'It is quite simply a lifeline' - Councillors vote to scrap Stourbridge dementia centre closure
Dudley councillors voted to scrap the closure of a dementia care centre near Stourbridge described as a lifeline service.
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At a meeting of Dudley Council on April 28, a notice of motion from Councillor Karl Denning, with an amendment from Councillor Andrea Goddard, Dudley cabinet member for Adult Social Care, was approved unanimously.
The decision to scrap the service to save £500,000 as part of cuts approved by the authority in March, sparked a campaign to force a rethink.
Alzheimer’s Society volunteer and former Conservative councillor, Laura Taylor-Childs, a leading figure in the campaign, said: “I am absolutely delighted at the outcome, which saves the Dementia Gateway.
“I am grateful to Lisa, our campaign spokesperson and to Councillor Denning for tabling the notice of motion.
“I’m particularly grateful to Councillor Goddard for hearing the voices of the vulnerable and committing to support dementia services in the borough.”
The council also debated the future of the Brettell Lane centre after a petition with thousands of names was submitted, forcing the subject onto the agenda.
Campaign spokesperson Lisa McDonnell made a passionate speech to councillors calling for the centre to be saved.
Ms McDonnell said: “My mum and I care for my dad who has Alziemers’ and we use the gateway multiple times a week.
“It is quite simply a lifeline for our family, I am here as the voice of your residents, over 4,000 of them have signed the Save the Dementia Gateway petition to date.
“The Crystal Gateway is more than just a building, it is a place of safety, It is a hub allowing carers and sufferers both time apart and support in time together, it’s a support from specialist dementia advisers at home after the life-shattering diagnosis.
“Crustal Gateway gives carers the strength to continue with care at home and delay the heartbreaking decision of residential care.
“This is not about politics, this is about real people, please don’t take our gateway away.”
Councillors agreed to retain the gateway as a community facility and establish a cross-party group to work with unions, carers, and service users to inform them how the facility can continue with dementia provision.
