HRH The Countess of Wessex visits Mencap care home

Friday 24 April 2009

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex met people with profound and multiple learning disabilities at their tailored living accommodation to witness the benefits of Mencap's independent living project.

The Countess, who is patron of the learning disability charity, was shown Mencap's flagship tailored living complex Dolphin Court, which has recently received a ‘3 Star Excellent' rating from the Commission for Social Care Inspection, the highest that can be achieved.

Since opening in June 2006, Dolphin Court has provided its 12 residents with a unique standard of independent living, through three self-contained bungalows on one site. Each house has a spacious living/dining area, kitchen and garden, and all individuals have their own bedroom and en-suite bathroom. In addition, there is a sensory room in each house designed to stimulate people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

The Mayor of Havant said: "With Dolphin Court, Mencap has demonstrated that with the right assistance, people with profound and multiple learning disabilities can lead an independent and fulfilling life. I applaud Mencap for its work, long may it continue."

Denise Redman, Mencap manager of Dolphin Court, said: "Dolphin Court's facilities are groundbreaking as they're tailored to individual needs through assistive technology, state-of-the-art specialist equipment and expert care. Plus, its central location means residents can access the local community easily and opportunities are opened up to everyone."

For more information about Mencap's work visit www.mencap.org.uk

-ENDS-

For further information contact Stacey Kerr at the Mencap press office
on 020 7696 6950 or email Stacey.kerr@mencap.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

* ‘3 Star Excellent' rating from the Commission for Social Care Inspection took place in December 2008

• Mencap works with people with a learning disability and their families and carers.
• 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability.
• A learning disability is caused by the way the brain develops before, during or shortly after birth. It is always lifelong.
• Learning disability affects someone's intellectual and social development all their life. People with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate.
• People with a learning disability don't get an equal chance in life. Mencap fights to change laws and services and to provide better access to education, employment and leisure facilities, supporting thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want.
• It is not a mental illness and should not be confused with mental health issues. It is not dyslexia or aspergers syndrome.
• It used to be called mental handicap but we don't use this term anymore because most people with a learning disability find it offensive.