Care and support

Briars Pavilion officially launched

Ribbon cut to open purpose-built facility

Arts and crafts, sensory groups, digital photography and surfing the web are just some of the activities enjoyed by people with learning disabilities at a purpose-built facility officially launched in November.

Cutting the ribbon during a special ceremony at Briars Pavilion in Hatfield were users of Hornbeams Day Services, who are benefiting from the new building funded by Adult Care Services (ACS).

Hornbeams is based at Ridgeway in Welwyn Garden City, but also caters for people from Hatfield.

Briars Pavilion was built by Hertfordshire County Council as an extension to Roe Hill Hall in Briars Lane on land leased from Hatfield Town Council. It means that service users who live in Hatfield no longer have to travel to Welwyn Garden City.

ACS Director Sarah Pickup, Cathy Kerr, Assistant Director for Learning Disabilities and Mental Health, and Hatfield Town Council Leader and Mayor Michael Clark joined Councillor Sally Newton, Executive Member for Adult Care and Health, service users and Hornbeams staff at the ceremony.

Cllr Newton said: "This is a welcome extension of the valued service provided by Hornbeams and I'm delighted that people in Hatfield have a facility on their doorstep of which they should be very proud."

The extended building, which opened in June, is also available to the community. It was home to Cavendish Cricket Club during the summer.

Hornbeams is hoping to use the surrounding sports ground to develop new skills for service users. It also aims to open the building's existing internet cafe to the public in the near future.