Edwina Cooper and I were invited to attend one of the Open Days at Naomi House in Sutton Scotney and we drove down there on Friday 21 September. Neither of us had visited and we were anticipating an interesting afternoon. On arrival we were greeted by members of staff, some of whom were volunteers and had our photographs taken, presumably for publicity purposes. The main building is modern, single storey purpose built and in a crescent shape which allows all the rooms to look out over a landscaped attractive garden with a pond.
We were taken on a guided tour by one of the staff who had been there only a relatively short time. Wherever we went, she enlisted the aid of a member of staff who was in attendance in each room and was therefore able to describe in detail the purpose and facilities in each room.
There was a specific route which we followed as this was the method of getting the best out of the visit. On the floor is marked with pink feet to follow as the main tour route so we could not get lost if we were on our own. The first room we saw was the play room. It was extremely tidy with games and toys neatly stacked on shelves and rather like a miniature version of Hamley’s. The next and largest room was the dining room and lounge where everyone sits down and eats and relaxes. This was followed by the music, computer and art/craft room, all of which are used to allow the resident children to have fun and stimulation.
We walked outside into the beautifully maintained garden with its pond and then back inside to the hydrotherapy pool. It is equipped with an array of hoists and supports so that the resident children of varying capabilities can relax and enjoy the warm water.
We were then taken into the butterfly suite which is used by families when their child has ended its life. There they can stay with their child for as long as they like. This room is complemented by a quiet garden adjacent to it and the dovecote where families can meet the bereavement team. We were also shown the families accommodation in a 2 storey annex.
As a finale to the tour, we were given details of a future project to build accommodation for older children up to the age of 25. Currently the facilities are geared up for young children and the new scheme will enable older children to be looked after, with different and more complex conditions to be catered for. The project will cost in the region of £12 Million.
We left Naomi House with the thought that children with limited life expectancy would be given the best possible care and love while there. It is a charity which future Mayors could consider during their term as being extremely worthwhile.
(Afternote: It was recently announced that they had received a £6 Million bequest towards the new facility. Naomi House must be delighted.)
We were taken on a guided tour by one of the staff who had been there only a relatively short time. Wherever we went, she enlisted the aid of a member of staff who was in attendance in each room and was therefore able to describe in detail the purpose and facilities in each room.
There was a specific route which we followed as this was the method of getting the best out of the visit. On the floor is marked with pink feet to follow as the main tour route so we could not get lost if we were on our own. The first room we saw was the play room. It was extremely tidy with games and toys neatly stacked on shelves and rather like a miniature version of Hamley’s. The next and largest room was the dining room and lounge where everyone sits down and eats and relaxes. This was followed by the music, computer and art/craft room, all of which are used to allow the resident children to have fun and stimulation.
We walked outside into the beautifully maintained garden with its pond and then back inside to the hydrotherapy pool. It is equipped with an array of hoists and supports so that the resident children of varying capabilities can relax and enjoy the warm water.
We were then taken into the butterfly suite which is used by families when their child has ended its life. There they can stay with their child for as long as they like. This room is complemented by a quiet garden adjacent to it and the dovecote where families can meet the bereavement team. We were also shown the families accommodation in a 2 storey annex.
As a finale to the tour, we were given details of a future project to build accommodation for older children up to the age of 25. Currently the facilities are geared up for young children and the new scheme will enable older children to be looked after, with different and more complex conditions to be catered for. The project will cost in the region of £12 Million.
We left Naomi House with the thought that children with limited life expectancy would be given the best possible care and love while there. It is a charity which future Mayors could consider during their term as being extremely worthwhile.
(Afternote: It was recently announced that they had received a £6 Million bequest towards the new facility. Naomi House must be delighted.)
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