Day centre closures in Birmingham having 'terrible' impact on families due to Covid-19 pandemic
Families in Birmingham have spoken of the ‘terrible’ impact of the closure of day centres for their loved ones with learning disabilities during the pandemic.
Day centres – which cater for more than 800 people with learning disabilities across the city – have been closed since March, leaving vulnerable adults confined to their homes.
Family members have said this has had a drastic effect on them as carers.
Sixth form student Sidra Nisa has a 30-year old brother who usually attends the Alderman Bowen day centre but has been stuck at home for the pandemic.
She said: “We can see how much it has impacted his mental health and wellbeing, sitting at home all day. It has affected him to the point we can see a difference.
“You can imagine the impact on me and my mum and dad.
“At the day centre, he would do activities like painting and creative stuff, talking to other people.
“We just haven’t been told when they would open again.
“I would like to see the day centres open. We know how the pandemic has affected everything but everyone could implement the social distancing measures.”
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Councillor Baber Baz, who represents the Yardley West and Stechford ward, said he has written to cabinet member for health and social care Councillor Paulette Hamilton about the problem.
He said: “I have had a number of residents contact me – some from within my ward and others from across the city.
“We have vulnerable adults sitting at home, not getting appropriate care and support.
“It’s been a difficult situation for the families who actually look after them.
“Anything is better than the current situation, even if they were only open for a few hours.”
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “Birmingham has taken a cautious approach with regard to the reopening of day care centres, which have been closed since March 2020.
“The council continues to plan with internal and external services for a phased reopening of day care services as soon as it is safe to do so in accordance with all national and local social distancing guidelines and other infection control measures.
“Officers and services are working extremely hard to open services in January 2021 with the caveat that this may be subject to change depending on the changing impact of Covid19 adhering to any local and national guidance. The council will be writing to citizens and carers with an update shortly."
