Construction of the new Short Breaks service on the site of the former Lakers Youth Centre in Woking has been completed and the new service, named Emily Lodge, opened on 1 April 2025. This modern, purpose-built facility was developed by Surrey County Council as part of its modernisation of the Short Breaks offer and will provide much-needed respite for families caring for adults with complex needs.
Short breaks accommodation offers family carers the opportunity to take a break from their caring responsibilities to focus on themselves, while their loved one is supported by experts in a fun and enriching environment.
Emily Lodge is operated by Surrey Choices on behalf of Surrey County Council. A short video about the new Short Breaks service can be found here.
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Consultation |
Planning |
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Short Breaks gives adults with learning disabilities and/or autism a change from their daily routine and an opportunity to socialise in their community outside of their family home, whilst enabling their family carer to maintain their own health and well-being by providing a break from their caring responsibilities.
All bedrooms and guest communal spaces are designed to accommodate the increased activity zones needed by service users with learning disabilities and/or autism and their care workers and to meet the functionality requirements of people who use wheelchairs. Following best practice for the design of spaces for people with autism, the landscape design includes variations in the level of sensory stimulation with distinct zones, some designed to encourage social interaction, and others for privacy. A state-of-the art sensory room will be included, as well as facilities for care workers to support individuals.
To enable adults with learning disabilities and/or autism who meet the Council’s eligibility criteria for Adult Social Care (ASC) funding to have their need for overnight Short Breaks met in a modern, fit for purpose and future-proofed setting with all the necessary facilities and amenities. People who live in the area no longer need to travel to east/mid Surrey to access a Short Breaks service.
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