STAFF and members of a social club for older people are devastated that a Twyford village lifeline is to be lost.
Twyford & District Age Concern has had to make the difficult decision to close its doors, saying that after much consideration, and with great sadness, the charity will close after 38 years of serving the local community.
Care manager Deborah Heffernan said: “It’s devastating news.
“The Board told us on the 3rd of August that we had just three weeks to prepare for the closure of the building, and that services here will cease.
“There isn’t enough money to continue, and the only thing they can do is to make the staff redundant.”
The centre has provided day care, meals, company, social activities, entertainment and information for members and their families for almost four decades.
“There’s no-where else like it in the area,” said Deborah.
“It’s a lifeline in Twyford.
“I’ve been here nearly 12 years, and I’m really worried about where our members will go.
“People are saying that there’s the Wade Centre in Wokingham, but it’s not that easy.
“Our members are all in their 80s and 90s; they need transport, and not all of them cope well with change.”
Nich Crowson, chair of trustees, in his closure notice, said: “This decision has not been taken lightly and we have carefully evaluated all various options available to us.
“It comes because of ongoing financial pressures, including rising operating costs and a sustained decline in attendance, which have unfortunately made it no longer viable for the Charity to continue operating.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of our journey over the past 38 years.
“To our members, past and present, thank you for the friendship, warmth and community you have brought to the centre.
“We are incredibly grateful to our President, former and current trustees, volunteers, local sponsors and businesses, Twyford Parish Council and Wokingham Borough Council for their support over the years.
“Our greatest thanks go to our employees and volunteers, whose care and dedication have been at the heart of the Charity, and we are grateful to them for their support throughout this difficult period.
“As chair of trustees I would like to extend my thanks for all the tremendous help and support that has been given by all our different stakeholders over the past challenging year.”
Deborah hopes this will not be the end of services for older people in Twyford, and is determined not to give up on them.
“This closure will affect so many people,” she said.
“Members’ families will be impacted by the closure, too, because our day care provides respite for families who may still be working.
“They will now have to find alternative places to send their mums and dads.
“And the staff are numb – they’re a dedicated team who love making people happy and safe here.”
Leader of Wokingham Borough Council Cllr Stephen Conway said: “It is sad news that the Age Concern Twyford & District’s day centre is due to close on September 4.
“The centre is a charity that acts independently of the council but the council is working with the centre to see whether the situation can be salvaged and the loss of this valued facility can be avoided.
“Adult services is doing all in its power to remedy a difficult situation.”
For information email: info@ageconcerntwyford.org.uk
