Talbot House Blog

Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese cut the ribbon at the official opening of the new Talbot House building on Wednesday (Sept 21st) declaring the support centre a “role model” for other such groups nationwide.

He was joined at the state-of-the-art premises in Newton Heath by Blackley and Broughton MP Graham Stringer and more than 100 local people and parent carers who use the centre to celebrate its move from Harpurhey.

General Manager Bernie Wood and Talbot House Trustee Chairman Dave Williams welcomed friends old and new to the building in High Peak Street and enjoyed refreshments from the new café open to service users and the local community.

Fresh from celebrating 35 years supporting parent carers and families of children and adults with severe learning and physical difficulties with a Black Tie fund-raising dinner at the Midland Hotel, Bernie and the team showed off the new premises they hope will ensure another 35 years of vital work in the future at a special Open Day.

Originally the Peter Pan Centre, Talbot House has forged a reputation of the providing the support parent carers need in the way they need it, when they need it.

Sir Richard Leese said: “I am very pleased and more than happy to be here. Talbot House provides a service for parents of children and adults with learning and physical disabilities by people who understand – other parents with the same problems.

“I have worked with Bernie for many years. This is a vital support for people who need it. It is a role model for other such organisations across Manchester and the country. We need more places like Talbot House.''

General Manager Bernie Woods said: “I feel gratitude so much gratitude. I am delighted after having been with first the Peter Pan Centre and then Talbot House for 33 years to see a new beginning. We did so much with the old building just think what we can do with the new one.

Chair of Talbot House Trustees Dave Williams said: “This is a celebration. It has been a lot of hard work but has been absolutely worth it.''

Blackley and Broughton MP Graham Stringer – a former leader of Manchester City Council – said: “I am delighted to be here. I have worked with Bernie for more than 20 years. This is a great day. This is parents who have been helped supporting other parents. I am delighted to be here to celebrate its future.''

More than 100 people turned up to the open day and balloons from each one were released with a wish for the future and then the centre got on with its daily business of supporting parent carers with fitness groups, nail care and advice.