West Dunbartonshire Council has worked closely with service users and their carers in developing this project. The service has been co-designed by a Steering Group made up of carers, Knowes Housing Association and council officers. Their involvement from the initial planning stages to the final selection of furniture and fittings has resulted in a high-quality building designed in a person-centred way.
Helen Hunter, Service Director at Quarriers said: “Quarriers is delighted to be working alongside carers and West Dunbartonshire Council in developing this service. It’s lovely to start from scratch with a new building and be involved in furnishing the premises. Quarriers staff have been working hard with families, gathering information, and getting to know the people who will be supported by the service. We are committed to supporting adults with a disability to achieve their aspirations, however challenging these may be.”
The steering group will continue to liaise with West Dunbartonshire Council, Knowes Housing Association and Quarriers now that the service is open, taking an active role in decisions regarding the running of the project.
Pierre De Fence, Director of Knowes Housing Association is delighted to see this much needed facility completed and is pleased to welcome the new residents. He said: “This project has become a reality following consultation with a number of organisations and the families of the users of the facility. The facility at Dunn Street has been carefully designed and will hopefully meet the needs of all future residents. Knowes Housing Association would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their efforts over the period since the project’s inception.”
Ensuring families have somewhere secure to enable carers to have some respite is invaluable and this project will also enable families and their carers a break in the knowledge that individuals will be safely and successfully supported.
Local resident Tony Meechan from Faifley will use the facility for his 41yr old daughter Lucy. Mr Meechan said: “It’s been great to see this project completed. From day one it has been an exercise in co-operation between carers and professionals with consultation and discussion all the way.”
He continued “We now have a marvellous local respite centre which is second to none and of which we are all very proud.”
