Families invited to visit lifeline service for Learning Disability Week

Elmville, at Monkton Hall, Jarrow - which is run by South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust - is inviting people to drop in from 11am to 1pm on Thursday, to look around the purpose-built facility and speak to staff and service users.

The venue has seven beds - six for planned stays and one for urgent response situations - and provides residential short breaks for people over the age of 18 with learning disabilities and associated health needs.

During their stay, there is continuity for those in education and who access day care services, and they also have the opportunity to mix with other service users and to go on supported visits and outings.

Giving families and carers a break from their caring responsibilities allows them valuable time for themselves away from what are often very demanding, stressful circumstances.

The open day is part of Learning Disability Week which runs from June 18 until 24.

Angela Hood, manager of the unit which is staffed 24 hours a day, said: “We have a reputation for offering outstanding support to both service users and their families. The unit provides service users with a holiday-type experience allowing them to build on their independence as an adult, and also gives the families a much needed break. Many families tell us Elmville is a vital service to them and don’t know how they would cope without it.”

For a list of events for Learning Disability Week, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/LDWeek