The official ribbon was cut to open New Directions’ respite service ‘Milner House’ on the 24th of June 2011 by the then Mayor of Rugby, Gwen Hotten. This vibrant respite service is now celebrating its 10th year of supporting people with learning disabilities and autism and their families by promoting independence and empowerment. The charity will celebrate the anniversary later when restrictions have been eased or lifted.
Milner House is a place where people learn new skills to maintain their independence, develop friendships, enjoy community activities and take a break from family or home life. The respite service needed to become dormant for a very short period of time during the first ‘Coronavirus lockdown’, reopening to high priority respite stays as soon as the national guidance allowed in July 2020. This was a huge team effort and meant that families and individuals who were desperate for a respite break could once again be supported.
Miner House is now giving even more people that much-needed break after months of intense family relationships, missing friends and coping with restrictions. Stays can provide a short break from and for a carer, a short holiday or a new experience with support.
With the independent living skills gained during stays at this vital service, many people have been able to move into their own supported living homes, including Leanne (pictured below). Even the pandemic has not stopped New Directions from providing their respite service and the Charity even opened 15 new supported living apartments within the centre of Rugby. New Directions has now supported 15 individuals to take up their own tenancies during the last year, most of whom are experiencing their first taste of living independently with support.
If you need respite support for yourself or a loved one, or know someone who New Directions can help please contact cpayne@newdirectionsrugby.org.uk or call 01788 878914