Boost for Rotherham's disabled kids in £1.2m centre relaunch

ONE of Rotherham's most important buildings for children with physical and learning difficulties has re-opened  after a million pound refurbishment.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Dave Pickering, officially re-launched theCentre, which offers three different facilities for young people aged eight to 18 with severe physical and learning difficulties.

The Mayor and Mayoress were given a tour of the centre, which is based on St. Bede’s Road, Masbrough, and was first opened in 1994.

Since February different parts of the building have been closed to allow for the £1.2 million refit, which has been funded by Rotherham Borough Council.

The former Bramley House is now known as Liberty House. It offers short term respite care to a maximum of nine children per night. Currently 30 youngsters across the Borough take advantage of the facility.

Cherry Tree House offers a more long-stay option to five children a night, while the former Outreach service, now known as the Children's Disability Family Support Service offers 50 children with personal difficulties a support service within their own homes.

The complex, which offers facilities such as a snoezelem, a soft playroom and new IT links, has been significantly improved with far better equipment.

Morri McDermott, Manager of the Orchard Centre, said that after the upheaval of the last nine months, it was good to see the centre back in operation. He added: "A great deal of vital and worthwhile improvement work has been carried out at the centre since February and we were delighted to show the Mayor around and explain the significant improvements that have been made to this very important facility."