Day centres for older people face closure

Families whose relatives use a day centre in Winchester under threat of closure are pleading with the council to reconsider.

The services offered at Chesil Lodge day centre include social groups with crafts, exercise and singing.

It's aimed at over 65s who have social needs, including dementia.

Hampshire county council has said stopping provision in Winchester and at Newman court in Basingstoke would save it £250,000 per year. It has a £97.6 million budget deficit from April 2025.

But Linda Webb whose mother Sylvia goes to the centre three times a week said it's "such a bonus in her life, she adores it and it's her favourite time".

Her and her siblings, who visit weekly, say they fear their mother would lose the opportunity to see people her own age and "have a laugh".

91-year-old Sylvia has dementia but manages to continue to live at home with the support of carers.

Their concerns are mirrored by Michelle Emmans from Owlesbury whose father-in-law David goes to Chesil Lodge once a week.

She says the visit has an "immense positive impact" on him giving mental stimulation.

It also allows his 89-year-old wife who is his primary carer to have respite.

Hampshire County Council says the number of older adults its day care service has reduced by more than half over the past 7 years, with around 70 older adults using it at least once per week.

The changes to day care provision are one of a number of cost cutting proposals in the latest future services consultation, which runs until May 7th.

Leader of Hampshire county council, Nick Adams-King said a "sustainable" funding solution for local government was urgently needed but in the meantime the county council had to consider cutting services.

The extra-care supported accommodation provided at Chesil Lodge by Winchester city council is not affected.

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