Learning disability respite care service opens in Penrith

At 1.00p.m. On Saturday 2 August, Cumbria County Council opens a new respite care service for people with learning disabilities in partnership with the Glenmore Trust. The new service, based at 2 Newton Road, Penrith is a three-bedded registered respite care facility providing short breaks for adults with learning disabilities. 

The service begins on Monday 4 August and Saturday sees the facility hosting an open day for service users and their families to get a taste of facilities available to them. County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for care and social Services says, 

“This scheme replaces a similar one currently operating from Blencathra Court but is much improved with a new purpose built building and service development. Developing services to people with learning disabilities and their carers is a priority in the Government white paper, Valuing People, a new strategy for learning disability in the 21st century. The strategies, fully supported by Cumbria County Council aims to promote independence, give more choice and help to improve community inclusion and life chances for people with learning disabilities. It links with the County Council’s corporate strategy theme of supporting vulnerable people and I am delighted to be working with Glenmore Trust to provide this new respite care service.” 

James Cox, Director of the Glenmore Trust says, 

"New Government legislation has at last enabled people with learning disabilities to become more independent and better integrated into their local communities. The Valuing People strategy makes a commitment to improve services in consultation with people with learning disabilities and their carers. Respite care facilities like this providing short-term breaks are very popular and well used. The Glenmore Trust are keen to develop flexible services that meet the needs of local communities . We now offer a range of residential and community based services across North and East Cumbria and we are delighted to be working with Cumbria County Council to deliver this new service.”