Orange Valley is to merge with Opportunity Workshop and will provide a full range of day programmes for their clients covering everything from food and crafts to training and employment.

Minister of Health, Seniors and Environment Jeanne Atherden made the announcement in the House of Assembly and added that the Orange Valley Facility would relocate its services from the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute to OW at 21 Robert’s Avenue on Thursday.

OWS clients range from 18 to 50 plus with cognitive challenges ranging from mild to moderate. The OVC functions as an Adult Day Centre Programme for clients aged 40 plus with moderate cognitive challenges.

Mrs Atherden said: “This relocation meets the best practice standards in that there will be a more efficient and effective delivery of services. Clients will now have the opportunity to socially interact with more of their peers and participate in a larger variety of programmes such as music, woodwork, exercise, group outings and various other activities.

“The consolidated programme will be able to provide a wider range of services to a greater number of clients including several students who will be transitioning from the education system.”

According to Mrs Atherdon, the clients will have greater access to support services in the form of occupational therapists and physical therapists as they will all be servicing their clients under the same roof.

Services and programmes offered at the facility include food and crafts; in-house contract work; training and employment; a wellness programme; a music and woodwork programme; a greenhouse and gardening programme; a money management programme; and a functional skills programme.

Mrs Atherden added: “I have been assured that the move was coordinated with no additional resources and no additional staff.

“We were able to work within the parameters of both budgets and save government additional expenses during these difficult economic times.”