The Isabel Blackman Centre has been transformed into a state-of-the-art building offering a range of services. The adult day-care opportunities began last week (Monday 16 August) and later in the year the general public will be able to use the community café, an information and advice centre and take part in activities such as exercise classes and IT lessons. This new scheme will help to inform other developments in the future.
The first stage of the work at the Isabel Blackman Centre involved an upgrading of the old building to make it more welcoming with a fresh feel. For adults who need day social care there are different things going on every week such as darts and board games, painting, music and quizzes, relaxation sessions, chair-based exercises and outings. Lunches are also provided with refreshments throughout the day.
Cllr Bill Bentley, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said:
“This is a wonderful centre for local people in the Hastings area. It is a new model working with partners, to provide a community hub and adult opportunities. As well as day-care, people can sit down and meet their friends in the café, take part in a class or get some advice and information on what facilities are available”.
This modernisation of the Isabel Blackman Centre followed consultation with local people, adult social care users, their carers and staff. It is a partnership with Age Concern East Sussex and Newhaven Community Development Association to improve opportunities for older people to mix with the wider community.
Day-care staff are in place and people are already using the services, enjoying a nice meal and joining in with all the different activities from trips out to art-and-craft classes.
Over the next year there will be a review of the new pilot day opportunities service and local people who have an interest in the centre will be consulted.
The photo shows people taking part in social activities at their community hub in the Isabel Blackman Centre (IBC), Hastings.
IBC was closed from November 2009 while the refurbishment work was carried out. Day services were provided elsewhere during this period.
Reference:
2924
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