Vale of Glamorgan Council’s decision to relocate the New Horizons day centre for adults with physical disabilities has sparked concerns and protests from its users. The move would see the centre move from its current location at Hen Goleg Resource Centre in Barry to a building in Thompson Street. This decision by the council is part of a plan to modernize the delivery of services and reduce costs.
Users of the day centre, such as Ben Stradling, have expressed their worries about the proposed move. Ben, who has been a regular attendee at New Horizons, shared how the centre has been vital for his social interaction and recovery journey following a stroke. The gym equipment and workshops available at the current site have been instrumental in his rehabilitation process.
The proposed new space for New Horizons is smaller, leading to concerns among clients about the potential loss of amenities such as the gym. Some fear that moving to a smaller space without essential facilities could significantly impact the services and support they currently receive at the centre. The uncertainty surrounding the new location and its amenities has left many clients feeling apprehensive about the proposed relocation.
Chris Bannister, a long-time attendee of New Horizons, highlighted the importance of the workshop at the current site, where clients engage in creative activities and contribute to the community. The potential downsizing of the centre could mean a reduction in services and opportunities for clients to express themselves creatively, affecting their sense of pride and purpose.
Mark Roderick, another client at New Horizons, emphasized the value of the workshop as a creative outlet and a place where clients can feel a sense of normalcy and accomplishment. The prospect of losing this space and potentially having to share facilities with another service has raised concerns among clients about the quality of support they will receive at the new location.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council defended its decision to relocate some day services, citing the need to modernize service delivery and save costs. While assuring that existing clients would continue to receive the same level of support, the council acknowledged the concerns raised by clients about the downsizing of the new space. Discussions with service users are ongoing to determine how the smaller space will be utilized to meet their needs.
Clients at New Horizons are advocating for a like-for-like replacement that maintains essential facilities and services crucial for their well-being and personal development. The move to a smaller building with potentially reduced amenities has raised questions about the impact on the clients’ quality of life and their access to social, creative, and therapeutic activities.
The emotional attachment and sense of pride that clients like Ben, Chris, and Mark have developed towards New Horizons illustrate the significant impact the centre has had on their lives. As the discussions between the council and service users continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the proposed relocation does not compromise the essential services and supportive environment that New Horizons provides to its clients.