Justin Joins The Celebrations At Leonard Cheshire Disability Centre

A resident at a Cheltenham care home was thrilled when Minster for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson and MP for Cheltenham Alex Chalk visited the service, which also happened to be his birthday.

Nick Taylor was delighted to meet the Minister and MP at Leonard Cheshire Disability’s Gloucestershire House service.

The Minister and MP were given a tour of the care home with nursing, and met residents, including Nick, as they took part in an arts and crafts class and a sports session. The guests were also able to see how the service’s fully-trained staff support residents.

After a walk around, the Minister and MP spent time chatting to volunteers about Gloucestershire House’s connection and involvement within the local community.

Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said: “It was a pleasure to visit the service and hear first-hand from residents, staff and volunteers about the local activities they are all involved in, from sports, arts and crafts to volunteering in Cheltenham. I want to make the UK the best place in the world to live as a disabled person - Gloucestershire House is a great example of a strong community where disabled people have choice in their lives and control over their futures.”

Local MP for Cheltenham Alex Chalk said: ''I was delighted to return to Gloucestershire House in Cheltenham to meet with residents, staff and volunteers and learn more about the service’s work and history. The residents made me feel very welcome in their home and told me about the variety of activities they participate in within the local community. I look forward to another visit to the service in the future.''

Resident at Gloucestershire House Nick Taylor said: “It was particularly nice of the Minister and Alex to visit on my birthday and they would both be welcome to come again and meet with us all at Gloucestershire House.”

Service Manager at Gloucestershire House Lesley Gamm said: “It was a pleasure to have Alex Chalk MP and Justin Tomlinson MP visit Gloucestershire House. During their visit they could see the amazing impact of our staff and volunteers, who ensure that all of our residents participate in a range of different activities and live the lives they choose.”