Care firm secures funding to open first respite centre

A Birmingham business that specialises in providing skills training for people with learning disabilities has secured funding to open its first respite centre, Respite Breaks.

The Care First Group of companies, which operates across the Midlands, has purchased the property in Kingstanding. It will offer respite care for three people with learning disabilities and complex needs.

The business, which was established in 1996, improves the quality of life for adults 16 plus with learning disabilities and complex needs, by providing life skills training to increase independence.

Neil Thorogood, finance director of The Care First Group of companies, said: “The opening of this respite home will provide respite care for our clients, meaning that their carers can take some much-needed rest in the knowledge that their son or daughter are being cared for in a supportive and developmental environment.

“Enabling parents to cope over the longer term, through having respite, will ultimately help keep families together and avoid early transitions into long term expensive residential care. Thus reducing the cost to Local Authorities and the NHS of high-cost residential placements.

Funding was provided by Barclays Bank.

Kevin Sheridan, relationship manager at Barclays said: “I am delighted we have been able to support the business with the funding to develop this respite home which I am sure will be well received by several families and carers who carry out an essential role.”

The centre is due to open this month.