Carers protest against day centre changes

Campaigners have protested against proposed changes to council-run day care centres for older people.

Gathered outside the Hampshire County Council offices in Winchester on Saturday, the group said they feared for the future of the city's Chesil Lodge and Basingstoke's Newman Court.

Some people at the protest described the centres as a "lifeline" and "very important" for carers.

The county council, which has a total budget shortfall of £97.6m, said it had no plans to close the facilities and wanted to keep services going in an affordable way.

Joan Ferrer, from Bishop's Waltham, said she joined the protest to show her support for the service provided at Chesil Lodge.

Mrs Ferrer said her husband, who died last year, had loved going to the centre and described it as a "lifeline".

She said Chesil Lodge was a "happy place" with activities including singing, quizzes and storytelling.

Jenny Streat's husband of 52 years, Ian, has mobility problems and is worried about being left alone because of the risk of falling. He has recently been allocated a second session a week at Chesil Lodge.

Mrs Streat said the provision was "very important", adding: "He always enjoys going there. I know he's being well looked after by delightful staff. They are so kind, considerate, and caring.

"I get a chance to get out of the house, go shopping or see friends, which otherwise I am rather tied at home. But I don't mind that because he's such a lovely man."

Mrs Streat said the centre gave carers like her "a breathing space".

Hampshire County Council said: "The idea is to bring in a different organisation to run the service at Chesil Lodge and at Newman Court.

"This would help us reach more people and improve how the service is used.

"It would also save the county council around £210,000 a year, helping us keep services going in a way that's affordable."

The authority has a remaining budget shortfall across the whole council of £97.6m for 2025/26 financial year.

Recommendations from a public consultation, held from March to May, are due to go before councillors at scrutiny meetings next week.

Four service areas - highways maintenance, post-16 transport, school transport and older adult day care - are being looked at and could bring savings of £9.86m if approved, said the council.

A final decision about the future of the day centres is expected in August.

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