Day centres consultation

A: The number of people attending these day centres has reduced during recent years and not all the centres are being used as well as they could be. The money spent on keeping the centres running, including significant buildings and facilities costs doesn’t seem to be delivering value for money. Resources could be spent differently to modernise the service offer and focus on delivering progression and better outcomes for individuals.

A. If a decision is made to close day centres. We'll work with the 23 people affected by the proposals to develop a transition plan so that they can access support from another day centre in Shropshire or from other groups and services within their local area.

A: Partly. We do need to save money, but this isn’t the only reason. Use of day centres has reduced, and demand has changed over time, especially since the pandemic. People want to be able to choose the activities and support they access in their community. They also need more support to be independent, such as accessing employment and volunteering opportunities. 7

As a council we need to make sure that we run our services as efficiently as possible. The review we've undertaken so far has shown that Aquamira and Helena Lane are costing more than they should be to run. For example, the hydrotherapy pool at Aquamira isn’t a statutory service that the council has to provide, but it's very expensive to run.

A: It depends where you live. If you live in Shrewsbury and use Aquamira you may be able to access another day centre nearby (eg Abbots Wood). If you live in Ludlow and use Helena Lane you may need to travel further or use a different style of service. We'll work with people individually to support with transport arrangements, but this will depend on your choice of day centre, the availability of transport and also access to support such as direct payments. We can also consider independent travel training for people. 

A: We're finding that some people are choosing to do different things rather than attend a day centre. We can work with you to look at other opportunities if this is what you want. 

A: The staff team will be involved in considering these proposals. They will be consulted and able to give us their views to inform decision making. We'll be using their knowledge and expertise. Changes to some services may have an impact on some staff and we'll be keeping everyone fully updated as the plans are developed. The proposals don’t necessarily mean members of staff will find their job is at risk because we need experienced and skilled staff members, they may just need to work in a different location or role.

A: We'll gather everyone’s views together and consider how this affects the services we can offer in the future as part of the consultation. We must make recommendations based on these views, which will need the approval of the council’s cabinet in May 2026 before any final decisions are made.

A: We'll write to everyone directly affected by any decisions we make. We'll also ensure that social workers communicate with the people they support. You can also contact us if you have any questions. The letter will explain further, but please speak to staff at the day centre, your social worker or usual contact in Adult Social Care in the first instance. If you need further help you can contact us on 0345 678 9044.

A: If councillors agree the two service closures following the completion of the consultation process, you'll be supported to understand and consider the impact it may have on you. If you're affected, you'll be supported with a transition plan. We'll work closely with you and your family to provide the support you need to manage any change you experience. 

A: Yes. Other councils have undertaken similar consultations on day centre closures and reductions in service provision. The impact of these changes is different everywhere, but overall fewer people are attending day centres across the country. Different ways of providing support for people have been developed since the Covid pandemic. For example, younger adults often say they want to do things differently, and are looking for different support in their local communities rather than from the traditional day centre model.