FAMILIES caring for loved ones with complex needs have been thanked for their efforts to help secure the long-term future of respite care in Bath & North East Somerset.
Following uncertainty over its future 18 months ago, the families and B&NES Council have worked together to agree a new five-year contract with Dimensions UK at Newton House, Bath.
Newton House offers respite care and short-term breaks that give carers time to rest or focus on other responsibilities, while their loved one continues to receive the care they need.
Among those receiving care at Newton House is Ryan Probert, the son of Keynsham couple Richard and Julie Franklin.
Richard launched a petition, signed by more than 3,000 people, calling for Newton House to be kept open after fears for its future surfaced.
The couple spoke of their tears of joy after it was announced that the closure threat had been lifted earlier this year.
Responding to the announcement of the new five-year contract for the facility, one family commented: “It has been really encouraging to see ideas discussed with families genuinely reflected in the final outcome. We hope this approach will be used again in future to give families the support we need.”
Councillor Alison Born, lead member for adult social care, said: “This is much more than a contract renewal. It is a service reshaped with families, built on trusted relationships and focused on what matters most: high-quality, flexible respite that people can rely on.
“Thank you to the carers and their families who contributed their time over the last 18 months to make a real difference to respite support in B&NES.”
Rachael Dodgson, chief executive of Dimensions UK, said: “We know how difficult it has been for families and we are delighted that the families and carers we support can be reassured that our support will continue.
“Newton House is the only place of its kind in Bath providing overnight short breaks for families who care for loved ones with a disability. It has been fantastic, and a great privilege for us at Dimensions, to work alongside families to design this service in a way that truly reflects the needs of the people who use it.”
Newton House in Twerton, Bath, is a supported short-break and respite care facility offering transitional support, day support and support with life skills. It is rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Photo: John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Pictured, Richard Franklin (left) with his local councillor Dave Biddleston (Keynsham South, Labour), who supported him in his campaign to safeguard the future of Newton House
Tribute to parents as respite care future secured
