Generous backing from the Marcia and Andrew Brown Charitable Trust has supported the relocation of 16 LJWB residents with learning disabilities to a refurbished, purpose-built new home in the vacant Woodlands building on the site of Donisthorpe Hall.
“Our residents are very excited by the move to Woodlands,” said LJWB’s CEO, Liz Bradbury. “The needs of people with learning disabilities entering residential care are significantly higher than when the previous homes in Cranmer Bank were built. This is the perfect opportunity to re- envisage communal living and future proof provision for the Jewish community in Leeds on an established site.
“The residents have been involved in the decoration of their new home which will provide additional indoor and outdoor space – all which is accessible for wheelchairs as well as improved facilities and joint working between our two organisations.
Commenting on the venture which marks the start of the organisations working in tandem to ensure long term provision of care for the Jewish Community, chairman of LJWB, Russell Manning said: “The current premises in Cranmer Bank are outdated, tired and are no longer viable as a home for life for our current residents, and as Donisthorpe Hall has spare capacity, it is the perfect solution to consolidate our community resources and align the two facilities.”
Although Woodlands and Donisthorpe Hall will be separately registered with CQC and run independently there will be many benefits from co-existing, sharing resources and expertise, maintains Donisthorpe chairman, Robert Ross: “We are delighted to be working closely with LJWB and welcoming the learning disability residents. This partnership will benefit both Donisthorpe Hall and LJWB in reducing costs and improving efficiencies.”
Supporters of the initiative, Marcia and Andrew Brown, said: “We hope that our support not only provides first-class accommodation for the 16 special residents, but that it also brings both organisations closer together in unifying service provision for the Jewish community in Leeds. We are proud and privileged to be involved with two wonderful organisations who deliver so much to those who need it most.”
