Worcestershire council have listened to parents and recommended that Ludlow Road respite centre in Kidderminster remain open into next year. However this still leaves an uncertain future for families.
Una Summerson, head of policy at Contact and member of DCP, said: “Ludlow Road respite centre is a lifeline to families with some of the most severely disabled children in the area – it is right that it is saved from closure. We urge councillors who are due to vote on the centre’s fate next week to vote in accordance with the recommendation report that has been published today and keep the centre open.
“Families have fought so hard to save Ludlow Road because they know that having a break is crucial to enable them to carry on caring for their disabled children at home. We are delighted for those families that they have been listened to and this report recommends protecting the support they receive.”
Ludlow Road overnight respite centre in Kidderminster currently cares for 21 severely disabled children. Many receive one night a week respite care, giving their families the chance to have a break.
Tina Southall from Tenbury Wells, mum to 15-year-old Dalcie who requires round the clock care, said: “I am relieved that for the time beginning Ludlow Road has been given a chance of survival. But we know we haven’t won yet, our fight is still not over and we are desperately hoping that Worcestershire County Council vote to keep Ludlow Road open.
“The care that Dalcie receives there is second to none and we have been at our wits end worrying that the support was going to be taken away.
“Dalcie currently receives 4 nights a month respite at Ludlow Road. We are literally hanging on by our finger nails and the respite care is the thing that keeps us going because it allows us to spend time with our other children and get some much needed rest. The alternative being offered to us is another respite centre in Malvern – which is an hour’s drive away, and is currently full to capacity.”
The council will make a decision on the future of Ludlow Road on Thursday 12 July at a Cabinet meeting.