Lambeth and partners have launched the Crescent Learning Disability Resource Centre on Coburg Crescent in Streatham.
Developments include:
- The new home for Lambeth Walking Day Services.
- Independently supported living apartment for 14 adults with learning disabilities.
- Residential respite and short-term accommodation services.
- A café and community space that provides paid, supported employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.
- A shop, replacing the one on site before construction began.
The council has committed to keeping local shop facilities open throughout construction.
After cutting the ribbon, Cllr Claire Holland. Lambeth Committee Chairman said:
“Providing our residents with this important new facility was a major commitment made in 2018, and I’m proud that we were able to achieve this. A dedicated retreat space where residents will be able to receive personalized care, It’s something that hasn’t existed for over a decade.
This new location offers more space and improved facilities, ensuring services can meet the needs of Lambeth residents as demand grows over the next few years.
At Lambeth we are determined to leave no one behind and everyone has an equal chance to live their best life – this centre is both a way for some of our most vulnerable residents to achieve this and a vital sign for everyone That’s what Lambeth is all about. “
Cllr Lucy Caldicott, joint cabinet member of the Lambeth Commission for Health and Adult Social Care, said:
“At The Crescent, Lambeth offers a unique portfolio of services for people with complex disabilities – including custom apartments and event spaces – and also engages nearby residents.
People with disabilities and their families provided input on the design and layout of the centre, and we are proud to have put this major investment into delivering an excellent new service to Lambeth. “
Partnerships are the guiding principle of the project, which will continue at the center. Services will be provided by Lambeth Council, two local voluntary sector organisations Certitude and Rathbone and local NHS partners.
Gianluca Zucchelli, Director of Services at Certitude, said:
“We celebrate the opening of The Crescent not as a final destination, but as a starting point. It is easy to value the talents and ambitions of those who are often labelled, able to express themselves and live the lives they want life.”
Certitude CEO Aisling Duffy added:
“We are excited about the opportunities this wonderful and innovative space will provide to the local community and Lambeth residents with learning disabilities.”
Crescent also aims to build stronger ties with the local community. Shops, cafes and community spaces will serve the local community. Andrew Preston of Rathbone said:
“Rathbone will run the centre’s cafe for those visiting The Crescent and the local community, creating employment opportunities for Michael Tippett College students on their way to employment in the restaurant industry.”
The building’s design is the result of an extensive engagement process with the Lambeth learning disability community, from initial planning consultation to interior design, décor and furniture ideas.
We now have an ideal building to provide a range of high quality health and social care services.
These services will support individuals using the centre or living in their own apartments to be more independent, to choose and control how they live and support, and to promote their health and wellbeing.
Streatham MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy said:
“It’s great to know that disability facilities like this exist in my constituency, especially in their
Saw so many cuts.“I especially want to thank the caregivers who go above and beyond every day.” “We want everyone to share the message that this is a place that matters to people.
Lambeth. “
As part of the building’s inauguration, an intimate ceremony was held with her close family and friends to dedicate the community space to Yvonne Pennant Taylor’s memory. Yvonne is a beloved member of the Lambeth Learning Disabilities community, dedicated to helping people lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
The community space will be managed in conjunction with the cafe and will provide local residents with a place that can be used for a variety of activities.
For more information on Crescent, please contact Lambeth Council’s Adult Social Care Team.
