Preferred option for Townsend Day Centre
Having considered these options for the future of Townsend Day Centre, our preferred option at this stage is to move the existing people we support to a space at the new Houghton Regis Community and Leisure Centre. We would then close Townsend Day Centre. This is the preferred option because of the following reasons.
Improved quality of facilities/services
It would enable existing people to access more personalised facilities whilst still meeting their care and support needs. Facilities would be integrated within the new Houghton Regis Community and Leisure Centre thereby encouraging growth of personal friendship networks and helping prevent isolation.
Less disruption for existing people
Any change in day services would mean some disruption for the people we support, however the whole group of people we currently support would be able to stay together, and we hope they would be supported by the same staff that they are now.
Value for money
Moving to a community space at the new Houghton Regis Community and Leisure Centre and closing Townsend Day Centre would mean the running costs of the building would be reduced. By co-locating both the Houghton Regis Community and Leisure Centre and the day centre, it is anticipated that both services can run more efficiently and effectively. This would represent better value for money to the Council and council taxpayers in Central Bedfordshire than the existing arrangements.
Key components and principles of the enhanced day offer
The new centre will offer an improved setting in which to meet current and future care and support needs. It provides opportunities to integrate with the community and make use of facilities within the town. It opens the opportunity to maintain friendships and increase levels of social interaction and physical and mental wellbeing of the people we support and their relatives/representatives.