Yew Tree Resource Centre launched

Giant-numbered clocks, radios with brightly visible controls and a talking baked bean tin were just a few of the clever devices on display at the official launch of the Yew Tree Resource Centre for people with sensory and physical disabilities Friday 23 September.

Around seventy people attended the event hosted by the Mayor and Mayoress of Havering, Councillors John and Patricia Mylod, and Lead Member for Adult Services, Councillor Steven Kelly. The guest of honour was Mike Brace OBE, Chair of Sight Action Havering, Chief Executive of Vision 2020 UK and Chair of the Paralympic Committee.

The Yew Tree Recourse Centre is unique in bringing together a number of public and voluntary sector resources under one roof, such as social workers, occupational therapists, rehabilitation workers for the visually impaired, the RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind who manage the low vision project, RAD (the Royal Association for the Deaf) and Havering and Redbridge Home Improvement Agency.

The scheme was pioneered by a project team within Havering Social Services, together with Havering Primary Care Trust and voluntary sector partners, and includes a £250k government grant for its low-vision centre.

Mike Brace OBE said: "Things have changed a great deal in the past 20 years. People with disabilities should be able to live in the community as they choose. I congratulate the Yew Tree Resource Centre for providing such a fantastic range of opportunities for independent living."

Project champion, Councillor Steven Kelly said, "The Yew Tree Resource Centre is a fantastic resource with the latest equipment and trained professionals to accurately assess people's needs. It provides a wonderfully welcoming social environment. All those who are referred to the centre can come here at any time to enjoy the facilities on offer. These range from leisure pursuits such as arts and crafts to training facilities such as sign language for the deaf and how to cope in the kitchen with a physical or sensory disability. It is a truly all-round facility that puts Havering a step further towards all-round excellence."

For further press information, contact Lizzie Deane on 01708 432012.