Six-time Paralympic gold medalist opens Surrey Choices’ new Short Breaks service in Banstead.

Paralympic wheelchair athlete, David Weir, cut the ribbon to Banstead Short Break Service on Wednesday 20 May to celebrate the opening of the new service with Surrey Choices staff and customers.

Surrey Choice’s Banstead Short Breaks service provides high quality respite care for adults with a wide range of needs from physical disabilities, learning disabilities, complex needs, autism and elderly care. Customers coming to Banstead Short Breaks will have their own individual care plan, a dedicated link worker, and the opportunity to attend Surrey Choices day services, as well as experiencing new activities of their choice.

Banstead Short Breaks service provides the reassurance of 24-hour care, whether it’s one off or more regularly, and for as long as is needed.

Six-time winner of the wheelchair race at The London Marathon, who is affectionately known as Weirwolf, David Weir said: “I’m honoured to have officially opened the Banstead Short Breaks service. It was great to meet Surrey Choice’s staff and customers and explore the services on offer. In addition I hope I’ve inspired Surrey Choice’s customers to go out and try new activities and sports, just like I did many years ago!”

Surrey Choices managing director, Simon Laker, said: “We’re delighted to have opened our new short breaks service in Banstead, and we’re very much looking forward to bringing our values and experience to people in the area.

“With the opening of this service, we are creating respite care that changes around the needs of our customers. For everyone coming into our care at Banstead, we’ll find out about the individuals interests and aspirations so we can support them to enjoy existing hobbies, help discover new activities and develop new skills.

“Respite care is a vital service and its importance and impact upon carers should not be underestimated. We aim to not only provide high-quality, person-centred care for our customers, but to also enhance the health, wellbeing and quality of life for those family and friends who care for them on a regular basis.”

The Banstead service can provide care for up to six adults in state-of-the-art surroundings. Each customer will benefit from a bedroom fitted with fixed hoisting equipment and profile beds, as well as luxurious bathrooms, fitted with adapted bath and shower facilities. Free WiFi is available to all guests and its gardens are easily accessible. 

For more information on Surrey Choice’s respite service visit www.surreychoices.com or call 01483 519153.