Search on to keep elderly day centre open

Age Concern Twyford & District has sought Wokingham Borough Council’s support in seeking expressions of interest for the ongoing provision of community services for the elderly in Twyford.

Last month, Twyford Age Concern announced it would be closing its day centre in Polehampton Close for financial reasons, but the council is trying to work with the charity and other potential partners to keep a service running.

The council did not fund the direct running of Age Concern Twyford & District and was not involved in the initial decision that it close.

Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of the Council, said: “Like many charities at this time, Twyford Age Concern has been struggling financially and took the sad decision to close. We understand from those who used the centre that it is greatly valued and so we are exploring ways it could be maintained.

“We know the number of people attending the centre had been dropping and that is an issue we need to consider, but for its members, the centre provides a social lifeline for people who may otherwise become isolated. 

“Nothing has been decided yet and we cannot make promises, but we are working with the charity and others to see what might be needed and if there is a good solution.”

The borough council is discussing short-term funding arrangements with the charity to support the service while longer-term options are explored.

The Expression of Interest process started on Friday 4 September and will run to Sunday 4 October. 

Any interested organisations should contact: procurement@wokingham.gov.uk (with ‘Twyford Age Concern EOI’ in the subject line) for further information, or advice on how to apply for this opportunity.

Nich Crowson, chair of trustees for Age Concern Twyford & District, said: “Age Concern Twyford and District are currently in discussions with the local authority, members and employees on how a service can be offered until a new provider can be put in place. We are grateful to the community for all their support in recent weeks and to our staff who have worked tirelessly through this difficult period."