Birmingham mum’s concern over proposed daycare closure

A mother has said she is heartbroken by the proposed closure of day centers which provide care for disabled adults.

Maureen Winkles, 86, from Quinton in Birmingham, is a carer for her daughter Lisa, 53, who has epilepsy and hydrocephalus.

For 32 years she received respite care at Harborne Day Centre, which could be closed under Birmingham City Council proposals.

The authority said no decision would be made until a public consultation concludes next month.

Mrs Winkles said Lisa had learning difficulties and could not live without help.

During her sessions at the center, in addition to being cared for, she does activities and meets friends.

“The staff are fantastic down there, they really are, they look after her properly and I know she’s safe there and I know she’s looked after,” Ms Winkles said.

As well as providing care for her daughter, the day center provides Mrs Winkles with the only respite she has from her caring duties.

“I could scream, well actually I sat and cried to be honest,” she said.

Her daughter added: “I have friends at the day care centre.

“I feel like I can’t get enough.

“I feel a little angry about it.”

He said views were being sought on a plan to close four centres, Beeches GOLDD; Harborne, Heartlands and Fairway, with users and staff moved to the remaining five centers – Alderman Bowen in Bordesley Green, Ebrook in Sutton Coldfield, Elwood in Erdington, Hockley Center and Moseley Centre.

Making the change, it said, would help as it seeks to save £65m from its adult welfare budget after it was effectively declared bankrupt.

But he said no decisions would be made until the end of the consultation.

Councilor Rob Pocock, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “Consolidating our existing centers will allow us to diversify our offer in line with citizens’ expectations and so ultimately improve outcomes.”

But for Mrs. Winkles that offers little comfort.

“Lisa doesn’t want to go to another one,” she said.

“And just say yes, they either have to go to Hockley or Moseley.

“To me they’ve already made up their minds, if they’re going to close, they’re going to close, no matter what.”