Blairgowrie Day Opportunities

 

Blairgowrie Day Opportunities

Blairgowrie Day Opportunities is registered with the Care Inspectorate.   It was opened in 1989 as a purpose built day centre for up to 40 people a day with learning disabilities who may also have a physical disability. The age range of people using the service is between 16 and 65.

The aim of the centre is to meet service user need using personal activity programmes which are devised in consultation with the service user and their carer's.

Service user's who attend the centre are encouraged to be as independent as possible, develop their skills and learn new ones. All service users have a named link worker who is responsible for ensuring individuals needs are being met, co-ordinate reviews, liaise with carers and other professionals. There is also access to a physiotherapist and speech therapist, dietician, community nurses and psychologists.

Social inclusion is also another important role we provide for our service users, by using community facilities i.e. swimming pool, indoor/outdoor bowling, restaurants. The centre is used regularly by the community for various functions i.e. meetings, church service, dance classes. The local community has worked hard along side the staff and service users to establish our sensory garden which was officially opened in August 2004, enabling both to enjoy its beauty and tranquillity.

We have staff called Community Facilitators within the centre who are available to support service users with work experiences/placements. Adult basic education is another area that is offered and supported in the centre; we have independent staff from community education who come along weekly.

Transport is available to and from the centre, some service users travel independently; others are transported by their carers.

How to Access the Service

Operational Times/Days

Monday to Friday 8.45am till 4.00pm, 50 weeks a year.

Criteria for the Service

Individuals who have a learning disability, with varying degree of needs. 

There are Eligibility Criteria for community care services provided by the Council.

Details of referral process

In order to access the Blairgowrie Day Opportunities Service you must be assessed by Learning Disabilities Social Work Team. You can make a request for assessment and referral via the Community Care Access Team on 0845 30 111 20.

As part of the assessment you can visit the centre. This will allow you to see the centre, meet the staff and discuss possible attendance, if you decide to take up a place. You may make further visits if you want more information to help you make up your mind. If you decide to take up a place at the centre you will be allocated a link worker, who will meet you when you attend and make sure you are familiar with the layout of the building. They will also introduce you to other service users and answer any queries you may have. There is an initial six week trial period, after this time the service is agreed upon and each service user has two reviews yearly. Some people who have attended special schools or units have already been linked to a care manager from the time of their future needs review.

If you prefer to have more information about the centre before approaching the Access Team, please feel free to contact the centre directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who decides on allocation days?
  This is decided in consultation with a care manager.
  
  
• Do I pay for the service?
  The service is free, although money is required for community activities.
  
  
• Is the centre opened all year?
  The service is available 50 weeks of the year.

• Does the centre have public holidays?
  Yes at Easter and Christmas, New Year.

• Can the centre be visited?
  Yes, with a prior appointment.
  
  
• Can the centre be used out with the opening times?
  Yes, we have a booking procedure.
  
  
• Can the community visit the garden?
  Yes within the centre's opening times.
  
  
• Do you provide transport?
  Yes service users can access our transport to and from the centre.
  
  
• Can you take service users to appointments?
  In general no, however if their carers have an emergency we would assist where possible.