Agenda item

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A public statement was read out by Caroline Garrod on behalf of service users at Cauwood Day Centre in relation to Minute 893.

Forthcoming closure of Cauwood Day Centre, Malton, North Yorkshire.

I am speaking to you today with regards to the planned closure of Cauwood Day Centre in Malton.  This centre specialises in offering essential activities to disabled adults to enable them to access the community in a safe and secure environment.

The centre cares for adults of which most have severe disabilities some of which have attended since it opened in 1991, others over 20 years. They cannot and should not be moved to another service which does not meet their needs.  They, all visit regulary, and are supported by an outstanding team of carers. This centre is a lifeline for them as it is the only one of its kind within the area of Ryedale.  Activities include a dedicated art room, kitchen, sensory room, separate break out rooms, a large communal room for when users want to mix with their peers.  There are also dedicated changing facilities and the only fully acceptable facilities in Malton.  The centre also has National Autism Accreditation Status. The garden complete with raised beds so that the users can access this during the warmer summer months.  I as a parent feel safe in the knowledge that my daughter is safe and cared for when she is there and I am sure I speak for all of the service users when I say this.

We were told at a recent meeting that other arrangements would be made, ideally in the community for those who attend Cauwood should the centre be closed.  The primary reason the service users go to Cauwood is that they are not able to access activities in the community due to the severity of their disabilities and needs. 

There are currently 5 Day Centres operating in North Yorkshire, will these be closed as well as you say that ‘community based provision’ is the way forward, it is not as others do not meet need.

I am therefore asking you to all think very carefully about this decision as it could prove catastrophic, at the end of the day its not down to money its about the long term care and future of its attendees.  There may only be a small amount of them but with the right thought process Cauwood could be a thriving asset to North Yorkshire's portfolio especially if they are planning to build a new elderly peoples residence on the land.  Incorporate Cauwood into that, I am sure it will get used.  

Conclusion:

·       Cauwood is paramount to the community and all of its Service Users, and this provision needs to be retained and not just terminated or replaced with lesser community-based services. 

·       Current Service Users will not be suited to community-based services as proposed and will not meet the needs of any of the existing service users at Cauwood.

·       The rationale behind this closure is deeply flawed and needs to be reassessed openly.

·       Costs for refurbishment should be achievable within the wider NYC budget and not just taking the easy choice of permanent closure.

·       The Service Users use Malton, Cauwood as a base for a reason and excessive travel would be detrimental to their experience.

·       6 months notice for impending closure leaves families and service users very little time to choose, commence and transition into another provision/that if a suitable provision can be found within the vicinity of Malton.