NEWS

The Right Honourable Crispin Blunt MP was given a warm welcome on Friday 22nd July when he opened a new short breaks and transitional service for young people with a disability in Shrewsbury Road, Redhill.

The service, which saw a complete refurbishment to an existing property, was designed and developed by Horley-based Active Prospects who provide high-quality support to around 300 vulnerable adults and people with disabilities across the East and Mid Surrey area to help them lead aspiring lives. In addition to the hotel-style 7-bed short breaks service which provides valuable respite for families/carers of young people aged 18-30 with learning disabilities, autism, physical difficulties or complex needs, the service also offers four longer-stay supported living transitional flats, with 24/7 support on hand. These flats offer individuals a supported transition over a maximum of two years from care/hospital to independent living. The new service has already proved popular with three of the four available flats taken up, and referrals also being received for the three remaining beds in the final unit.

Crispin Blunt said: "Active Prospects delivers brilliant local services and has transformed this service. I really value the commitment of their staff who work tirelessly to enable better lives." Tim Evans, Cabinet Associate for Adult Social Care, Well-being and Independence said: "Active Prospects is a key charity working in partnership with Surrey County Council to meet local needs and we celebrate today the reopening of this service for young people."

Also in attendance was Fran Williamson, world champion swimmer and six-time paralympic medallist, who represented Great Britain for more than ten years. Fran has a first class degree in social policy, and is extensively involved with and well regarded by both local and national charities. Fran was enthusiastic, inspiring and motivating with her key message – 'keep dreaming, keep working, keep winning'. She said: "I was told I couldn't do anything - but I never gave up and found I could swim.  We can all achieve awesome things if we never give up."

CEO Maria Mills said: "Social care is as important as the National Health Service in enabling all people to live well in their local communities.  This new service shows what can be done together and will enable local young people to lead aspiring lives."

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