Voyage Care – one of the country’s leading care providers for those with learning disabilities, autism, brain injuries and complex needs – welcomed Deputy Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Steve Melia, to the grand opening of its new Prader-Willi syndrome and autism service, Barnford House, located in Oldbury.
During the visit, the Deputy Mayor was given a private tour of Barnford House led by Voyage Care’s Operations Manager Stevie Baines and Service Manager Jeana Bircher, before meeting with a person supported by Voyage Care from a nearby service to discuss their experiences over lunch.
The new residential care home will support six working-aged adults living with Prader-Willi syndrome, autism and additional needs, with specialist care from Voyage Care helping them to develop important skill sets and encourage independence. Fostering a sense of belonging, they will also get the chance to take part in interesting and exciting activities within the local community including swimming, cinema trips, walks, day trips and discos.
Throughout the open day, Voyage Care welcomed people from the local community and industry professionals, as well as family members looking to explore Barnford House for their loved ones.
The opening was another example of Voyage Care’s positive and dynamic approach to adult social care, even while nationally the sector is facing a number of challenges including recruitment issues, funding pressures, inequality, and the cost-of-living crisis, meaning that individuals can’t always access the care that they need.
The company recently launched its ‘Fulfilling Lives for All’ manifesto to address these issues in a positive and coherent way. The manifesto calls on the government to develop a consistent and efficient approach to how councils commission social care to improve the lives of those who need support and raise the status of those working in the sector to ensure there’s a parity of esteem with nurses in the NHS.
Antonella Oliver, Regional Managing Director at Voyage Care said: “We’re thrilled to be expanding our support for those with Prader-Willi syndrome right here in the West Midlands. After the success of our existing Prader-Willi syndrome specialist services in Nottinghamshire, Barnford House is adding an additional six beds to help us support those living with this rare condition.
“I think you’ll all agree the service looks fantastic, and we can’t wait to welcome our very first housemate in the next few weeks!”
In his speech at the event, the Deputy Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Steve Melia said: “Social care for working-age adults is of vital importance, and it is fantastic to see this new provision opening to support individuals in our local community and beyond.
“It’s great to have been shown around the newly refurbished home and learn more about the support it will provide to individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome and other complex needs.
“I wish you all the success in the world, and I am eager to see the positive impact the service has on our community.”
Barnford House is a new Prader-Willi syndrome and autism specialist service located in Oldbury, with colleagues specifically trained to support those with autism and Prader-Willi syndrome. Barnford House benefits from spacious communal areas, alongside an expansive garden where those Voyage Care supports can take part in outdoor activities such as growing vegetables.