‘They are stopping services for people who don’t have a voice’ – concerns for future of Osmondthorpe Hub

The facility, also known as Osmondthorpe Hub, was closed in the Spring due to Covid-19 restrictions, and has not been able to reopen since. It offers adult learning courses, as well as classes and training for people with disabilities or mental health problems.

Leeds City Council’s executive member for Adults and Health Coun Rebecca Charlwood said the site needed repairs and that there would be a period of “consultation” on the site in January.

Documents which went before councillors last month suggested closing the site as part of further cost-cutting measures next year.

Heather Howland, has been attending the centre for 15 years following a brain haemorrhage. She said the centre is a lifeline for disabled people in the district, offering classes, activities and the opportunity to socialise.

“There are people who have been going there for 40 years,” she said. “It’s so easy to take the services from the vulnerable who won’t speak out. I go to the classes it runs every day.

“They are just stopping services for the people who don’t have a voice. There will be so many people I know who will be isolated – it’s become like a family.”

A document which went before Leeds City Council decision-makers last month looked into proposals for the council to plug an expected £118m budget shortfall for 2021/22 financial year.

The paper proposed the closure of Osmondthorpe Resource Centre, with “services retained via other day care hubs” could save the authority £100,000.

Coun Charlwood said: “Like many other day centres, the Osmondthorpe Resource Centre was closed due to lockdown restrictions earlier in the year. We adapted to this challenge by changing our model of service and supporting people through outreach.

“We have carefully opened a number of our day centres and are running a Covid secure service with limited numbers. Unfortunately financial challenges brought about by the costs of responding to Covid-19; reduced income during the pandemic; and the government’s failure to provide the support it promised local authorities mean we have had to look at all options to reduce costs.

“We have not reopened this building yet as it requires expensive repairs. In the meantime, we are ensuring its current service users are supported during the day through outreach; or enabled to access the complex needs day services that we have in three locations across the city. We are trialling this new model to assess any difficulties and ensure everyone can still access a service.

“The Osmondthorpe Resource Centre is not permanently closed; however we intend to begin a period of consultation in January. We will continue to support people who have accessed the Centre; and we will continue to lobby the government for the support we need to protect vital services.”