Government minister praises Norwood on recent visit
On Tuesday 12 August 2008, Norwood welcomed Minister for Care Services Ivan Lewis MP along with local Hendon MP Andrew Dismore, who visited services provided by the organisation to support adults with learning disabilities.
The Minister and Mr Dismore met with individuals who are supported by Norwood whilst touring services in Hendon and Finchley. The visit gave the Minister the opportunity to speak to people who use Norwood services, volunteers and staff.
Accompanied by Norwood Chief Executive Norma Brier, Mr Lewis MP was shown the Deli, a training facility for adults with learning disabilities based at the Kennedy Leigh Centre in Hendon. One of the tenants also showed him around her individually-adapted flat in Finchley, which has been converted from a former registered home.
Ivan Lewis MP said: “Norwood is an organisation which is delivering excellent support services, so adults with learning disabilities can become more independent and lead fulfilling lives. Today, I have seen high quality training which supports individuals into employment, as well as accommodation which enables adults with learning disabilities to live much more independently. Norwood should be proud that it is at the cutting edge of service provision for children and adults with learning disabilities.”
Norma Brier raised a number of key issues with the Minister, particularly the problems of making sure that local authority funding allows sufficient support to be given to all the adults who want to use Norwood’s services during their transition towards achieving greater independence.
Norma Brier said: “Norwood’s person centred approach is all about making sure that we understand the individual needs and aspirations of the people we support and then providing services that enable these needs to be met. We are delighted that the Minister has recognised the importance of what Norwood is doing to assist people with learning disabilities to live more fulfilling lives.”
For further information please contact Norwood's Public Relations Office on 020 8420 6900 or email pressoffice@norwood.org.uk
