Fresh look for respite centre
Posted on Friday 13th July 2018
Centrica Lodge, a respite home for adults with learning disabilities in Newport, was officially reopened following a major refurbishment project.
It has included new en-suite facilities for five bedrooms; an internal lift; new and improved kitchen facilities and redecoration throughout the building.
The home in the Gaer is run by CPI Care Ltd. and offers a person-centred service, enabling people with learning disabilities to enjoy short breaks away from their home in an environment where they are encouraged to develop their independent living skills.
Funded by the Welsh Government's Integrated Care Fund, the scheme was led by Newport City Council and the work was carried out by the Kier Group.
An afternoon tea was held at the home to mark the official opening attended by families; Councillor Debbie Wilcox, leader of Newport City Council and a ward councillor; Councillor Paul Cockeram, the council's cabinet member for social services and other guests.
Councillor Wilcox said: "I'm very impressed with the standard of this scheme which has made a huge difference to Centrica Lodge and I'm not surprised that the feedback from users and their families has been overwhelmingly positive.
"CPI, staff, social services officers and the contractors have all worked extremely hard to make this project such a success and we're all grateful for the Welsh Government funding which made it all possible."
Councillor Cockeram: "Respite care in Newport is about more than just a place to stay, it is about offering people opportunities and activities to make it a great experience for them.
"CPI does just that and these improved facilities will allow for those opportunities to be enhanced in a much better environment.
"While the work was carried out, the home had to be temporarily closed but I would like to thank CPI for providing an exciting range of alternative activities to support individuals and their families during this period.
"I would also like to thank the families for their patience during that time but I'm sure they will agree the results of the work were worth the short disruption to the service."
Stephanie Haywood, Managing Director CPI Care, said: "CPI are really pleased to have been part of the transformation of Centrica Lodge, seeing the difference it has made to service users lives has been so rewarding.
"We endeavour to develop independence at Centrica so the inclusion of en-suites and the redesign of the kitchen will enable us to promote this more. We would like to thank Newport for investing in this much needed service that we are very proud to deliver the care from."