Local News
Issue 1156
Call 0114 283 1100
11th March 2021
www.looklocal.org.uk
7
New base opens to support adults with brain injuries
A Yorkshire charity has opened a new base to support more adults from across the region and beyond who have brain injuries or complex needs. Founded in 1997, Sheffield-based Paces is a specialist centre, charity and school for individuals with Cerebral Palsy and motor disorders. Kirstin Hague and Sarah Perrin, who have been supported by the organisation since day one and whose parents were among the founders of the charity, cut the ribbon on the new 8,000 square foot facility at Smithy Wood Business Park. The base, just off junction 35 of the M1, is two miles from the previous headquarters and current home of Paces School at High Green. The fully refurbished building will house the adult services provision, Paces Living, and the charity’s administration and fundraising teams. The additional space will allow three-times as many adults to be supported in the future with an improved space to offer conductive education sessions that improve the mobility of those who have acquired brain
injuries – such as through a Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s. In time, Paces will also develop a service for young adults aged between 18-25 to ensure the organisation is able to offer the best possible care for those who need it no matter what their age. Dr Spencer Pitfield, Chief Executive of Paces, said: “We never want to have to turn people away at Paces and our new headquarters at Smithy Wood will support us in that aim. Following a complete refurbishment, the easily accessible building will allow us to support three-times as many adults with brain injuries and complex needs. Paces has been campaigning for a new home for some time to allow for the expansion of its services and the numbers it can support. Moving adult services and the charity’s operational staff to Smithy Wood will allow plans to be taken forward for a new home for Paces School.
Ann Menzies-Blythe, Chair of Trustees at Paces, said: “It has been a hugely challenging 12 months for the charity sector, which is why I am so proud we have been able to secure this new base, refurbish and open it despite everything we have faced. “I want to thank everyone who has raised money for Paces, donated or signed up as a corporate partner. Your support has allowed us to move to Smithy Wood, enhance what we can offer to the existing adults we work with and ensure we can help more individuals with brain injuries and complex needs, from across Yorkshire and beyond, in the near future. More details about Paces Living Adult Services can be found at www.pacesliving. org.uk • Chief Executive Dr Spencer Pitfield (right) and the Paces Living Adult Services team welcoming one of the first adults to Smithy Wood.
Music Makes Memories for Mother’s Day At 2pm on Sunday 14 March, there is a special Music Makes Memories for Mother’s Day. This event has been kindly sponsored by SOAR and People Keeping Well and poster sponsor, Norrie Waite Slater Solicitors. Rose Batty, Business Development Co-ordinator for SOAR said “SOAR Community is thrilled to be sup-
porting activity within the community. Human contact is now more important than ever and the opportunity to enjoy an online performance, for free, from the comfort and safety of your own home is brilliant. Big shout out to Kathy Markwick and all the performers for their continued commitment in supporting and entertaining the community!”.
Music Makes Memories is a wonderful event for all the family. Everyone is welcome for an hour of fantastic livelusic with the brilliant John Taylor. This is a free Facebook show and the link is Music Makes Memories. For further information, please contact Kathy Markwick, Freelance Community Consultant, 0772 9528844 kathymarkwick@gmail.com