Surrey County Council’s plans to increase short break accommodation for autistic people and those with learning disabilities have received a boost after planning permission was granted for a new development at Goldsworth Park in Woking.
Situated on the site of the former Lakers Youth Centre, the building will provide eight ensuite bedrooms designed to be fully accessible to wheelchair users and those with complex needs.
An invaluable resource for carers and those they support
Short breaks accommodation offers those who look after autistic people and adults with learning disabilities the opportunity to take a well-earned break from their caring responsibilities. Parents or other unpaid carers have a chance to recharge their batteries and concentrate on their own wellbeing, while their loved ones are supported in a location close to home, developing new social skills and meeting others from the local community.
Carers in Surrey form a vital part of the support network for adults with additional and complex needs. The help they provide means that people can stay in their own homes, but it can put a strain on those caring for them who sometimes need a break themselves.
The council already provides access to places for overnight stays (which are predominantly sited in the north and east of the county), as well as funding community services for day support and visits from professionals who offer short bouts of at-home respite care, but the new development offers additional capacity.
Accommodation fit for people’s future needs
The new development in Woking will offer overnight accommodation for autistic and learning-disabled people ranging from one night to two weeks or more. Once complete, it will potentially add almost 2,500 nights of additional capacity for adults with extra support needs.
Designed for access to people of all abilities, the development will offer guests as much independence as possible while ensuring that their day to day needs for support are met. Alongside the bedrooms, a sensory room, communal lounge, dining room, accessible courtyard and gardens will be provided.
The building is designed with its green footprint in mind, with plans to use solar panels and heat pumps to create an all-electric, highly insulated building, and a more sustainable use of water resources.
Construction is expected to start in the first half of 2024, with completion by early 2025. Subject to full planning approval, work on another new short breaks site to replace and extend the current facility in Banstead, will commence once the development at Goldsworth Park has been completed.
Speaking about the new development, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Sinead Mooney said: “The news that we’ve gained planning permission for this new development in Woking will be welcomed by families caring for loved ones with complex needs. Many of Surrey’s unpaid carers offer around the clock support to their adult children or friends and in line with our commitment to see no-one left behind we’re choosing to invest in their wellbeing.
“Ensuring that autistic people and adults with learning disabilities have places that can cater for their needs when they or their carers need a break is vital. Despite ongoing inflationary pressures, we are determined to help everyone live their best life.”
Further details on the proposed short break accommodation at Goldsworth Park in Woking can be found at https://lakerssbs.communityuk.site/
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