Care and support

Ware Road day service and resource centre

Ware Road
Hertford
Herts SG13 7TG
(Click on the link on the right called 'See a map of this area' and zoom in on the map to show the exact location)
Tel: 01920 461671
Fax: 01920 485772
E-mail: Ware.road.dayservice@hertscc.gov.uk

Hertfordshire County Council’s Ware Road multi-purpose day centre opened in 2007 and provides services for about 100 people from in and around Ware and Hertford.

Adults with physical disabilities and those with needs associated with ageing attend the centre which is open seven days a week, 9am to 4pm.

Our resource centre is open Monday to Friday, 11am to 3pm, and is available for information and guidance on both day to day issues and equipment that may help a person with a disability to live more independently.

We provide an information and advice service, about physical or sensory disability, which is available to the general public. We can help people to find information on a wide range of disability issues such as details about specific medical conditions, contacting local or national support groups, services available from Hertfordshire County Council, local councils, private and voluntary groups, and holidays suitable for people with physical or sensory needs. Information can be accessed through computers equipped with different software and hardware to help people use them and staff are there to help, if needed.

Day service staff try to meet individual needs, both emotionally and physically, in a caring and supportive way and by creating an atmosphere in the centre people feel comfortable in and can enjoy through the companionship of friends and by taking part in various activities.

Partly supported through nearby Ware College, our varied programme for those using our services changes to meet individual needs and choices, and annual reviews are held to assess individual programmes and activities. Topics covered include sessions on life skills, cooking, computing and soft crafts to gardening, pottery, painting, woodwork and self-help groups. Plus social activities like quizzes, discussions, word games and board games. Outings and pub lunches are arranged throughout the year.

Users, carers and other agencies are encouraged to meet regularly with staff to comment on the day to day running of the centre and to assist and advise on future developments. this is achieved through three groups:

• a finance committee - made up of people who attend the centre, which controls how the amenity account is spent
• the QUIG group (Quality Improvement Group) - involves users, carers, staff, and other agencies in discussing the centre’s day to day running. It looks at the way the centre works, the group makes suggestions for the future which helps us run the centre more effectively whilst keeping staff aware of important issues.
• a carers' group - meets one afternoon during the week. If you are a carer of someone using our day service come along and share your experiences or listen to those of others.

Our staff come from a variety of backgrounds and have extensive training and experience of working with people with differing disabilities and needs.

Every centre user is allocated a linkworker, a member of staff who provides individual support. Everyone also has a care plan, agreed with him or her, and tailored to their individual needs which is reviewed regularly.

Our mid-day meal is delivered to the centre with a choice of main courses and puddings for a set price. Special dietary needs can be catered for. Hot and cold drinks are available all day and there is also a sweet bar where a choice of sweets and snacks can be purchased.

Transport is not automatically provided for people attending Adult Care Services. User’s needs will be assessed by the local Adult Care Services Area Teams to see if any support is needed with travel, and a variety of options will be explored. Where it is identified that the person requires specialist transport, the Area Team worker will arrange for it. Where transport is provided by Adult Care Services there is a charge to the person of £2 per return journey if they are assessed as being able to pay.

What you think…

• "We find that the special facilities that are offered, chiropodist, hairdresser and optician are very useful in as much that we have no problems with access and transport. We also enjoy the companionship and support from the staff, volunteers and other people!"
  (Joan Bennett)
• "It stops me from feeling sorry for myself, and I enjoy the friendly banter in the centre."
  (Geoff Dennison)

For more information, or to arrange a visit, please contact us directly on 01920 461671.

If you would like to attend you need to contact your social worker or occupational therapist. Alternatively, you can contact our Customer Service Centre: details can be found by selecting the link on the left of this page called 'Contact us'.