New Respite Facility to Support Families Caring for Adults with Additional Needs Opens in Surrey
By Jill Dando News
A new £5.7million short breaks service providing much-needed respite for families caring for adults with additional needs is to be opened by Surrey County Council.
Emily Lodge, located in Woking, will enable family carers to rest and recharge while their loved ones benefit from meaningful experiences at a purpose-built facility.
Surrey-based social care provider Surrey Choices, which has more than 10 years’ experience in running respite services, will operate the service on behalf of the council – and is currently recruiting for roles at the facility.
The new site in Goldsworth Park, due to open later in the spring, is part of the council’s drive to modernise its short breaks service for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, supporting them as well as their carers.
Short breaks accommodation offers family carers the opportunity to take a break from their caring responsibilities to focus on themselves, while their loved one is supported by experts in a fun and enriching environment.
The new facility features eight spacious en-suite bedrooms, designed to be fully accessible to wheelchair users and suitable for those with complex needs. The site also includes a communal lounge and dining areas, a sensory room and landscaped gardens for enjoyment and relaxation.
The design of Emily Lodge’s gardens reflects the surrounding woodland and includes native plantings, wildlife-friendly features and calming outdoor spaces.
Designed with sustainability in mind, Emily Lodge incorporates renewable energy sources, including solar photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps. Lighting and heating will be controlled via smart devices, while underfloor heating and the use of natural building materials ensure comfort and wellbeing.
Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It’s fantastic to see this wonderful new facility so close to fruition.
“We know how demanding it can be for carers looking after loved ones with care and support needs, and this service will offer them a chance to rest and recharge. It’s about giving carers peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are in a safe and supportive environment, surrounded by dedicated professionals. Emily Lodge will enable carers to take a well-deserved break while their loved ones enjoy meaningful experiences.
“It’s part of our wider drive to improve and modernise our short breaks service, which will ultimately enable us to increase the number of overnight stays that we’re able to offer in Surrey.”
Natalie Bramhall, Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure said: “We’re pleased to be nearing completion on Emily Lodge in Goldsworth Park. This new short breaks service is one of many projects being delivered by our Land & Property Capital Projects Team in partnership with adult social care, to help people stay independent, safe and well, so they can live the lives they want.”
Louise Hayes, Senior Operations Manager at Surrey Choices, said: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Surrey County Council to open this fantastic new short breaks service. This state-of-the-art facility will provide vital respite for families across Surrey, offering much-needed support for both the person with a disability and their carers.
“At Surrey Choices, we are committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities, and this new service will make a real difference to the wellbeing of many families.”
Surrey Choices is a social care organisation based in Surrey, offering support services for people with disabilities and those with additional support needs.
It helps individuals lead fulfilling, independent lives by providing tailored support, meaningful activities and skill-building opportunities.
Surrey Choices is currently looking to recruit full-time Support Workers for Emily Lodge, and to find out how to apply, please visit: Surrey Choices Openings
