Families worry about the impact of proposed cuts on disabled children's well-being.
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In Aberdeenshire, parents of disabled children are expressing deep concerns about proposed cuts to day care services that could significantly affect their children’s lives. The potential reduction or elimination of these vital services has left families feeling anxious and uncertain about the future.
Impact on independence and mental health
Coralie Aitken, a mother from Balmedie, fears that her 25-year-old daughter, Sophie, could lose her independence if her place at the local Ellon Resource Centre is cut. Sophie, who has severe learning difficulties, relies on the support and community engagement provided by the centre.
Coralie has been juggling her role as an unpaid carer while maintaining a job, and she emphasizes that the day care service is crucial for Sophie’s mental health and social skills development.
“Losing the day service would take away her independence,” Coralie stated, highlighting the emotional toll such a loss would have on her daughter. She fears that without the specialized support, Sophie could regress significantly, leading to increased anxiety and depression.
Community response and concerns
During a recent meeting with board members, parents like Coralie and Saddiq Ahmed shared their distress over the proposed cuts. Saddiq, whose son Alexander attends services in Crimond, echoed similar sentiments, warning that the changes could lead to severe consequences for adults with learning disabilities. He described the potential loss of services as a “life or death situation” for many families.
Both parents criticized the lack of proper consultation with families regarding the proposed changes. Coralie revealed that she received an unexpected phone call informing her that Sophie’s place was at risk, which left her feeling blindsided and unsupported. The emotional testimonies from parents have sparked discussions among board members, with some acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Financial constraints and future considerations
Despite the heartfelt pleas from parents, Councillor David Keating emphasized the financial constraints facing the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership. He explained that the board is unable to raise revenue or borrow funds, leading to difficult decisions regarding service cuts. While some members suggested a “salami-slice” approach to reduce services across the board, others argued for a more transformative solution that would not compromise the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
The partnership has agreed to move forward with the proposals, with a final decision expected in May. However, discussions regarding the adult autism and ADHD assessment pathway will continue, as board members seek to secure the necessary funding to maintain these essential services.
As the situation unfolds, families remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the needs of disabled individuals will be prioritized in the decision-making process. The emotional testimonies from parents serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and the potential consequences of service reductions.
