Fremantle Launches My Time New Learning Disability Service

The aim of this innovative, new service is to provide people who have a learning disability with individual support to participate in meaningful and stimulating pastimes and / or educational or occupational activities of their choice, which enable them to keep their days busy and active and their lives stimulating and fulfilled.

Initially the service will launch in Bedfordshire, but there are plans to extend it in the future to the other counties in which Fremantle operates. The first customers for the new service will be people who live at the 5 care homes which Fremantle manages in Bedford Borough (which it took over from Bedfordshire and Luton Partnership Trust on in April 2008) and one supported living service. It is anticipated that with the introduction of individual budgets, as part of Self Directed Support, the service will be expanded quite quickly.

“We are launching in Bedfordshire but we piloted the programme in Buckinghamshire in the last 2 years,” said Linda Warmbier, Head of Development at Fremantle. “Its all about providing people with individually tailored programmes which address what they want to do. People often have to take what is on offer and there is very little choice; we will be offering people new choices and opportunities. My Time staff will work with individuals to devise programmes of activities which they have aspired to and selected themselves”, she concluded.

The staff team will be based at the My Time Hub in Bedford city centre from where they will facilitate and enable the development of each person’s individual programme. Some facilities (such as computers) and group activities will be provided at the Hub. However, the team will also be available to research and identify choices and opportunities, available from other sources, and help people make the arrangements for them to do the things they have chosen. One of the main service aims will be to support people to become integrated into their local community and make a contribution to that community.

Andrew Bedwell has been appointed to lead the My Time team and is currently recruiting his team of staff. Andrew worked for ten years for the Emergency Ambulance Service in Berkshire. He began his career working with people with Learning Disabilities in 2000, working for ILIACE Ltd. He progressed from support worker to Registered Manager in 2001, then on to Project Manager and Area Manager both within 2004. He then moved to Yorkshire, for personal reasons, and worked as a Supported Living Manager with Wilf Ward Family Trust for 6 months and another 6 months for Milbury in Hull. From early 2006 to 2009 he worked as a Senior LD Advisor for New Concept Care and Nursing where he and a colleague developed Learning Disabilities services, which included the setting up of some independent supported living. “I am very enthusiastic about this new role with Fremantle, as we aim to deliver services almost identical to my own vision of what people have a right to access,” said Andrew.

For more information please contact:
Claire Gajeckyj, Marketing Manager on 01296 737366
Woodley House, 64-65 Rabans Close, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8RS
email: claire.gajeckyj@fremantletrust.org