Issue - meetings

Mike O’Regan explained that a level 2 consultation was undertaken in November and the conclusion was that the Willow Day Care Centre in Macclesfield should be closed. Officers reassured the committee that everyone at this centre will be assessed and cared for despite its closure.

After consideration of the update provided to the Committee, the following points were raised:

      That despite the issues going to consultation, people were concerned that the closure is going to happen anyway and this may raise false hopes for the public.

      Removing the “social” aspect of care for people with mental health problems and moving towards more personalised care may lead to people becoming isolated.

      Relating to the movement of social care to more personalised care, Mike O’Regan explained that for some people a social environment is very useful and rewarding. However for others, this environment can become too comfortable and prevent people from progressing and moving on. He gave assurances that this would be done with as limited upheaval to people as possible.

      It was encouraging that the various service providers were now cooperating and working together to address these complex issues.

      The extent to which there was scope for the Voluntary Sector to offer support and services particularly with regard to the social care dimension. However the potential risks of people falling through the net due to the complexity of mental health issues was noted, and provision must be made to guarantee that the voluntary sector which is increasingly taking up these services is properly regulated.

      That care is only successful if provided by trained professionals and concerns that reliance on the voluntary sector required careful planning and preparation, and the necessary professional input.

RESOLVED: That the Report be received.