New short breaks centres planned for adults with support needs

Family carers will get to recharge their batteries

New purpose-built accommodation is being planned to give adults with learning disabilities or autism a change from their daily routine and their families a break from their caring responsibilities. The service provides supportive places where they can make new friends, connect with their communities and gain new skills.

While they're enjoying new experiences and activities at a welcoming location, family carers are able to recharge their batteries and take some time away from their caring roles.

Short breaks help make sure that carers can look after their own wellbeing – and many consider them vital support for their families

New proposals

We've drawn up proposals for two new short breaks centres, in Woking and Banstead, each featuring en suite bedrooms, activity spaces and landscaped gardens.

The county council's Cabinet recently agreed a series of proposals to enhance Surrey's short breaks service for adults, including pressing ahead with planning new centres at the Lakers, Denton Way, Woking and the Squirrels, at the Horseshoe in Banstead.

The accommodation will enable the service to offer a better geographical spread of modern overnight stay options across the county. The new sites would together provide 3,950 more nights of short breaks care in Surrey, enabling 140 more families to benefit.

Local community feedback on the proposed new centres has been invited and planning applications are now being prepared.

A wider range of short breaks will also be developed, including more options for people to enjoy daytime breaks and extended evenings. Full details of the plans for short breaks can be found on the county council's Cabinet meeting agenda (item 13).

Visit the Learning Disability and Autism Hub website for details of services in Surrey and head to the Adult and Social Care support pages for more about support for carers in Surrey.

More from health and wellbeing