A vital respite care service for disabled people could move into a new community centre in Wokingham.
A vital respite care service for disabled people could relocate to a new community centre in Wokingham. The Westmead Day Centre, located in Rances Lane near St Crispin's School and Leisure Centre, offers various activities including games, seated exercise, arts and crafts, cooking, gardening, and woodwork.
Currently run by Optalis, the centre also organises trips to local attractions. The potential move to Matthewsgreen Community Centre, which shares a building with St Cecilia's Church of England Primary School, was discussed at a recent Wokingham Borough Council meeting.
Matt Pope, the council's executive director for children, adults, and health, explained that attendance at Westmead has dwindled over the years, with only 17 users currently relying on the service. He noted the existing building is at end-of-life, stating, "We have a new and unused community centre at Matthewsgreen, so the proposal is to relocate and modernise it." Maintaining Westmead is estimated to cost at least £250,000.
The proposal also suggests reducing service availability from five days to Monday through Wednesday. Councillor Alison Swaddle raised concerns about the loss of Westmead's accessible garden, asking about gardening opportunities at Matthewsgreen. Chris Clark from the council assured that raised flower beds would be included, with access to other community gardening facilities.
Cllr Mike Smith questioned safety measures for both school pupils and day care users in the shared space. Pope reassured that robust safeguarding policies are in place for both groups. The committee unanimously approved the move, with a final decision pending from the council's executive committee. Helen Woodland, CEO of Optalis, highlighted the benefits of this service, stating it helps individuals live at home with their families, potentially avoiding long-term residential care.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
