Hft’s Chy Keres respite centre gears up to celebrate 20th anniversary

A respite service for people with learning disabilities, which was opened by royalty, is to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year.

Chy Keres respite service, run by the learning disability charity Hft, in Tregadillett, near Launceston, was opened in June 2005 by the Princess Royal, Princess Anne.

The purpose-built centre, which has six ensuite bedrooms, offers one to one, person centred, respite care to adults with learning disabilities from right across Cornwall.

Individuals can stay for a long weekend, while others visit one day a week and some book in for longer stays to allow their families to rest and recharge.

The service supports more than 40 learning disabled adults, many who continue to live at home with their families.

It also offers emergency placements to people needing longer term accommodation and support.

The care placements are commissioned by Cornwall Council, which allocates hours of support depending on the needs of the individual.

Chy Keres Service Manager Sam Zilkha said: “We have around a 97 per cent occupancy rate, so it’s a busy service.

“Some people come every week on the same day or few days while others come for a weekend or a week-long stay.

“We work with the people we support and their families with the allocation they are given by the local authority and then discuss how to support each individual in the best way.”

One of the rooms has been fitted with a sensory bath, which not only provides bubbles but also lights up and plays music.

“Whenever the room with the sensory bath is available, there’s always a rush of people wanting to stay in it,” smiled Sam.

Chy Keres also has a sensory room, paid for by fundraising and donations. It is furnished with a vibrating sofa, bubble tubes, projector and a sound system and there is even a light up floor.

“It’s a great chill out space,” said Sam.

“It’s popular with the people we support who may just want some piece and quiet and time to reflect.”

The centre has two communal lounges – one with a pool table – and two kitchens.

As in any home, the kitchens are its beating heart, with support workers organising a range of things for individuals to enjoy, from craft and cooking.

The service also has a wrap around garden, which over the years has seen many improvements.

There is a polytunnel – paid for via fundraising – where green-fingered individuals are assisted to plant and grow their own vegetables which are used in the Chy Keres kitchen.

A more recent addition is a sensory summerhouse in the garden fitted with comfy beanbags and cushions and a sensory fidget board.

Work on installing a path to link the summerhouse to the main building is hoped to get underway this year.

Fundraising is also underway for new equipment in the garden – including a basket swing.

Learning disabled adults who use Chy Keres are also supported in other ways, whether that be to enjoy shopping trips, activities such as swimming, days out or to enjoy hobbies and pastimes.

The team also work with individuals to enable them to learn life skills.

Support worker Sarah, who has worked at Chy Keres for 15 years, said: “Some of the people who have used the service from day one, still visit today.

“Some who have attended over the years have gone on to live independently in the local community due to the life skills they gained here.

“No day is ever the same and the work is so rewarding. We are like one big family and Chy Keres is very much a part of the local community.”

“It is a privilege to support people at Chy Keres and it is wonderful to be part of their journey.”

The service has not been without its challenges. During the covid pandemic, Hft was forced to introduce a different operating model to adhere to guidelines, with staff being redeployed temporarily to other Hft centres across the county.

Despite those challenges, Chy Keres is busier than ever.

A big summer party is being planned on June 25 to mark the centre’s 20th year.

One of those helping to plan the day is Senior Support Worker Theresa.

There will be live music, stalls, food, activities including a coconut shy and a craft stall selling items made by learning disabled people who use the service.

There will also be a grand raffle.

People supported by Hft across Cornwall will be invited to the celebration along with the local community

“We will be celebrating Chy Keres’s 20th anniversary in style,” said Theresa.

“And it will be wonderful to do so with the people we have supported over those two decades and continue to support while looking forward to the next 20 years of this incredible place.”

Anyone who would like to offer a prize for the raffle or who would like to support Chy Keres’s 20th anniversary should email sam.zilkha@hft.org.uk.