A HUB for people with learning disabilities in Johnstone has received rave reviews since its creation, writes Jack Thomson.
The centre at West Lane Gardens – which was formerly home to a Capability Scotland service – is now run as part of Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) Community Networks.
The overall service helps people with learning disabilities to develop and maintain the skills they need to lead a health and safe lifestyle.
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Since it was expanded to include the hub at West Lane Gardens in April, service users have given it the thumbs up.
An update at the Integration Joint Board (IJB) said: “As planned, Capability Scotland withdrew service provision at West Lane Gardens and Whitehaugh on April 26, 2019.
“All service users have transitioned to the provision of their choice, with early indications that those who have moved to Community Networks are particularly pleased with the new service they are now attending.
“The expansion of Community Networks, which included the creation of a hub at West Lane Gardens, began on April 29, 2019.
“This included the TUPE (transfer) of six employees from Capability Scotland as well as the recruitment of several new staff to support the expansion.
“The final step of the expansion is improvement works at West Lane Gardens.
“Funding has been secured and work is ongoing to programme the required works.
“One further update on the expansion will be provided on the completion of works in Autumn 2019.”
Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, vice chair of the IJB, said: “I’m pleased to see people who have moved on to another service at West Lane Gardens are enjoying the service.
“I know it was quite a controversial process but it’s good to see they are enjoying it.”
Christine Laverty, head of learning disability services at the HSCP, said the hub had prompted a positive response.
She said: “We have had good feedback. People have written to us to tell us how they’re enjoying the service.
“Some of the people who have used West Lane Gardens before have wanted to remain at West Lane Gardens.
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“Some who attended West Lane Gardens have chosen to access other services.
“A significant number of people are still using West Lane Gardens and will continue to use it in the future.”
David Leese, chief officer of the HSCP, added: “Having gone to visit West Lane Gardens there’s certainly a lot of potential in the service.”
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