Residents are uniting to protest the potential closure of three care homes in Derbyshire, raising concerns over the impact on vulnerable individuals
Derbyshire: So, there’s a bit of a stir going on in Derbyshire. Campaigners are rallying to save a care home for the elderly that’s on the chopping block. This is one of three homes that might close after the council already decided to sell off eight others. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved.
The council, which is run by the Conservatives, is holding a public consultation. They say they want to shift their focus to better support dementia patients and help folks stay at home longer. But, it feels like they’re cutting back on services that many people rely on.
Belper Together, a local campaign group, is organizing a rally in Belper on January 18. They’re really worried about the council’s plans, especially the proposal to stop long-term care at the Ada Belfield Centre. This place is important for many residents, and they don’t want to see it go.
Keith Venables, a resident and campaigner, is pretty vocal about it. He believes the council’s financial mismanagement is leading to what he calls a “bonfire of the services.” He’s determined to fight for the Ada Belfield Centre and the vulnerable people who depend on it.
The council is looking at turning some homes into specialist dementia care facilities. They want to help those with dementia and their families while also easing hospital discharges. But, it seems like a lot of people are going to be left without the care they need.
They’ve already sold eight care homes and closed five day centres, and now they’re considering more cuts. The council thinks this will help them provide better services, but many locals are skeptical. They feel like they’re losing vital resources.
Cllr Natalie Hoy, who’s in charge of adult care, says that moving to single-model care homes will make things more efficient. But, for many, it feels like a loss of community and support.
Belper Town Council is also upset about the proposed changes. They think the Ada Belfield Centre is a crucial part of the community and are pushing hard to keep it open. It’s only been around for four years and cost a lot to build, so it’s hard to see it go.
Belper Together’s rally is set to kick off at 11 am outside the Ada Belfield Centre. They’ll march to the Strutts Community Centre to meet with local officials and MP Jonathan Davies. It’s a big deal for the community, and they want their voices heard.
The council is facing a budget deficit and is trying to make cuts to balance things out. But, many people, including opposition councillors and union members, are calling these cuts a disaster for the community.
As the consultation wraps up on January 12, it’s clear that the fight to save these care homes is just heating up. The community is rallying together, and it’ll be interesting to see how this all plays out.
