PLANS for a new respite centre in Thaxted, which will help care for people with learning difficulties, will be on display to the public on today (Friday June 11). Uttlesford-based charity, Rescu, was granted permission by Uttlesford District Council to build a short-term care centre for up to eight residents last year.

PLANS for a new respite centre in Thaxted, which will help care for people with learning difficulties, will be on display to the public on today (Friday June 11).

Uttlesford-based charity, Rescu, was granted permission by Uttlesford District Council to build a short-term care centre for up to eight residents last year.

Debbie Stephen from the charity said: “There is a desperate need for good-quality respite care in our area. Respite care is the service most often requested by family carers and is yet in critically short supply.”

The charity was set up in 1994 to give parental support for families bringing up a young person with disabilities.

A major fund-raising campaign has now been launched to build the Rescu centre which would be located on land to the rear of Little Maypole in Newbiggin Street.

Providing high-quality respite and day care services to people with learning difficulties, the Rescu centre will be specifically designed to help meet the growing demand for this type of service in the area.

The charity says that there are 785 adults with learning disabilities living with parents within a 20-mile radius of Thaxted and they believe this population is due to increase in the next 20 to 30 years.

Ms Stephen added: “The government carer strategy has highlighted the need to expand its provisions for respite yet 83 beds that are currently available in Essex are due to be decommissioned.”

People in Thaxted and the surrounding area are invited to Clarance House in Watling Street, between 9am and 1pm, to find out more about the development. Coffee and cakes will be provided.

For more information about Rescu contact Ms Stephen on 07775 648003 or by e-mail at enquiries@res-cu.org.