Woodlands holds open doors day
Campbeltown’s centre for adults living with a learning disability has invited the public to step inside. The Woodlands Resource Centre is opening its doors to all next Thursday October 25, from 1pm-3pm, to display the facilities and advise on available classes, groups and activities. Local organisations and health and social care staff will attend to promote a wide range of health and wellbeing information and support services, including oral health, volunteering, promotion of local organisations and available services. Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4pm, Woodlands is owned and managed by Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP). The centre offers day care support services in a ‘happy, safe and friendly environment’ for adults living with a learning disability, based on individual physical, age related and mental health needs. The team of qualified and experienced staff provides opportunities for its members to interact socially and encourage participation in many stimulating activities. Referrals to the centre are welcomed from health and social staff, mental health teams, GPs and third sector organisations. Attending day care services can help to relieve loneliness and boredom for people living on their own or with long-term conditions. The services provided help to promote independence, social inclusion and learning new skills. Alison McGrory, Argyll and Bute public health principal, said: ‘Loneliness is a significant public health issue, associated with increased mortality to the same extent as smoking 15 cigarettes per day, and with an increased incidence of long-term conditions such as dementia, heart disease, high blood pressure and depression. ‘The detrimental effects of loneliness on wellbeing and quality of life are apparent across the whole population, but the health impacts manifest particularly in older age.’ The centre, which provides various classes and groups to assist people in maintaining independence, promotes social inclusion and life skills while providing respite and peace of mind for families. Carers would like more people to know of the facility and services on offer. For more information or to arrange a viewing of the facilities, call Woodlands’ registered manager Anne Anderson on 01586 551164.