Home for young people with mental health problems axed two years after closure plans scrapped

by Lizzie Dearden, Reporter Friday, March 22, 2013
11:05 AM

A supported accommodation complex for young people with mental heath problems in Newbury Park is being shut down by Redbridge Council.

Abury House, in Aldborough Road North, was threatened with closure in 2010 but plans were scrapped in the face of fierce opposition.

But the home, which has nine purpose-built supported flats, will now close in the summer and ten staff members will be made redundant.

A council spokesman said people living at Abury House will be “supported to find alternative accommodation”.

After it was saved from the axe in 2010, Cllr John Fairley-Churchill, cabinet member for adult social services and health, said he understood how valuable the service was and said all options would be carefully considered.

Kielder Close day centre in Hainault, and the Living Well Resource Centre in Chadwell Heath are also closing in the summer.

A council spokesman said services from the day centres, which support elderly people and dementia sufferers, will be “re-provided”.

She added: “Service users will be fully supported by staff to develop their new support plan.

“The levels of provision to the individual will remain the same, some of the activities may or may not change depending upon what the individual wants to do.”

Mulberry Lodge, a day centre for people with disabilities, complex learning difficulties and mental health problems in Mulberry Way, Barkingside, may close at a later date.

A council spokesman said services could be moved to the planned new “Care Village”.

She added: “We will obviously consult fully throughout on any proposed changes.”

Mulberry Lodge has undergone renovations costing hundreds of thousands of pounds in recent years and has a spa, sensory room, garden and other specialist facilities.

All vacated buildings could be sold by the council.

The closures are part of plans to cut spending on adult social services by more than £1.8million over the next three years.