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Families call reopened care centre a 'lifeline'

Simon Humphreysin Newcastle-under-Lyme
BBC An elderly man with a brown shirt smiles as he sits on a sofa next to an elderly woman wearing a black and pink floral top, who is also smiling.BBC
Elizabeth Smith, pictured with husband Douglas, said the respite centre had been a "lifeline"

Families caring for disabled relatives have called a recently-reopened respite centre a "lifeline".

Willow Brook Respite Centre, formerly the Douglas Road Respite Centre, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, underwent a £1.5m refurbishment over the last 18 months.

The site offers spaces for people with learning disabilities and complex needs, allowing caregivers to have a break for their own wellbeing.

Elizabeth Smith's daughter Catherine, who uses the centre, has epilepsy and Rett syndrome – a rare genetic disorder affecting speech and motor skills.

Elizabeth, who was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, said it had been a "lifeline" for her and husband Douglas because they "would not get a break without it".

"The staff have been amazing," she added. "They have been accommodating if we have needed to change dates because of my cancer treatment.

"I wouldn't have coped without having Catherine [in] here."

A woman with long brown hair and a white and brown dress, stands next to a man with short grey hair, glasses, a moustache and a grey and white shirt.
Yvonne Sampey, pictured with husband John, said her son had been using the centre for 11 years

Yvonne Sampey cares for her son, who is autistic, has complex learning disabilities and is mostly non-verbal.

"Without this service, we would not be able to continue supporting him at home. He has been using the respite centre for the past 11 years," she said.

"We especially like the new addition of the self-contained flat, which our son has stayed in now a few times.

"This has made a huge difference to him, and his anxiety levels have reduced as a result."

Staffordshire County Council A sensory room in a care centre. The walls are green and white. A thick, curved green mat is in the corner with cushions on it. A blue armchair is visible in the corner and there is a purple medicine ball on the right.Staffordshire County Council
The centre, which has sensory rooms for its guests, provides respite care for people with learning disabilities and complex needs

The centre now has eight fully-accessible bedrooms, including six with ensuite bathrooms, and a new self-contained flat to support guests in developing their independence.

It is run by Staffordshire County Council and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday to mark its reopening.

Councillor Martin Rogerson said: "Respite can be a lifeline for hundreds of carers across Staffordshire, giving them the opportunity to rest, spend time with family and recharge while knowing their loved one is receiving the best possible care."

He said the improvements would help ensure residents receive "high-quality care" while giving their carers peace of mind.

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