SERVICE-USER FACILITIES, ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES

General Activities

Longfields Association has many activities and supporting facilities to offer service-users:

• Social Skills Development

• Community Involvement

• Computer Skills

• Gardening

• Arts and Crafts

• Group Sessions

• Simple Cookery

• Sensory

• Physio and Speech Therapy

• Horticulture project

Specific Programme Activities

Service-users are individually assessed and encouraged to develop an appropriate programme for their individual needs. Within their programme, the service-user is engaged in activities that provide a wide range of opportunities, designed to help them:

• develop and maintain language and communication skills

• develop and maintain mobility and motor skills - particularly through the services of external health professionals

• learn to use the specialist equipment needed to minimise the impact of their disability

• manage their own behaviour

• develop and maintain social skills - both within the day service and in the community

• increase and maintain their life and independence skills - such as self care, simple cookery, money management, and domestic tasks

• access formal learning and educational resources

• develop computer skills and understand the benefits of information technology

• learn about the world of work

• access sport, leisure and recreational activities

• access the opportunities for self-expression - such as drama, poetry, creative writing and the visual arts

• explore and debate issues that are important to them

• become involved in decision making, service delivery, service development and service management

All of the above facilities are provided in a safe, stimulating and comfortable environment that maximises the opportunities for education, learning, and personal development.

Hydrotherapy Pool

Opened by our Patron Catherine Zeta Jones.

At Longfields our service users have a wide range of physical and learning disabilities.  Our consultant physiotherapist has devised an exercise plan suited to the needs of individual service users.  Exercising in water provides unique support and resistance and allows the physiotherapist to target specific muscle groups effectively. The hydrotherapy pool provides exercise in a secure and safe environment.  

We have also enhanced the environment of the pool with the addition of sensory lights which create different moods for service users.

What we had not anticipated was the huge enjoyment everyone would have from the pool and how this would help to develop greater self-confidence.  Many had never previously been able to access a pool, especially our wheelchair users. With the aid of a hoist, the pool is accessible to everyone. 

Private Hire of the Hydrotherapy Pool

We can now offer the facilities of the hydrotherapy pool to individuals and groups during the evenings and at weekends when the pool is not required by our own services users. This means we can share our facilities with the community and also generate the revenue we need for the running costs of the pool, which is independently funded by Longfields. There is a pool supervisor for health and safety purposes but physiotherapy and personal assistance is not provided. Individuals with a disability must be accompanied.

Hydrotherapy benefits people with a wide range of disabilities, whether these are long-term chronic conditions, or people recovering from injury or surgery. Hydrotherapy can be part of a physiotherapy programme, gentle exercise or simply a relaxing experience in a safe, warm environment.

Benefits include:

• Reduced muscle spasm

• Increased muscle tone and strength

• Increased mobility

• Increased self-confidence and independence

• Relaxation, reduced stress and anxiety

The pool is 3.5 metres x 4 metres and 1.2 metres deep. Facilities include:

• Two changing rooms

• Two toilets

• A range of physiotherapy, exercise and games equipment

• Chill out room with water dispenser

• Shower bed

• Shower chair

• Freeway ceiling hoist

The charge is £25 per hour for the pool. The pool can be shared by up to 4 people so the cost can also be shared. If you are an individual user and would be willing to share with others, we will be happy to try and accommodate your needs.

Users can also use our Fitness Centre to exercise regularly to improve strength, control weight and help prevent muscle wastage.

For further information contact: Jenny Charles on 01792 403220/405398 or email: daycentre@longfieldsassociation.org.uk

CONFERENCE FACILITIES

If you are looking for a conference or training venue then Longfields Centre can meet your needs. Our conference facility is well-equipped, secluded and commands spectacular views over the bay.

The centre benefits from:

• 2 rooms suitable for meetings and training events with ample parking

• communication equipment - video, TV, OHP, projection screen and flipcharts

• catering - full buffet, plus tea and coffee

Please contact us for details of pricing and availability