More people have contacted YorkMix to express dismay that Age UK York day clubs are to close at the end of the month.
It comes as the charity’s boss has told us that a cut in funding by City of York Council meant the closures were inevitable.
Since we first reported on the closures, we have received more information from Age UK and experiences from families of those affected.
Simon Holmes, CEO of Age UK York, who confirmed the sad news.
He said: “The period has offered us the opportunity to explore other ways to fund the Day Clubs though unfortunately despite a lot of hard work and our continued efforts the necessary funding has not been secured and so the Day Clubs cannot continue in their current form.”
While the day clubs, which run every weekday, will shut, Age UK has confirmed they will continue to provide the sessions for those who have, or are awaiting, a dementia diagnosis.
Mr Holmes said: “Research into the Day Clubs show that about 50% of attendees have a degree of memory impairment and in many cases, have or are awaiting, dementia diagnoses.
“As such City of York Council and NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) are continuing funding for Age UK York’s Dementia Clubs.”
The charity also revealed that they are working to support club members to find other suitable local activities.
“The contract between Age UK York and the council continues to provide Dementia Day Clubs, advice and support services for older residents, a shopping service and a befriending service.”
‘A lifeline’
The upsetting news comes with further input from our readers, who have reached out to share their own experiences.
Emma Birrell spoke to YorkMix, revealing the toll it will take on her 80-year-old father, who recently moved to York: “The day club has been a lifeline for him to socialise with people his own age in a supported way.
“He is not very mobile and the clubs provide him with company and something that he can chat about with us when we visit and have been a real bonus.
“I cannot find an alternative which would work for him and think the loss will be a real issue for older people in York. I can’t understand cutting funding. As others have mentioned, they are not free but they are affordable and important.
“Without them I am afraid many elderly people will lose social contact altogether, and there will be a knock on effect on health generally.”
Pamela Thompson also reached out to YorkMix and told us how the news was received: “My parents attend the club in Acomb and when they were told of the closure one of the attendees started crying stating it is the only time they ever meet people, a very sad state of affairs.”
Some of the comments on Facebook, regarding the closures, read:
“Social connection is so important for mental health, so ultimately this cost saving won’t be a saving at all; it’ll just move the cost to another budget and damage the health of our older residents in the process.”
“Such a shame – my elderly mum (with dementia) loves going to Age UK day centre on a Wed pm & we are so gutted that it will be ending at the end of Sept. She would much rather be there mixing with others & having fun rather than sitting at home on her own.
“They will be missed by so many people. We are really hoping that Age UK manages to secure some funding so that these clubs could possibly start up again at some point. The Age UK clubs are amazing & it’s devastating that the council has cut the funding to end these services for the elderly.”
YorkMix will continue to update with any further comments from Age UK York and the City of York Council. If you would like to get in touch, please do so at [email protected].