Council urged to rethink Age UK York day care funding cut

Cllr Christian Vassie, vice chair of the council’s health, housing and adult social care committee, described the authority’s decision to axe its funding for Age UK York’s older people day club service as a “tragedy for vulnerable people across York”.

But Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, the council’s executive member for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said the decision was made as the authority cannot afford to fund the service after “14 years of austerity cutbacks”.

As The Press reported, Age UK York announced last week that that nine of its day club groups will close from September 30, following the end of its current contract with the council, which commenced in 2017 and brings funding for it.

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At the day clubs, which Age UK York has been running for 30 years, the charity's trained team supports people across the city each week.

Simon Holmes, Age UK York’s chief executive, said he was “very sorry” that the service could not continue, adding that the charity would continue to “explore new opportunities, including funding and the generosity of volunteers, in being able to create a new offer for local residents into the future”.

Simon Holmes, Age UK York’s chief executive (Image: Supplied)

He explained that Age UK York cannot afford to fund the service itself as it has "very limited means and resources" as a local charity.

Cllr Vassie said the service provides a “lifeline” to older people who struggle with loneliness and isolation, adding that more elderly people were affected by this as a result of lockdowns.

“[The clubs] gave people the opportunity to meet other people to socialise, enjoy a hot meal in company, play games, learning new things, and exercise. The day clubs also gave respite care for the families for a few hours a week,” the Liberal Democrat Wheldrake ward councillor added.

“I cannot understand how the council imagines that cutting support for the Age UK York day clubs will provide any long-term benefit to the people of York.

“More isolation and more loneliness and less support will surely only increase the pressure on adult social services, family carers, and the NHS. I would urge the administration to think again.” 

Cllr Vassie said his father was affected by isolation and loneliness during the pandemic and was recommended to join one of Age UK York’s older people day clubs for support after contacting social services.

Cllr Christian Vassie (Image: Supplied)

“From having had an active social life, my father was alone in his house for months on end during the pandemic with the family unable to do more than bring food and chat briefly through an open backdoor,” he explained.

“By the time the lockdowns ended the damage had been done. His network of friends was gone. The family were there but, if we are honest, all people need the opportunity to meet more than just family members.”

Cllr Vassie added that his father’s mental and physical health declined, meaning he was unable to attend a day club and is now in a care home.

But, he said, the experience “transformed” his understanding of the issue.

“Few of us understand the impacts of old age or the challenges of becoming a family carer until it happens directly to a family member. It was a massive comfort to discover the great work that Age UK York and others do and I am sure that there are thousands of families across York who would say the same.”

Service 'incredibly expensive' to fund, says council's health boss 

Cllr Steels-Walshaw said: “We recognise the importance of social contact, especially close to where people live.

“This decision is about suitable alternative provision within the communities people live in, not about there being no provision for older people. 

“Our discussions with Age UK York, that started last October, were about sharing information with day club users about alternative local groups.

“Under the terms of the contract set up by the previous council administration, each half day session has been costing the council and the resident collectively around £75 per person for a four-hour session.

“That is incredibly expensive and unaffordable for the council after 14 years of austerity cutbacks. It’s also expensive for the day club user.  

“It is the nature of our current funding position that adult social care funding can now only match adult social care needs, and this means the voluntary sector and community groups playing a bigger role in helping to combat social isolation in our communities. 

“There are ways the council can help in developing that community capacity.”

Mr Holmes said attendance at the day clubs varies, explaining that the average age of attendees is mid 80s and many live on their own with a range of health conditions and needs.

Given this, he said, the number of people attending can "change significantly", with illness and hospitalisation being "regular and wholly understandable reasons why someone wishing to attend a club is not ultimately able to do on the day".

Mr Holmes explained that Age UK York provides optional transport for day club attendees, which the charity covers the cost of, to make the service more accessible.

He added that the price for the full-day session (£12) includes a cooked two course lunch.