New respite unit set to be unveiled

West Sussex County Council is set to unveil a brand new, purpose-built respite unit for people with learning difficulties and associated complex health needs.

Bluebell House, in Sompting, is designed for up to four people and provides planned respite for families or carers to have a break from supporting their family member or the person they care for.

The building is made up of four en-suite bedrooms on two floors and will provide high levels of support for customers with a wide range of complex needs.

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The service offers improved accommodation standards for customers who are having a period of respite care and ensures good value for money by linking it with a wider residential service.

The new unit is part of Ball Tree Croft, a County Council home for up to 16 adults with severe learning difficulties.

Planning towards the new service began more than a year ago and will open on July 1.

Graham Tyler, Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Adults Services, said: “Construction and delivery of this new service underlines the importance of ensuring that good quality respite services continue to be available in West Sussex.

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“This is particularly apt with Carers Week having just taken place, which is designed to raise the profile of carers, raise awareness of their needs, to identify hidden carers and to celebrate the contribution that carers make.” In West Sussex the most recent figures estimate there are 74,000 unpaid carers, saving West Sussex an estimated £951.4 million a year.