First look at plans for new learning disabilities centre

Reach is moving to a new, undecided location in order to continue supporting clients once the current Badsley Moor Lane base is sold off by the NHS.

The service, which currently splits support with a second centre in Maltby, helps adults who have high support needs.

Its future was protected with a cash commitment in RMBC’s budget a year ago — ensuring a more positive fate than similar centres Addison and Oaks.

Now the council has unveiled artist’s impressions of what Reach could look like as it asks for views on the future of the day service.

The 90-day consultation runs until April 3 for service users, their families and carers to state what they would like from Reach.

Cllr David Roche, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “This is a significant milestone in our bid to deliver innovative, modern and transformative services for people with learning disabilities in the borough.

“Whilst day care facilities aren’t suitable for everyone, we have always maintained that we want to provide a high-quality service for those people with the most acute needs.

“That’s why we have already committed £2.1m in investment to make our ambitions for new day opportunity services a reality. Now we need to hear the views of service users and their families to make sure we get it right.”

The consultation can be found at www.rotherham.gov.uk/consultations and the council says meetings are planned across the borough. The findings will go to cabinet in September.