Tyneside celebrity Tim Healy will join local people at the grand opening of a new facility for older people in Gateshead.
Tyneside celebrity Tim Healy will join local people at the grand opening of a new facility for older people in Gateshead.
Shadon House in Birtley, Gateshead has undergone a fantastic transformation and now provides care facilities for 23 people with dementia, thanks to Gateshead Council.
Tim, star of hit shows Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and Common as Muck, hails from Birtley, the town where Shadon House is opening. In a letter of support for the project Tim wrote,
“I was interested to read of your plans for Shadon House and I am sure it will be of great value to a large number of people who are suffering from Dementia and other relevant problems and those who look after them.”
“I feel some affinity with the project as it (Birtley) was my old home town. Thank you again for asking me and I wish you much success with the project.”
12 people will be able to live at Shadon long term, while another 11 residents can use the short stay facility, in case of emergency or for respite care or assessment purposes.
Staff will care for people on an individual basis, looking after their needs, as well as supporting their families. The centre aims to help people with dementia to live as normal a life as possible, involving them in social activities and offering therapeutic classes like dance, music and drama.
The council has invested over £1 million in the refurbished development and the centre will employ 26 members of staff.
Cabinet member for Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council, Cllr Peter Mole said, “Traditionally older people suffering from dementia are stigmatised. At Shadon House they will be treated with sensitivity and respect. We will also offer help and support to families and carers, with are dealing with the many complex issues involved in looking after people with these kind of care needs.”