Shropshire charity to cut service helping 1,000 older people stay independent at home

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is to close its Help at Home service after 20 years, putting 119 jobs at risk of redundancy.

The service, which supports more than 1,000 older people in maintaining their independence at home, is expected to cease operations by the end of August.

The charity, which said the decision was “driven by significant financial challenges and a cessation in funding from Shropshire Council” will no longer accept new referrals to its Help at Home and Trusted Companion services from Thursday (June 25).

The proposal follows an extensive review of the service and comes after months of exploring alternative options to maintain provision, a spokesperson for the charity said.

Help at Home has run for more than 20 years and currently supports around 1,000 older people across the county by providing practical assistance such as housework, laundry, shopping and collecting prescriptions to help people remain independent in their own homes.

Clare Davis, the charity’s chief executive, said: "This has been one of the most difficult decisions the charity has ever had to make. For the past six months we have carefully examined every possible option to keep the Help at Home service running, but unfortunately, we have reached the point where it is no longer financially viable to continue.

"We know this news will be unexpected or upsetting for many of the older people who rely on the service and for their families. Supporting older people remains at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to ensuring everyone affected receives clear information and support throughout this process.

“All clients will shortly receive a personalised letter explaining what this proposal means for them and outlining the services they currently receive that may be affected. If you are reading about this announcement before receiving your letter, we appreciate that this may be concerning.

“We wanted to ensure each client receives information tailored to their individual circumstances, and those letters will provide the most relevant details about their support arrangements.

“I would also like to recognise the dedication, professionalism and compassion shown every day by our Help at Home team. This decision is in no way a reflection of the quality of their work or their commitment to the older people they support. They have worked tirelessly, alongside the charity's senior management team, to try maintain this service."

The proposal places 119 roles at risk of redundancy, including 109 support worker positions and 10 operational roles based at the charity’s office in Shrewsbury. A formal consultation process will now take place in accordance with organisational policy and employment law.

The charity has confirmed that affected employees will be offered support throughout the consultation process, including guidance on benefits, access to counselling and assistance with finding alternative employment.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin said it remains committed to delivering its other services and that the decision has been taken to “help secure the charity's long-term future and ensure continued support for older people”.