Loss of respite care at centre is ‘devastating’ (From Thisisdorset)

Loss of respite care at centre is ‘devastating’

5:00am Saturday 13th March 2010 in

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RESPITE care at Holton Lee comes to an end today – leaving service users “devastated.”

But trustees at the East Holton charity say the facility will be reborn – and ideas for the future include offering respite in another form.

For the last guests – some of whom have been visiting The Barn at Holton Lee for more than a decade – it is a difficult day.

Enid Burnett, who has stayed at Holton Lee three times a year for 12 years, said: “This is a very special place.

“There is great sorrow at losing it.”

Angie Bolwell has visited for a fortnight every three months for 11 years. She said: “I shall be absolutely devastated to go – I shall be in floods of tears.

“When I first came here 11 years ago I fell in love with it. Straight away I thought that’s the place for me. This place is my haven – it’s heaven to me.”

Fellow regular Rob Cranham agreed: “You come down the driveway and your heart lifts up.”

Trustees said low occupancy levels meant they could no longer support the heavy losses incurred by the respite service.

Director Theresa Veith said they were “looking at how we can refocus and reshape so we can keep providing the opportunity for respite.”

Options on the table include offering respite for two week periods, six times a year, and working with other charities with similar goals who can make use of the accessible facilities.

The pressure is now on to raise funds, according to chairman of trustees Frank Litchfield.

He said: “Funding will pace the rate at which we can reintroduce and grow our services.”

The rest of the offerings at Holton Lee, including day care, a cottage garden project, and arts studio, will continue.

Anyone wishing to support Holton Lee should visit www.holtonlee.co.uk or call Theresa Veith on 01202 625562.