Protect our day centres

Published: 15 October, 2010

I JOINED the crowd of about 80 people outside the Town Hall last Friday to protest against the cuts. Many people consider the coalition’s plans to be unreasonably hasty and drastic, bound to hurt poor and vulnerable citizens.

I was invited to speak up for the elderly.

Besides threatening the costly but invaluable Freedom Pass, one result of the cuts demanded from councils could well be axing the day centres which rescue many retired elderly people from isolation and loneliness at home. 

Sotheby Mews is one of the two in our borough, run by Islington Age Concern and financed by Islington Council.

Greatly appreciated by well over 60 attendees, it provides a companionable place for the elderly to meet in warm and comfortable surroundings, where a variety of enjoyable and instructive occupations are available besides a cheap healthy meal and various services.

Such helpful provision for the elderly should continue now and for future generations.

ANGELA SINCLAIR
Highbury Hill, N5