Top RNIB Award for Ty Ynysawdre
The RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) runs a scheme to commend organisations with buildings that are inclusive for people with sight impairments and have staff trained to offer support.
Ty Ynysawdre has achieved the charity's Visibly Better Spaces Platinum certification, which celebrates outstanding commitment to creating environments that are accessible to all. The building is the eighth Linc Cymru scheme to get a Visibly Better award.
The award was celebrated at an event on Monday 2nd December at Ty Ynysawdre. RNIB Cymru Director Ansley Workman presented the award to Trudy Davis, Area Manager (West) for Linc Cymru's Extra Care Schemes.
Trudy said: "We were thrilled to have it confirmed that Ty Ynysawdre is a place where people with sight loss can live knowing that their surroundings and the staff in the building have reached this standard.
"This has been a partnership effort with our staff working closely with the team from Bridgend County Borough Council. Trained staff and physical improvements in and around the homes where people live help improve their emotional and physical well-being. They can live here independently in safe surroundings knowing that our staff are alert and ready to offer support and advice when needed.
"We now have plans to give training from the RNIB to staff in all of our care homes."
Some of the improvements in the building include using contrasting colours in the decorations, putting an anti-glare coating on the windows and raising internal door signs onto plaques.
David Watkins, Visibly Better Co-ordinator at RNIB, said: “Linc Cymru achieving their eighth Visibly Better Spaces Platinum award is another significant milestone in their efforts to make tangible differences for their residents living with sight loss. The importance of achieving this award demonstrates Linc Cymru's commitment to creating beautiful and accessible homes here at Ty Ynysawdre.”
Ansley Workman, RNIB Cymru Director, said: “It is fantastic to see Linc Cymru’s ongoing commitment to supporting blind and partially sighted residents. Sight loss should not lead to a loss of independence, and the changes to Ty Ynysawdre will be so helpful to current and future tenants.”
Ty Ynysawdre was developed in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council. There are 25 extra care apartments and 15 residential beds. The residential care is managed by Bridgend County Borough Council and the extra care is managed by Linc.
For more information about Ty Ynysawdre, please click here.