Age Concern threat to Day Care

The potential row over the proposed changes to Day Care facilities in Cheshire East, including Audlem – see yesterday's story on Audlem Online – is also covered in detail in this week's Chronicle.

The Chronicle says:
“Around 15 visitors to Thornton House at Audlem could soon be left without day care as part of the proposals.

"Based on my first hand observations, I feel it would be a retrograde step if this facility were to be taken away. If you care about the quality of life the senior people of our village enjoy, please lobby anyone you can think of who can bring pressure to bear in whatever quarter is relevant to have this unfortunate decision reversed.”

In the report Celia Bloor says that local residents have been sent letters from Age Concern saying that they have some people in their 80s who like to go horse riding. Celia says: "I really don't think many will want to take up horse riding."

The report also mentions that one Age Concern helper has said "the concern has gone out of Age Concern." It seems that may have been an acute observation. The organisation is now starting to brand itself Age UK.

Age Concern has denied claims the proposals to change its care provision has been driven purely by money. However, Ken Clemens, the head of policy and campaigns at Age Concern Cheshire says in the Chronicle that Cheshire East Council has cut its contribution to Age Concern by 5%. But he adds: "That's only until the end of May, it's higher after that."

Audlem Online has emailed Jill Walter, Chief Executive of Age Cocern Cheshire with two questions:
1. Seeking clarification that the 'client' part of the consultation is really as short as Age Concern letters to clients and to Cheshire Chorus members imply, just ten days from 12th – 22nd April.
2. If all the users at Thornton House are against the changes, will they still be implemented.

As yet, there's been no answer. Yet we have picked up a rumour that the Trustees' meeting where a decision will be made has been moved forward from the 22nd to 20th April. This will reduce the 'consultation' to just eight days.

If you wish to join in the campaign to save the Day Care at Thornton House, you can write to Age Concern at:
314 Chester Road, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 2AB
Email: admin@ageconcerncheshire.org.uk">admin@ageconcerncheshire.org.uk
The Age Concern Chief Executive who has signed the letters is Jill Walter. The President of the organisation is Miss E White OBE

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