15/02/2012

Services Improved For People With Disabilities

The Health Minister has highlighted the valuable contribution made by respite care providers to the health and well being of people with learning disabilities throughout Northern Ireland.

During a visit to the Mourne Stimulus Day Centre in Kilkeel, Mr Edwin Poots met with staff and residents to see at first hand activities offered to people with learning disabilities.

The Minister said: "Improving services for those with disabilities has been one of my top priorities since I became Minister for Health.

"It has been my Department’s policy for a number of years to encourage and support people with a learning disability to live in a community setting, where that is the appropriate thing to do.

"The provision of respite care must be a key element in supporting families who provide constant care to their loved ones."

The Minister concluded: "Mourne Stimulus Day Centre provides a flexible approach to respite and is therefore ideal for families and carers of people with a learning disability.

"The care takes place in a wonderful and stimulating environment where those who are most vulnerable in our society can achieve an element of independence in a secure setting."

(GK)

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