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Isolation fear of centre users
by ALISON BELLAMY
DAY centre users fear the closure of their ‘lifeline’ could leave vulnerable people isolated and with no support.
Users of Roundhay Road Day Centre, which offers mental health support, have organised a public meeting to discuss the future of the centre in Harehills, Leeds.
The closure plans follow a shake-up of services by Leeds City Council, which has confirmed the centre is to close but claims alternative provision will ensure nobody is left to cope alone.
The centre provides a range of social, practical, educational and therapeutic programmes and aims to provide a supportive and welcoming environment.
Users can speak to health professionals, have lunch, listen to music and socialise, or take part in group sessions.
Betty Finch, 58, of Shadwell, who suffers from panic attacks, uses the centre each week. She meets friends and socialises and has taken computer classes.
She said: “We have heard the centre is to be knocked down and not replaced. There are all sorts of rumours going around.
“It caters for people with mental health problems and for those who need support.
“It is a valuable lifeline for many and without it we are lost. They say they will farm us out to other centres but it won’t be the same and it is not good to have such a big change.
“I look forward to going every week.”
The meeting is on Friday December 15 at 1pm and anyone interested in the future of the centre, is urged to attend.
Mrs Finch added: “It is a lifeline and we don’t want to see it close.”
Coun Peter Harrand, executive member responsible for adult Social Services, said: “The site no longer meets the modern standards. It is 30 years out of date.
“All services will continue to be provided depending upon the needs and wishes of the individual service users.
“The council is undertaking a major review of day care services for adults across the city to bring the services and facilities into the 21st Century.”
alison.bellamy@ypn.co.uk
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 11 February 2012
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