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Respite (The Mallard)

The Mallard  

The Mallard is situated in the Springburn, Glasgow, ten minutes from the City Centre.   Local amenities include an indoor shopping centre, sports & recreation complex with swimming pool, museum, library and a health centre.There is good travel links by rail and bus.


Accommodation

The purpose built bungalow is situated within its own grounds. It has a well equipped garden with safety surface play area.It can accommodate up to eight young people and has a number of special rooms including a sensory room, spa, play area and large conservatory. 

Adjacent to the main building is a new bungalow accommodating four young people. The Garratt is leased from  the West of Scotland Housing Association.


Aims & Objectives
The Mallard and The Garratt is a residential and short break service for children and young people with disability and provides a service irrespective of their race, creed or sexuality and aims to:
· Provide a homely atmosphere for the children and young people.
· Provide a safe and stimulating environment in which the children can develop and grow.
· Encourage each child to attain his/ her maximum potential.
· Encourage close and regular contact with the parents of the children and support of their families.


Admission Procedure
Criteria
The project provides care and support to children and young people with disability aged between 5 – 19 years. This can be in the form of long-term care or short breaks.


Referrals Procedure
Children are referred by their Social Worker. A referral form and an assessment is completed. The Child, Parents, Social Worker and others important to the child are invited to attend an admissions meeting.   At this meeting a decision is made as to the suitability of the service provided as a respite or long-term placement.   The service must be seen as a positive experience for the child as well as supportive to the parents.
A Key Worker is allocated and the child is gradually introduced to the service allowing trusting relationships to form.
 
Costs
At present the weekly cost is £1992.17  This is met by the Social Work Department of the Local Authority concerned.    There may be a parental contribution depending on Local Authority policy.


Massage   

This service is available to the young people on a Thursday evening and is provided by a fully qualified massage therapist.  It is very beneficial - relaxing and calming - and enjoyable to the young people


Sleep Scotland

The Mallard has staff trained by Sleep Scotland who are able to provide assessment, advice and programmes to help children with difficult sleep patterns.


Personal Plans
Personal plans for the individual child are agreed in consultation with those important to the child.   They are designed according to the assessed needs of the child.   Regular reviews take place assessing the child’s progress.   The named Key Worker is responsible for working with the child, their family and school.   Children attend school and take part in a programme of activities during evenings and weekends.


Family Involvement
Families are encouraged to be fully involved in their child’s care taking part in reviews and the setting of goals. Activities are arranged throughout the year to bring children and their families together e.g. Christmas parties, B-B-Qs and Parents Evenings.

Children's Involvement

The children are encouraged to be fully involved in shaping the service provided. Children's meetings are held as well as a young peoples forum. Children are regularly asked their views on the service by ways that take into account their communication needs.


Community Involvement
The Mallard is well supported by the Local Community. Children make use of the local shops, Library and Leisure Centre. Local links have been developed including links with Possil Forum on Disability.


Management & Staffing

CrossReach, the Social Care arm of The Church of Scotland  manages  the service.  The Service Manager is responsible for the services provided.


A team of thirty staff allow an appropriate level of care for the children.   The team brings together a wide range of skills and expertise to benefit the children.
Staff take part in an on-going training programme and all staff have undergone a Disclosure Scotland check and  are registered with the  Scottish Social Services Council.



Activities
In the evenings, weekends and during holidays, the children take part in a programme of social and recreational activities within the project and the community.   The project has its own minibus and car both with tailgate lift.   Some of the activities enjoyed by the children include:
· Swimming
· Shopping
· Cinema
· Bowling
· Outdoor play
· Arts & crafts
· Music.


The Mallard's Spa and Sensory Areas can be hired for individual or small group use.    The areas are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during school term and must be booked in advance.    For further information please contact Moira at 0141-558-7575 or e-mail:
mallard@crossreach.org.uk