Norwood has a bold new vision of the future – a three-year Change a life strategy which puts the needs and wishes of the children, adults and families it supports at the heart of everything it does. Under its plans for 2010-13 and beyond, Norwood will: enhance its Life Long Learning services; place a greater emphasis on its Supported Living services; and expand its Children & Family services, particularly in those areas with a rapidly growing Jewish population.
One of the key drivers of the Change a life strategy is Personalisation - a concept which puts everyone, including those with the most complex needs, in control of their own lives, while giving them the support they need to achieve this. Personalisation stems from recent changes in Government policy which focus on greater independence, inclusion and integration for people with disabilities. Norwood has been closely involved in these changes and fully endorses this person-centred approach.
The Change a life strategy highlights Norwood’s commitment to Life Long Learning. This was recently demonstrated by the launch of the new RD Crusaders WorkHub - a centre in Stanmore which provides training to people with learning disabilities to help them to enter employment. The RD Crusaders WorkHub houses three services – Day Opportunities, the Links recreational service, and Supported Employment – which provide a wide range of advice, information and opportunities for the adults who use them.
In line with the move to greater independence, Norwood will also increase the amount of Supported Living accommodation, in the form of houses and flats, in the heart of the Jewish community.
Meanwhile, Norwood will be expanding its Children & Family services in areas where the Jewish population has grown in recent years. This will include: the extension of family support services in South Hertfordshire; enhanced support for children with learning, education and emotional problems; increased support for a greater number of Jewish families in need; and more emphasis on supporting young adults with learning disabilities facing the post-education transition to adulthood.
Norma Brier, Chief Executive of Norwood, said: “Norwood believes in an inclusive society and we want all the people using our services to play a valuable role in their community. By putting the adult or child at the centre of everything we do at Norwood, we will provide greater assistance, better education and new opportunities for people to enhance their self esteem and live less marginalised and more independent lives within society.”
She was also keen to reassure existing residents and their families and said: “Despite the many changes envisaged, Norwood is committed to providing a continuity of service to those people who it has supported for many years.”
Bernie Myers, Norwood’s Chairman, added: “We are delighted to announce that over the next three years there will be a significant expansion of Norwood’s Supported Living, Life Long Learning and Children & Family services, particularly in areas which have seen a significant growth in the Jewish population in recent years such as North West London and South Hertfordshire. These services act as an important ‘safety net’ for our community and it is right that we ensure that everyone that needs Norwood’s support has easy access.”
