ATTENDEES of a Tavistock day centre are celebrating after their service moved from a building no longer fit for purpose on the edge of an industrial estate, to a modern, bright and spacious facility close to the town centre.

Day service users bid a fond farewell to the Molly Owen Centre last month, but have enthusiastically welcomed the service move to Devon County Council’s new facility at Abbey Rise.

The recently refurbished and purpose-built facility is a world apart from the old building, providing many more opportunities for the group which has learning difficulties.

One of its highlights is a state-of-the-art hoist for use by people who require assistance to walk. Best described as a parachute harness that tracks along a supported beam, running right through the facility, the hoist enables its users to walk with support in each room. The hoist also supports users while they stand at work surfaces, learning daily living skills.

The new facility at Abbey Rise has a fully-equipped and adapted kitchen to help people learn independence living skills.

The centre will be purchasing a range of equipment for the new sensory room which is designed to stimulate mind and body.

Eleven people currently attend the Abbey Rise day service.

Councillor Stuart Baker, Devon County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care, said: ‘The new building is really something to be proud of and I’m delighted that people who had been at the Molly Owen Centre are now enjoying Abbey Rise’s many benefits.

‘In times of tough choices it has been more than worth the investment to see just how much vulnerable people can enjoy good facilities and improve their independence.

‘One of my personal challenges has been to ensure that we provide a Changing Places facility in as many areas as possible. We now have a good network of them across the county and the latest one at Abbey Rise will enable people with disabilities and their families visit the area knowing that this essential facility is available for them. It can be accessed at any time with a radar key. It’s a larger than normal toilet with a built-in hoist track and a changing facility which includes a shower.’

County councillor for Tavistock Cllr Debo Sellis, who has long-supported the Molly Owen Centre, said: ‘Public disabled toilets are not necessarily the nicest places to change in — this new facility has a Changing Places which has 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year access. The new centre is a bespoke design and has absolutely fantastic facilities. It is great for local residents and visitors, I’m delighted with it. It is a real benefit to our town.’