Students are returning to the centre, and its additional satellite sites in the community, over the coming weeks on reduced hours and days per week. The Beehive will continue to work in different zones as it has been through its emergency respite provision during the pandemic.

Nine adults with disabilities have returned to the centre in its first week of reopening, some of which have not been able to leave the house since March 2020. The remaining 15 using the service will return in phases.

Megan Thompson, a manager at The Beehive, commented: “After an incredibly tough time over the past 15 months, we are so thrilled to be bring people back into The Beehive. The respite care we’ve been able to provide has been vital in helping us work out how we can safely increase our numbers attending the centre. There’s lots of smiles as people are reuniting with their friends that they haven’t seen in so long. We’re looking forward to the safe return of everyone else.”

The Beehive is a lively and sociable setting for adults with disabilities. It’s a place where people can meet and make new friends, acquire new skills, and enjoy a wide range of experiences. As well as day to day activities, it also provides physiotherapy, an accessible kitchen, and a 360-degree sensory room.

One of the adults returning to The Beehive said: “I’m happy to be able to leave my home to see all my friends again. I can’t wait to use the sensory room and help the office with their shredding.”

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/the-beehive-centre for further details about the service.