Think again about closing a centre that’s our lifeline

Published: 6 January, 2011

• AS a regular member of Great Croft Resource Centre, I want to express my shock on hearing it is to be closed. I have been attending Great Croft since it started at Holy Cross Church and it has become part of my life.

I am 81 and do not get about much but the centre is near enough for me to attend. It’s really a great place. I always feel welcome and the staff – Abul and the others – do all they can to made it a real home from home. Here’s hoping the closure decision can be reversed.

MYRTLE WEINER
Marchmont Street, WC1

• FOR me, a pensioner and a member of Age Concern UK, the news that Great Croft may be closing is really upsetting. In so many ways the centre is a haven for pensioners and others.

On Wednesdays, carers can bring a member of their family who has Alzheimer’s. As one person told me, Wednesday is like a holiday, giving her one day to do as she likes.

People come to do various activities – bowls, jewellery-making, art, darts, bingo and dancing.

Those who can’t walk are brought to the centre and can have a lovely, three-course meal. If left at home, the only person they would see is the meals-on-wheels lady. Would that mean their being depressed and needing more help?

This is a friendly place with wonderful staff and volunteers who love coming to the centre.

Last, but certainly not least, what would Abul and staff do if they lost their jobs? Then there are the escorts and the drivers too. Please think again

JESSIE BURRILL
WC1

• I AM concerned to hear of the closure in March of Great Croft. I urge the council to think again. 

Many members are vulnerable people who are transported from home to the centre to seek friendship and meals. If left alone all day, they would be a drain on the NHS because their health would suffer.

Closure would mean the loss of the wonderful staff, who are the most helpful and kind people. Any problem and our leader Abul is there to help solve it. If the council cannot or will not help, we must turn to the Almighty. Kofi Annan says: “Never underestimate the power of prayer.”

EILEEN WARD
Seaford Street, WC1

• THIS is what Great Croft means to me. After I lost my husband just over a year ago, it has been like a lifeline to me to be able to meet and talk to people as my family all live far away. 

Also, it is nice to eat with other people, plus the crafts and other things we do keep your mind and body active. 

You mix with people from different backgrounds so it is not just tea and sympathy. You also get a lot of help and advice from the staff.

JEANE SMIT
WC1

• I AM astounded to learn that our centre is closing down. I am here for health reasons. I just cannot believe it.

BERYL EDITH JOSEPH
WC1

• PLEASE do no allow Great Croft to be closed. I will be forced to stay in my flat alone. Aged 83, I am unable to walk and being transported to the centre is vital for me. 

I have made great friends at Great Croft and would be lonely without their contact. My family live far away and I have no other contacts than staff and members at the centre.

J HAMMOND
WC1

• I AM a semi-disabled lady who cannot get out at all on my own. I have been going to our club for 10 years. I can meet up with friends and neighbours who are in the same situation as I am.

The club is like a second home to us; we are comfortable and happy there. We also get a day when we can go shopping if we want to. 

So many people have worked so hard to make us happy there. You cannot take this away from us; many of us depend on this club – it is a lifeline.

We have been through many years of hard times in life and now is the time for rest and enjoyment. Please make the powers that be think again

GRACE AINGER
Cromer Street, WC1