MILITARY charity Blind Veterans UK Llandudno has officially been recognised by Care Inspectorate Wales as 'Excellent'.

This follows an an unannounced inspection in August.

Blind Veterans Llandudno, on Queens Road, offers a respite or holiday service, rather than residential care. There are 14 places available.

Inspectors said: "Expert staff support people to partake in an excellent range of exciting activities including outdoor pursuits, driving, sports, exercise, rehabilitation and more. People are pleased they are able to do things they did not think possible.

"The accommodation is within a grand, impressive building set in vast, accessible grounds.

"The indoor space is purposely and effectively designed to help blind people with orientation.

"Corridors are identifiable by their scent, light, or objects hung on handrails. Staff are employed in sufficient numbers to spend one to one time with people, escorting them to help them become familiar with the environment. Arrangements are designed to help people feel settled, familiar, and safe in their environment.

"People thoroughly enjoy their stay and are quick to arrange further visits."

The inspection focused on the work of the care team but also looked at other departments including housekeeping, hospitality, wellbeing support, catering, transport, and volunteering, all of whom were rated as providing an exceptional service.

Inspectors added: "People have choice and control regarding all aspects of the care and support they receive. Their views and preferences are sought and documented during the initial assessment, then checked again two weeks before their planned date of arrival and then again when they arrive. One person requested a double bed, another person preferred a longer bed; a specialist chair was requested, all of this was provided.

"The service takes care to ensure there is an accurate, person-centred personal plan for every individual, each one detailing how the person prefers their needs to be met.

"Reviews of personal plans are undertaken prior to the persons next stay at the service, every detail is checked prior to arrival. We saw drivers are informed about the people they are collecting so they can build rapport quickly; they know what the person enjoys, what interests them and any physical and sensory challenges they may have."

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Kathy Boardman, Llandudno Head of Centre, said: "I am immensely proud of how the whole team at the centre demonstrate their commitment to our blind veterans and how they go above and beyond every single day to provide such a high level of care to those who have served their country. They do this with passion and as one team."

A party was held last month for staff and volunteers based at the centre to get together and celebrate the achievement. They were joined by blind veterans staying at the centre for a wellbeing break.

Attendees enjoyed live music, prosecco and a slice of cake, which had been made especially to mark the occasion by Blind Veterans UK's catering supplier, Thomas Franks.