Proposals to close the Dementia Support Service
The consultation on the Proposals to close the Dementia Support Services has concluded.
The Consultation ran from 19 December 2023 to 02 February 2024.During this period over 2000 people accessed the online portal. 469 responses were received online and another 15 completed paper copies of the questionnaire.
Compared with other Public Consultations the council has undertaken recently this has been a strong response. 41% of the responses came from residents who are using the service while This included almost 80 responses from professionals. 80% of responses came from residents and professionals living or practicing in the city.
As part of the Public Consultation the council arranged 2 face to face meetings. The attendance in those was generally low with less than 40 people having attended the 2 Face to Face meetings. The public meetings were held at the Windermere Club, the venue for one of the groups and at the civic centre. Both meetings were attended by people who use the service, professionals from other organisations, stakeholder partner organisations, and residents.
A petition was submitted to the council with just over 3000 signatures as well as a formal letter form Healthwatch Southend outlining its concerns should the DCSS end.
The main messages from the Consultation were that a closure of the service would create a void for those needing support and guidance. People are concerned that it could lead to increasing hospital admissions and admissions into residential care.
Informal Carers raised concerns that a closure could lead to them being socially isolated. Carers were concerned about the loss of the peer support that was enabled by virtue of the clubs, particularly the Windermere club as well as the expert advice they could access via the services staff.
Most people would seek alternative support from their GP or would contact the Alzheimer Society. The DCST is recognised as a significant asset by those who are living with Dementia, their informal carers and family members and by Health and Social Care Professionals.
Final reports
Cabinet Report Proposals to close the Dementia Community Support Service (4 March 2024)
Cabinet Report Addendum to Item 8 Dementia Support Services Consultation (4 March 2024)
Proposal to stop Dementia Support Services- Consultation Analysis
Full Cabinet details published on website
