Accommodation sought

Press, 28 July 1976, Page 10

Accommodation sought

The Adult Cerebral Palsy Society (Inc.) is negotiating to buy a quarter-acre property adjoining its Independence House hostel in Bristol Street. If bought, the property will be used for buildings to accommodate severelyhandicapped adult victims of cerebral palsy. The Adult Cerebral Palsy Society in Christchurch is the only one of its kind in New Zealand catering for the rehabilitation and accommodation of adult victims of the disease. Independence House is a rehabilitation centre for former patients of Templeton Hospital, who are trained there to return to civilian life and full-time employment. Since the centre was opened in 1967 28 people have been fully rehabilitated. The secretary of the society, Mrs Clare Crawford, said that there was a great need for further facilities to accommodate more severelyhandicapped people.

“If we don't get our hands on some nearby property we will not be able to extend our facilities and we won’t be able to nurse more phys-ically-handicapped people,” she said. Many disabled adults were being accommodated in geriatric wards and hospitals because there was nowhere else for them to go, said Mrs Crawford. She said that the society also hoped to build a recreation centre and workshops on the land. The annual street appeal of the society will be held on October 15. A stall will be held on the same day. In the past the society has been helped with its appeal and stall by many Christchurch firms, produce growers, and members of the public. Anyone who wishes to help this year should contact the Appeal Organiser, Mrs Betty Byrne, telephone 156-095. or the secretary of the Society, Mrs C. G. Crawford, telephone 45-740.