leeds.gov.uk
People with mental health needs get individual support DAYTIME support for people with mental health needs is changing – from traditional building-based services to more individual support. This means more services, with greater numbers of people involved in social activities, training or getting back to work. Mark Smith of Armley is a passionate supporter of the switch, having been diagnosed with depression in 1998.
After a period attending a day centre, the 50-year-old found out about support from the community alternatives team (CAT). Mark took part in a range of activities, many organised by service users. He is amazed by the difference this has made. “Through the CAT I’ve made so many friends and done so many things. It has given me the confidence to say yes I can do this, I can move on,” Mark said.
“The service users organise lots of things – Christmas parties, karaoke nights, walks. We’ve even arranged holidays to Ireland and Scotland, with support from the CAT. “I haven’t worked for 13 years, but I’m now at the point where I can think about going back to work. It’s been a long time coming. “Getting back to normal dayto-day life is so important. You want to get to the point where
you’re able to set goals for yourself rather than someone doing it for you.” The change in approach is built on the results of a widescale consultation of day centre users, staff and local support groups. Many people felt services should be based more around people’s individual needs, with more freedom to help design and run activities.
SUPPORT: Mark Smith has received help from the community alternatives team
Tunnel repairs scheduled URGENT repairs are being carried out at weekends to Woodhouse Tunnel on the city’s inner ring road. One side of the tunnel will be closed in each direction, from 8pm on Friday until 5am the following Monday, until midOctober. There will be a contraflow through the tunnels, alternative routes will be signposted and the works are
scheduled to avoid major city centre weekend events. Drivers should allow for extra journey time. A 70-strong team will work round the clock to replace 800 square metres of tunnel roof concrete, which has deteriorated because of salt used in road grit. For more updates visit www.leeds.gov.uk/ woodhousetunnel.
Wellbeing centre will be one of the first of its kind
Charter ensures high care standards PEOPLE who receive care at home have a right to receive a first class service, thanks to a new customer agreement. The Homecare Customer Charter clearly sets out the levels of service expected from homecare providers. Leeds City Council has teamed up with its independent care providers to produce the charter. People who get care at home need to be supported by welltrained staff who treat them with courtesy and respect. They need to know that any concerns will be dealt with promptly. The Homecare Customer Charter is being sent out to those receiving homecare in Leeds. Each organisation providing homecare on behalf of the council is required to sign a
formal agreement to meet such standards while providing good value for money. The providers are all registered with the Care Quality Commission and regularly monitored by the council’s adult social care department. You can contact the council’s adult social care department on 0113 222 4401. A copy of the charter can be seen at www.leeds.gov.uk – search ‘homecare charter’. The council also sent out an information card called It’s not making a fuss to more than 5,000 older people in the city earlier this year. This informs people what they should do if they feel that they are not being cared for properly by anyone, paid or unpaid, who supports them in their homes.
HOLT Park will get a state-of-theart £30.6million wellbeing centre. Holt Park Active Living Centre will combine services provided by the council’s adult social care, youth and sports services and the local community, all under one roof. It will be one of the first of its kind in the UK, enabling people to get support when a health or social care need first arises and preventing a problem escalating.
The centre, in Holtdale Approach, will also help people with a physical or learning disability, or a mental health problem, access the personalised services they need confidently and easily. It will feature a hydrotherapy pool, 25-metre swimming pool, teaching pool, multi-activity rooms, meeting areas, café and older people’s hub.
PICTURE THIS: artists’ impressions of the new Holt Park Active Living Centre Images courtesy of Mentor
Other facilities include a learning disabilities hub, studio, Bodyline gym, garden, large activity hall and Changing Places facilities. The facilities were decided following a wide-ranging consultation with residents, community groups and others. Holt Park Active Living Centre will replace the current Holt Park Leisure Centre. The project will be overseen by Leeds City Council through the Local Education Partnership and contractor Interserve Project Services Ltd. The wellbeing centre is expected to open in summer 2013. Funding from the Department of Health covers the build of the new centre and lifecycle costs for a 25-year period. This private finance initiative funding is only available for new-build facilities rather than improving any existing buildings.