£1.6m revamp of Dudley day centres launched
The?first stage of a £1.6 million project to revamp two day centres in Dudley to help them better serve the needs of residents with dementia has got under way.
Work has started on refurbishing and decorating Brettell Lane Day Centre in Stourbridge.
Once it has been completed early next year, council bosses say they will start overhauling Brett Young Day Centre in Halesowen.
Dudley Council wants to turn them into 'Dementia Gateways' to meet the specific needs of people with dementia.
It is estimated that around 3,850 people in the borough are affected by the condition.
The work will include improvements to the access to the buildings and the creation of sensory gardens. The centres offer a wide range of day sessions and therapies, from crafts and memory exercises to gardening.
Staff also run activities to provide a break for family and carers.
Councillor Steve Waltho, cabinet member for adult and community services, said:
"Improvements to Brettell Lane and Brett Young day centres will help continue the excellent support for people with dementia.
"Dementia gateways aim to ensure those affected by dementia enjoy life to the full, and offer a wide range of day sessions and therapies, from crafts and memory exercises to gardening.
"The work at Brettell Lane has already started and work at Brett Young will commence when this is completed which we expect to be in early 2014."
Around £960,000 will be spent on Brettell Lane Day Centre in King William Street, which provides services for around 45 people.
Plans for the work were recently approved by the council.
While the cost of work at Brett Young Day Centre in Old Hawne Lane will be £650,000.
