Respite care business opens second site

A PRIVATE respite and activity centre for children and young adults with disabilities is to open in Oswaldtwistle after a funding deal.

My Life My Choice is opening a 24-hour care facility on the site of the old Masonic Hall on Albert Street in the Lancashire town after securing £450,000 of funding from NatWest.

The new centre will cater for up to 40 clients during the day, and create  33 jobs. Refurbishment works include creating eight bedrooms for overnight accommodation as well as a hydro therapy pool, ball room, and additional play and learning areas.

Andrea Brighouse, managing director of My Life My Choice, has been running similar centre called Blue Tin Roof in Blackburn for more than 11 years.

She said: “My eldest child, who is now 26 has Neurofibromatosis, learning disabilities and autism. I had previously worked in the respite industry for over 10 years where I gained an understanding of the industry and the challenges faced by carers and centres alike.

“Like other parents in my situation I came to a place where I thought I could do it better and provide a level of care I thought was right so I started the first centre.”

The centre is due to open after Easter and Andrea said there is already a waiting list for some services.

NatWest healthcare specialist Gary Swift has worked with her on the funding deal after being introduced to him by David Sharpe of Pierce Accountants in Blackburn.

Mr Swift said: “Andrea came to us with an excellent business plan for the centre and we wish her and My Life, My Choice all the best for the future.”