DENBIGHSHIRE County Council has launched an engagement exercise for a service in Denbigh for people with disabilities.

The engagement on support services delivered from Meifod, will seek the views of current users and stakeholders.

The site, which produces garden furniture and provides in-house daytime activity services for adults with complex disabilities, is currently closed following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Individuals normally supported at Meifod are currently being supported in different ways wherever possible, this includes with community outings and outdoor activities.

Over the past year a number of site visits have been made and repairs have taken place on the building and the machinery has been serviced, but further work on the site is needed.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “Meifod is a highly valued service which has benefited a number of residents over the years.

“We want to fully ensure we are able to re-open the service in a safe and sustainable way that supports existing, and future individuals in achieving the outcomes that are important to them.

“This engagement exercise will help us to understand what the current group of people attending Meifod feel the service gives them, what they enjoy about it and what their future ambitions are.

“The engagement, as well as work on risk assessments and safe systems of working, will enable us to determine how the service can open in a safe and sustainable way.

“However this means Meifod will remain closed for now, but staff will continue to ensure those in need of support continue to receive it.”

Those who attend Meifod will be engaged with via an independent advocacy service who are experienced in working with individuals with disabilities or complex needs, and who are independent of the Council

Their parents/caregivers will be sent an email detailing information on the situation, a link to the online survey and contact details for them to get in touch if they’d prefer to have a telephone or face-to-face discussion

The Council will also engage with staff who work in Meifod, staff who refer people to Meifod and also with Elected Members

The information collected will go into a report prepared for the Council’s Scrutiny Committee on the findings and the potential future service offer, including alternative service offers for those for whom Meifod is unable to help achieve their outcomes.

The information collected will go into a report prepared for the Council’s Scrutiny Committee on the findings and the potential future service offer, including alternative service offers for those for whom Meifod is unable to help achieve their outcomes.