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Here are some questions we thought you might ask, and the
Social Services answers about the suggested changes to Horizons Day
Services. We know there will have been other questions asked during
the eight-week consultation during May to July, and you can now
view the
report and results of this feedback.
Lots of people have been going to Horizons for a long
time, why does Horizons have to change?
- Horizons has always been about the people who attend and the
staff who support them rather than just a building. The location of
the Horizons building and the condition is no longer suitable. It
is planned that Horizons service will continue in the future but
will be delivered by the same staff working in a different way and
from different local venues. This is so it can best meet the
changing needs of those being supported now and in the
future.
Where will the new service be?
- We have looked at where people who attend live, and using this
information we be looking at possible venues in Edenbridge and
Sevenoaks that are central and accessible to other mainstream
services in the community.
- Kent County Council have set procedures on relocation of
services, one of which is to make sure people's views are heard,
therefore no decisions can be made without full
consultation.
How will future services be better?
- Our aim is to provide local services that are flexible and more
person centred. We will be working closely with other community
groups to be able to support people with learning disabilities to
have the opportunity to lead more active and fulfilled lives along
with other members of their local community.
- Plans for the type of activities and support available will be
based around the assessed needs and aspirations of the
individual.
How will the new service promote safety?
- We have previously been accessing a variety of community
facilities and groups and have worked sucessfully in partnership
with you and these groups to raise awareness of safety issues and
encourage good practice. This work will continue.
How will transport needs be met?
- As happens now, your care manager will discuss any transport
needs on a individual basis.
- We want to encourage as many as possible who we support to be
independent. We will be offering travel skills training
opportunities and also looking to deliver services where possible
from venues that are easily accessible via public
transport.
Who will get places at the new service?
- It is planned that all those who currently attend Horizons and
live locally will continue to be supported to access the day
services if that is what they choose to do.
- Those who live a long way from the existing services will
continue to receive a service but will be offered one closet to
them.
- This will be discussed with you and your carer by your care
manager.
What will happen to services and activities whilst we
modernise?
- We will ensure support is provided throughout for you to
continue to participate in a range of day activities. Any planned
changes as part of the modernisation will have been agreed with you
and will reflect more closely what has been asked for. It is hoped
that the modernised services will increase the opportunities
available to choose from.
What happens to the money that is presently tied up in
the Horizons service?
- It has been agreed that these monies will be re-invested into
the development of a range of services to support people with
learning difficulties to lead more independent and fulfilled
lives.
- This could include Direct Payments - for those people with
learning disabilities and their carers who may prefer to have
responsibility for choosing what support they need, when and where
they get it.
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