Relatives' fears over Mencap home closure

Families are concerned for their relatives’ wellbeing and mental health as the closure of their home looms.

Six residents live at Jutland Place in Egham, currently run by Mencap, and relatives describe them as “like a family”.

Many of them have lived in the area most or all of their lives, and attend day services nearby, but may be relocated if the home closes in June.

Mencap, Surrey County Council and Runnymede Borough Council said they have been in conversations to try to continue a service at the home, but no solution has been found.

The charity said it had taken the “difficult decision” to end its contract in December, meaning it will stop running the home from June.

Robin Bunce, 55, has Down’s syndrome and moved into the home six years ago, having lived in the area all his life.

His sister Cathy Rodger said: “He lives with people he went to school with and they are like a family.

“He is very happy there and is looked after well.”

A petition , externalto secure the home’s future has gathered more than 1,000 signatures.

Chas Bradfield’s brother Gerald lived in the home from when it opened in 1988 until March, when he moved out due to his worsening dementia.

Mr Bradfield raised concerns that residents would be split up if relocated, and said families did not “feel supported”.

Jackie O'Sullivan, Mencap’s acting chief executive, said Jutland Place costs more to run than Mencap receives in funding, costing the charity £200,000 this financial year.

She added:  "We know that these changes will be felt deeply by the people we support and their families.

“It is not something we have done lightly and we feel very sorry that an alternative solution could not be found to allow us to continue to provide their care.”

Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said a sustainable way forward had not been found with the building, due to "challenges" in its layout.

She added: “For people currently living at Jutland Place, I would like to give assurances that we will work with providers to find new homes for them, with support to enable them to maintain their friendships and pastimes they enjoy.”

Runnymede Borough Council is the owner of the building.

A spokesperson said: “We are in close contact with Mencap and Surrey County Council to offer support where possible, and will continue to meet with the families involved to provide updates and reassurance.”

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