HEALTH Minister Mike Nesbitt praised the opening of the new North Down Orchardville centre as a ‘new chapter’ for this vital service for adults with learning difficulties.
Minister Nesbitt unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of the Conlig centre which coincided with International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The Strangford MLA said the reopening marked the beginning for a ‘new chapter’ for everyone involved and was a ‘celebration’ of their dedication.
Said Mr Nesbitt: “As we entered this year this service was at risk but thanks to collaboration between the families and the Trust not only has this valuable service been maintained, it has been enhanced.’
He stressed the importance of providing community based services for people with learning disabilities and the reopening was an ‘opportunity to move forward after a challenging year’.
He said: “It was important for me to attend the opening here today and celebrate the work that has taken place. From what was a crisis situation, the centre has now gone to a solid financial position, while delivering really important services.
“If we are going to carry out the transformation that I want in Health and Social Care, we need to put more focus into community care and primary care. Today is about recognising those service users with challenges being embedded into the local community, that is so important to me.”
Mayor Alistair Cathcart said there had been a ‘lot of community concerns’ following the shock closure announcement earlier this year and a ‘lot of debates in council to try and support everyone involved’.
The DUP councillor said: “I would like to thank everyone involved, parents, carers, the Trust and Orchardville, who worked to resolve the situation.”
Lydia Lynas, Orchardville director of employment and community inclusion, said she understood ‘how difficult’ and ‘devastating’ the past year had been with ‘so much uncertainty and change’.
However she reassured everyone of Orchardville’s commitment to the community, saying the charity had signed a 10-year lease for the centre.
The director said there had been a ‘smooth transition’ over recent months and an increased number of facilities that helped the centre users enhance their cookery and retail skills.
Rachel Gibbs, director of adult services at the South Eastern Health Trust, said: “When I walked in the door the buzz, energy and atmosphere was wonderful. It is a joy to be here.
“We were hoping beyond hope that Orchardville and the parents would come together. Hope is a marvellous thing. I think this is a perfect example of all working together; parents, service users and the trust.
Cara Cash-Marley, the Orchardville CEO, said: “We were delighted to work collaboratively with the South Eastern Trust along with a group of parents and service users to save something that meant a lot to them.
“We have been able to give the service users and their families a sigh of relief and by bringing our expertise, we are committed to listening to our service users to improve the service.”
