A mental health support center in Norfolk, which aids individuals with conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s disease, may face closure within weeks. The Merle Boddy Centre, operated by the Swaffham and District Mental Health Association (SDMHA), offers day care services but has experienced a significant funding drop due to changes in how Norfolk County Council (NCC) manages referrals to support services.
SDMHA reports that only one client has been referred to the center by the council since December, a sharp decline from the expected weekly referrals. Keith Sandle from SDMHA warned that without a change, the charity would not be able to sustain its services beyond a few weeks. The center provides a day of activities and a cooked lunch, offering valuable respite for carers and a chance for socialization for clients.
Sandle expressed confusion over the lack of promotion of the service, emphasizing that it is a crucial alternative to residential care. “We allow people to remain in their homes and with their families instead of moving to a care home,” he said.
In response, NCC stated that it continues to review its partnerships with care organizations and is working with SDMHA to attract more self-funded clients. A spokesperson for the council said they are exploring ways to ensure the center’s sustainability while delivering high-quality services for Norfolk residents.
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