Sister’s plight inspires woman to open new day care centre in Lincoln

A new day centre for adults with learning disabilities is opening in Lincoln. Busy Days is being set up by Pat Andrewartha, 58, of Lincoln after her sister, who attended Ancaster Day Centre, in Boundary Street, Lincoln, lost her day care.

A decision to end Lincolnshire County Council control of 31 facilities by 2014 was unanimously agreed by the authority’s executive in March.

Despite claims that all centres would be supported before private firms or social enterprises took over, the Echo revealed that many of the centres could shut within two years. The local authority has been encouraging private firms and social enterprises to take over the management of the county’s day centres.

Mrs Andrewartha, whose sister has learning disabilities, said: “I have been involved with adults with learning disabilities for a long time because of my sister.

“She has lost the majority of her day care services over the last few months. She went to Mencap but that had to stop and she was left with nothing.

“There are many people who need these services and they are just not there, so I felt the need to start something up.

“It is vital that services like this are continued as they help so many people and without them their lives are much more difficult.

“If my sister didn’t have day care services, she would probably stay in bed all day.”

Mrs Andrewartha is going into partnership with John Smith, who has experience working in day centres with Mencap and they will be monitored by social workers.

“We will be doing activities such as crafts and basic gardening and cooking,” she added. “We will also be trying to get out and about and accessing events in the city that they perhaps normally wouldn’t get to, like the Christmas market. Every person who comes to Busy Days will have their own personal care plans drawn up for them. We are trying to provide something that is fun but that also promotes a fulfillment of life.”

Penny Moody, of Metheringham, cares for her disabled son Rob, 31.

“It is encouraging that people are looking to keep these services available off their own back,” she said.

“The threat of closure of day centres is worrying but you can’t let it affect you too much.”

There will be an open day at the Busy Days day centre on October 31 from 10.30am to 2pm. It is located in the Revive building, in Mint Lane.

For details, call Mrs Andrewartha on 07904 563794.