Concerns over cuts to day care centres in West Dorset (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Concerns over cuts to day care centres in West Dorset

11:30am Wednesday 13th June 2012 in Bridport By Anne Bell

A LIFELINE for Bridport people who need care and support is facing one of the highest potential cuts in staffing levels in day care and vocational centres in West Dorset, town councillors heard.

As part of a £600,000 package of proposed county council cuts, the Fisherman’s Arms day centre in South Street could lose staffing costing £12,500.

Coun Ros Kayes told the town council environment and social wellbeing committee that the figure is second only to Dorchester in the scale of the cut.

Day services in Beaminster could face £2,200 in staff cost cuts and Lyme Regis £2,600.

A report from Dorset County Council says that staff reduction would be “through deletion of current vacant hours and reconfiguration of staff to make the service more viable.”

The county has decided to pursue a partnership scheme to achieve the cost savings in day and vocational care. It says this “will be made possible by greater community involvement and better use of the facilities by all sectors of the community.

“This required managers to identify cost savings, but with minimal impact to users, carers and staff.”

Coun Kayes said the cuts affected not only day care for the elderly, but also learning disability centres.

“These facilities are absolutely crucial for the people who use them.

“We need to be sure that any changes are not going to impact the level of care.These are a lifeline.

“You just can’t cut this kind of service.”

Coun Anne-Marie Vincent said: “They are talking about getting rid of paid posts and encouraging volunteers to do the work of qualified and experienced people.”

The committee agreed to formulate a formal response.

User group consultation

• Friday, June 15, at Bridport Day Centre from 10.30am 12.30pm.

• Monday, June 25, Fisherman’s Arms from 1.30pm to 3pm.

• Wednesday, June 27, Riverside Day Centre from 1.30pm to 3pm.

• Tuesday, July 17, public meeting at the St John Ambulance Hall in Bridport from 7pm to 8.15pm.