Hope as MP gets involved in proposed closure of day care centre

Families hope an adult day care centre facing closure could be rescued after a local MP has stepped in to find an ‘urgent solution’.

Oldham council was considering budget-cutting measures to permanently shut the Wellbeing Service at Chadderton Hall Park. 

Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, says he has  ‘raised the issue and sought clarity’ on the future of the ‘vital service’.

‘Chaddy Hall’ has supported adults with learning disabilities for more than twenty years. But its council-owned provider MioCare suggested ditching the site, which costs £150,000 a year to run and is in need of costly repairs. 

The facilities offer care between 9am to 3pm with activities like woodworking and gardening as well as classes in customer care skills.

Care worker Amanda Shelley, 60, previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the day centre ‘means everything’ to her brother Mark Hilton, 50, who has serious learning difficulties and is non-verbal. 

Mark is so happy at Chadderton,” she told the LDRS. “The staff are amazing with him. And he probably needs more attention than some of the others. His life wouldn’t be the same without it.

She shared she was cautiously optimistic about the MP’s involvement, which he announced via Facebook post. 
Mr McMahon said: “This is a vital service for local residents with learning disabilities and their families, providing stability, support and a sense of community.

“I’ve raised this issue and will have sought clarity on the service going forward following the consultation running until the 26th February. It’s important that every effort is made to keep this service open for those who depend on it.

“I’ll keep constituents updated and hope we can find a solution urgently.”

The council confirmed it is reviewing the proposal and listening to residents through their public consultation. Councillor Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for health, said the local authority will ‘continue speaking to the families affected’ and ‘continue to explore options’. 

Shelley shared that she was cautiously optimistic about the MPs involvement and that it would be ‘amazing’ to see the centre rescued.