Council confirm Carelink to close

High Peak Borough Council has confirmed plans to close its Carelink service by the end of September, despite concerns previously raised by service users, families and local councillors.

The announcement comes less than two weeks after the Glossop Chronicle first reported that questions had been raised about the future of Carelink, a service that provides 24-hour emergency support to elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents across the borough. 

At the time, the council said no decisions had been taken and that customers and staff would be consulted as part of a service review. 

Carelink enables people to remain independent in their own homes through a personal alarm system linked to trained staff who can respond in an emergency. Customers pay a weekly fee for the service, which has operated across the borough for many years. 

The council says it is "very mindful of the impact this decision will have on Carelink customers and staff" and has begun consulting employees while contacting customers to discuss their future support needs. 

Executive Councillor for Housing Fiona Sloman said: 

"We know that this news is likely to be unsettling for the people who use Carelink and I want to assure them that the services they currently receive will continue as normal for the time being. 

"This has been a very difficult decision to take. We haven't done so lightly and have made every effort to keep the service going despite the issues with staffing levels but safety has to be our priority. We fully understand the impact this will have for our customers and our staff and are now starting conversations with them as we plan for the closure in a managed way. We will be supporting all those affected during this process. 

"As part of those discussions we'll be providing information about other providers of telecare services and helping our customers to arrange alternative support if they need it. 

"We don't want anyone to worry about the decision we've made. We will be speaking to all our customers personally over the coming weeks and I would encourage people to share their concerns with us during those discussions so we can offer advice and guidance. 

"I also want to say thank you to our Carelink staff who continue to provide quality, dedicated services in difficult circumstances. We'll continue to support you during the closure process." 

The decision has already attracted criticism from opposition councillors. 

In a statement issued following the meeting where the future of Carelink was discussed, High Peak Conservative councillors said they believed the future of the service should have been debated by all councillors rather than solely by the council's Executive Committee. 

Councillor Adie Hopkinson also said Conservative members had asked for the decision to be postponed until alternative support arrangements had been put in place for existing Carelink users and those on the waiting list, but their request for a deferral was rejected. 

The council has confirmed that letters have been sent to all Carelink customers and, where appropriate, their families and carers, explaining the decision and outlining the next steps. 

The closure is expected to bring to an end a service that many residents have described as a lifeline, helping vulnerable people remain safe and independent in their own homes while providing reassurance to families. 

The council says further information, including answers to frequently asked questions, is available on its website.