Closure of a LD scheme for no reason

[Josie Bennington]

Hi

I will set the setting and then explain my issue.

I run a supported living scheme in Norwich with 6 adults who live in their own individual flats, within a building. The building also has a support flat which serves as a 'hub', where the tenants join each other for take-away meals, social gatherings, sometimes just a cup of tea and a chat.

This scheme has been running for 10 years, no issues, 2 tenants have been there since it opened, and the other 4 moved in from 2013 to now.

These adults are a group of friends, and go out bowling and to the cinema. They also take part in charity events, like doing the Alzheimer's memory walk. They also have friends outside of their scheme, who are other tenants of mine, but are supported by different staff.

Six weeks ago, their world was turned upside down - they were visited by two people - one from the housing association (who has probably only visited once in the 10 years that the scheme has been open), and one person from NCC, who has never visited the scheme.

They were told that the scheme is closing next year, just like that. They were told they will be rehoused, but not with their support staff that they have now. I was present in the building, but was not informed of this news until I asked a parent what was happening - incidentally, she was told that she wasn't to tell us (as a support provider).

As you can imagine, the tenants are all devastated, they are losing their home, their staff, their friends, their community etc. All of these tenants have built up relationships with the local supermarket staff, some are now confident enough to go to the local take-away to get their own pizza, rather than be supported to do this.

I am going to fight this closure every way possible, no-one seems to have considered my tenants best interests, the mental health implications associated with this news, their friends, the risk of isolation, and the main fact that they will lose their home and the staff they have built up a relationship with.

There is no issue with funding as during a review last week, one tenant was told he would receive daily support to help him with all his needs - he receives that now!

If anyone can help me with anything, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you

Josie