chaseley appeal for physically disabled

We are extremely grateful to His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, who launched the appeal at Chaseley on 16th May 2006, our Appeal President, The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mrs Phyllida Stewart-Roberts, and Appeal Vice Presidents Dr Peter Greenfield, George Wilson and comedienne Jo Brand.

We have completed phase one of the project, which involved the creation of a new area for our computer activity centre (pictured), the relocation of our activities department and some major renovations to key areas within the home. Phase two, which is the key element and the expansion of our therapy department, is also nearing completion.

We hope to officially open the new facilities in May 2009, so watch this space for more details.

We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to this appeal, whether a grant making trust, allied organisation, company or individual. We would also like to thank the many volunteers who assisted at fundraising events, making this great achievement possible.

Therapy Department Therapy is an important part of treatment at Chaseley and its dedicated team is staffed by an experienced Head of Therapy supported by four qualified staff and trained assistants.

The majority of our service users require ongoing disability management and care, while a small number of our residents are improving with treatment and should be able to return to living in the community. This type of Occupational Therapy (OT) includes cooking, washing and dressing, reading/writing and eating, with regular assessments to determine progress. Other therapies involve electric wheelchair practice, sensory stimulation, training on adaptive aids and communications techniques. Following individual assessment the department facilitates the wheelchair application process for clients, including cushion provision and environmental controls, and holds regular clinics to ensure any changes in requirement are monitored.

Our therapy unit is fully used and is in need of expansion to meet the demand both from residents of Chaseley and also from those who live in Eastbourne and the surrounding areas, who require a therapeutic service to improve their quality of life. Additional space will also provide more opportunity for outpatient referrals from Primary Care Trust approved referrers, an additional service we have just started to provide.