Day resource centre closure will pose ‘lonely deaths’ risk

Published: 11 February, 2011

• THE letter from Councillor Pat Callaghan (Meeting needs of the vulnerable, Letters, January 27) unfortunately contains at least one piece of misinformation. 

Cllr Callaghan says that the day resource centres earmarked for closure by Camden are used by “about 330 people”.

Three of Age Concern Camden (ACC) centres – Hillwood, Great Croft and Henderson Court – face closure and these alone have 558 members (service users). 

Millman Street Resource Centre, run by Holborn Community Association (HCA), has 150 members, making 708 older people in total.

We recognise that Camden, like other councils, face difficult decisions, not of their own making. 

However we believe the wholesale cuts in such “preventive” services are short-sighted for several reasons. 

Despite being branded as preventive services, many services (resource centres, good neighbour schemes, lunch clubs) in fact also cater for frail and vulnerable older people, and do so in a good-value way, with volunteers as well as paid staff and with other funding raised from individuals, trusts and companies. 

They also build community cohesion. In resource centres, staff, volunteers and active members help the frailer ones.  Closure will bring a higher cost longer term to the council and the NHS because people will need more care. 

There is also a risk of “lonely deaths”.  

Some of these services were developed as a direct result of the sad death of Mrs Hutchins in 1994. Camden invested in these preventive services, said the interventions were effective, and sought and won awards for this strategy. 

ACC and HCA are asking the council to think again about the size of the cuts, look for more savings elsewhere, but is also hoping to work with the council to lobby government ministers.

In the meantime, readers who want to help us – whether to donate, volunteer or campaign – should call 020 7837 3777 or visit our website:  www.ageconcerncamden.org.uk 

In terms of campaigning, we are encouraging people to respond to the council’s cuts consultation process and have also launched a petition. 

In terms of donations, bankers’ bonuses are particularly welcome to ACC or HCA!

GARY JONES
Chief Executive Officer
Age Concern Camden