Keys handed over of new £2m children’s intensive support unit

Contractors Louerne Construction Ltd recently handed over the keys of the new Ballee Intensive Support Unit to the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

The new unit provides a much needed residential facility for children with complex and challenging needs. When the unit opens, children and young people will receive the latest care in a modern domestic style facility, close to their family and friends.

Marie Roulston Director of Children’s Services in the Northern Trust said: “Unfortunately some families can experience a breakdown in relationships between parents and children. The new resource will provide care to young people aged 12-18, whilst an intensive assessment is undertaken with both the young people and their families.

“During this time social workers will work with the young people and their families to build the relationship back up, hopefully to allow the young person to return home to their family.

“This investment reaffirms the Northern Trust’s commitment to developing high quality services for children and young people and will help ensure that those services continue to be delivered in a modern, safe and appropriate environment to those who need it”.

Facilities within the unit include six single ensuite bedrooms and an independent self contained flat with kitchenette to encourage young people to take part in every day household tasks such as laundry, preparation of meals and shopping. It will also provide a computer resource area with Wi-Fi, hairdressing facilities and landscaped exterior with recreation facilities including a multi use games area to encourage young people outside. It also provides a variety of shared spaces for individuals and groups and rooms available for contact with family members and carers.

It is anticipated that the new unit will be open in Autumn 2013.

9th September 2013