The role of Mayor – ‘first citizen of Kirklees’ – is a civic ceremonial position elected annually. Catholic Care was delighted that Councillor Burke visited one of our services so soon after attending our charity’s 160th anniversary Thanksgiving Mass in December.

The Mayor’s arrival was greatly anticipated by residents and staff. Soon enough, the Mayor’s limousine pulled into the car park where he was greeted by Carol Hill (Director of Catholic Care), Karen Hollingworth (Senior Manager for the Adult Learning Disability Service), and Julie Wade (Registered Manager at Westhaven).

Westhaven Court, which formally opened in 2022, provides the very latest model in supported living for adults with a learning disability, providing fully self-contained apartments, each with its own front door. Tenants are supported to be as independent as they are able, and live life to the full.

The Mayor and Canon Martin had a very special hostess for the day; C. lives at Westhaven and was delighted to guide both distinguished guests around. She showed them her apartment, explaining what new living skills she’d learned since moving in, and saying how pleased she was to be at Westhaven. The guests also visited D. who showed the Mayor the many holiday photographs on his wall. A tour of the physical disability apartment was followed by light refreshments.

Mayor Cahal said he was “delighted to have such a resource to support those with a learning disability in Kirklees”. Canon Martin said he was “amazed at the quality of the homes Catholic Care was providing for people in need”.