Future is bright for disability centre

COUNCIL chiefs say a range of new services will herald a bright future for Oldham’s Link Centre.

There was criticism earlier this year from users fearful that five redundancies could signal the demise of a vital service which helps them cope with their disabilities.

But Oldham Council said getting volunteers involved in running the prestigious centre on Union Street would improve the service.

And now plans have been revealed that the authority says will fulfil a bright new vision for the centre, which has been the centre of excellence in the borough for delivering services for disabled people since March, 2000.

The facility has primarily focussed on tailor-made services designed to empower disabled people — and their families and carers — to live independent lives.

The council says that provision will continue but recent months have seen a new drive to extend the centre’s use to even more carers, professionals, voluntary groups and the wider public.

The aim is to maximise the advantages of the Link Centre’s prime location, specialist facilities and good access, and establish it as the borough’s social care ‘hub’ offering a greater range of support and activities.

It means expanding its use as an information point for services and preventative action, including welfare benefits advice and advocacy.

Plans are also under development to work in partnership with the community, health services, GP services, other agencies and local stores to promote the centre’s use for specialist groups, volunteering opportunities and assessment services.

Councillor Philip Harrison, cabinet member for adult and social care, said: “The Link Centre is a fantastic facility but we are conscious that much more can be done to maximise its potential benefit to residents.

“We’ve been working hard to broaden the services on offer and great strides have already been made with the addition of several new services, groups and organisations, and better day-to-day use of the building.

“This is already becoming a more vibrant place and its town-centre location makes it an obvious choice to become our pivotal social care ‘hub’ before Metrolink trams start running along Union Street.

“As part of that work we now aim to bring forward plans to make the venue a ‘Centre for Independent Living’ in 2012.

“This will be there not just for people with disabilities or learning difficulties, but residents across the board in need of health and wellbeing advice, and practical assistance.

“The Link Centre will also become the focus of activity around the ‘Ageing Well’ agenda and making our borough ‘a good place to grow older’. Oldham Council is already working alongside its partners to ensure we’re geared up to meet new challenges and opportunities as the number of residents aged 50 and over becomes the largest proportion of our population.

“The centre will also continue to host important ‘marketplace’ events that help residents meet and talk to the specialised providers of aids, adaptations or services that they need to enable them to continue living independent lives.”



Under the Link roof
Since April, increased usage has seen:

Several new services including the Community Occupational Therapy Team, Aids and Adaptations, Assistive Technology, Carers Strategic Team and Independent Prevention Service.

New groups holding regular meetings and events — taking the total number to 82 — including Standguide, Domus Healthcare, Booker Personal Assistant interviews, Fantastic Dyspraxic Kids, Pennine MSK and Arthritis Care North (training).

New use of the physiotherapy rooms by NHS Oldham.

Increased use of the cafe area with a new refreshments provider.

Additional new volunteers working directly with user groups or Oldham Disability Information Point.