Bridgend leads the way with pioneering children’s placement hub

A new, innovative children’s placement and assessment hub has been formally opened in Bridgend County Borough to cater for young people with complex needs in times of crisis and transition.

The facility, which has been jointly funded by the council and Welsh Government, through the Integrated Care Fund capital and Housing with Care capital, brings together a range of services for children and young people.

The purpose-built hub offers a seven-bedroom facility, four assessment beds, and a further three emergency beds in a state-of-the-art environment. The innovative provision is designed to provide immediate support for young people in a homely and safe setting whilst they undergo early assessment.

The provision is testament to the local authority’s commitment to early intervention and ensuring children and young people experiencing complex needs are a priority.

Modelled on the Children’s Commissioner’s 'no wrong door' approach, Bridgend is highly committed to an integrated approach when responding to children and young people's needs, with a dedicated, highly trained team of key workers who stay with the young person throughout their journey.

The council’s cabinet members and senior officers were given a guided tour of the new facility and had the opportunity to meet staff and ask any questions about the new provision.

I’m delighted that we are leading the way with this innovative approach to children’s residential services. It reinforces our ambition to make Bridgend County Borough a place where every child can flourish.

As Chair of the Regional Partnership Board, I also welcome the fact that this provision also benefits children and young people on a regional level.

It is a starting point for us to move forward with a bright future for our children and we thank our partners for supporting us in our aims to create long term, nurturing and healing environments where young people have the opportunity to realise their full potential.

Deputy Leader, Councillor Jane Gebbie

The Head of Regional Commissioning Unit, Sarah Mills said: “The Regional Partnership Board are delighted to support the development of this provision. Having invested £1.5 million of partnership capital resource, the bespoke residential accommodation provides an important step in supporting children and young people’s assessment and accommodation needs for the region. The vibrant setting will support emotional health and wellbeing and ensure children and young people are supported within their local community.”