Following several well attended public meetings in Alfreton and Chesterfield, UNISON has issued a warning that vital day services could close for good if the county council get their way.
Derbyshire residents have until 19 June to have their say on the future of adult day centres at Whitemoor (Amber Valley), Carter Lane, Oxcroft and Whitwell (Bolsover), Ashbourne and Wirksworth (Derbyshire Dales), Coal Aston and Renishaw (North-East Derbyshire), and Newhall (South Derbyshire).
Alongside public meetings supported by local Labour councillors, UNISON has visited all day centres to hear from staff and been contacted by families who are already being refused access to these centres, even though the consultation process is still ongoing, meanwhile the lack of demand is being used as a reason for closure.
Sandra Peake’s daughter Donna has attended Shirebrook’s Carter Lane centre for the past 35 years, and under the council’s proposed plans, will have to make the journey to an alternative centre in Chesterfield using public transport.
UNISON East Midlands regional organiser Emma Roberts says: “We strongly believe all day services should be retained so that excellent provision can be afforded to the people of Derbyshire and so that people have a choice, not a service of last resort.
“The option to keep the 12 building-based services open as they operate currently is the only sensible option, retaining provision and jobs in Derbyshire County.”
UNISON Derbyshire branch secretary Jeanette Lloyd says: “It has been so overwhelming to hear from staff whose prime concern was for the clients they support rather than their own jobs which are clearly at risk. Staff who will be impacted are an incredible asset to Derbyshire County Council and the wider community.
“We would urge anyone affected by the proposed closures to get in touch with us via our website and for local people to have their say on the plans for adult day services via the Derbyshire County Council’s online form.
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