A mother is rallying support against proposed closures of vital care centers for disabled adults, urging the community to voice their concerns.
Burnham: Hazel Howe is really upset about the council’s plan to close some care centers for disabled adults. She’s been speaking out, asking everyone to join a consultation that wraps up soon.
She mentioned that the deadline is coming up on January 31, so it’s crunch time for people to share their thoughts. Hazel’s son, Thomas, has been using the Burnham center for over a decade, and she feels these closures would hit families hard.
Outside the center, she said they’re not backing down. They plan to keep fighting even after the consultation ends. The council wants to shut down the ‘Short Breaks’ service at several locations, which is a big deal for many families.
This service is crucial for adults with disabilities, giving them a chance to socialize and enjoy activities. It also provides much-needed breaks for their caregivers, who often need support themselves.
Hazel pointed out that the council claims they need to save money, but she believes the cuts are targeting the wrong people. She’s frustrated and feels it’s disgraceful to put vulnerable individuals at risk.
Other locals, like Carole Frost, who’s running for council, echoed her concerns. They worry that closing these centers will just create more problems for everyone involved.
Carole mentioned that the council seems to be ignoring the community’s needs. Another candidate, Cole Caesar, argued that keeping the centers open would actually save money in the long run, rather than outsourcing services.
Hazel also highlighted the risk of losing the dedicated staff at these centers if they close. She’s worried about where new clients will go, especially since there’s a demand for these services.
Angela Macpherson from the council said no final decisions have been made yet. She encouraged everyone to participate in the consultation, emphasizing the need for quality support for adults in care.
Hazel and her supporters are determined to make their voices heard. They believe these services are essential and shouldn’t be cut. It’s a tough situation, and they’re hoping for a positive outcome.
