TAVISTOCK?S Molly Owen Centre held an open day last Wednesday to inform the community of the activities and programmes on offer for people with learning disabilities. People who attend the centre, which has undergone a modernisation programme over the last two years, had the idea for the open day and on display were pictures of them enjoying such activities as horse riding, swimming, golf, yoga, Ten Tors, sailing and dancing. The modernisation, which favours integration into the community rather than the traditional ?institutionalised? approach of day centres, has come about as a result of a Government White Paper in 2001. Fulfilling Lives manager at the centre Helen Dabbs said under the new system the individual needs of each person could be met more effectively. Through the adjacent Scrapstore, men and women were learning the skills and training to prepare them for work placements and employment, bringing them a step nearer to independence. Mrs Dabbs said Molly Owen was still operating as a day centre for people with high support needs. Some split their time between attending the centre and doing things in the community, such as attending art clubs and drama groups and horse riding, and others were in employment. Support for each individual was given by social services and a range of other support agencies. ?For some people you can see their confidence growing and they are becoming more independent, feeling more valued and their self-esteem has increased,? she said. ?Before, people have been cushioned from life ? they do not get a chance at all but under the modernisation, people?s strengths and qualities are being allowed to develop.?