Age UK Whitstable to Close

Closure of Age UK Whitstable

 “It is with sadness and after careful consideration that the Trustees of Age UK Whitstable announce their intention to close the organisation by the end of the financial year (31 March 2018).

 “This has been a very difficult decision, but sadly, like many other charities, we have been facing significant financial challenges and it is very likely that Age UK Whitstable will no longer be able to continue offering services to older people locally.

 “Our number one priority is to ensure older people in Whitstable have the best level of service possible. Therefore, the Trustees of Age UK Whitstable and Age UK Herne Bay have agreed that, in the event of closure, older people in Whitstable will be supported to access services provided by Age UK Herne Bay.  

“We are always striving to maintain the accessibility, quality and scope of our services in Kent and to secure the future of those services for older people. Whilst nothing will change immediately, we want to give our clients, staff, volunteers and many supporters notice now to ensure that, if required, there is a seamless transfer of support for older people in Whitstable.

“If older people and their friends and family in the local area have any questions or want to know about alternative services that may be available in their area they can contact Brenda at Age UK Herne Bay on 01227 749570.”

Questions & Answers

Q. Why is Age UK Whitstable at risk of closure?

Currently our intention is for Age UK Whitstable to close and it is very likely that this will happen. However, we will be undertaking a period of consultation with staff over the next couple of months to look at the services provided and to make a final decision as to whether closure is necessary.

As with all charities, income is tight. Changes to funding mean that this will reduce further next financial year, and many of the Age UK Whitstable services are unlikely to be viable. Currently, we subsidise the majority of them, to support older people in the area. However, we will not have the funding to continue to do so, and provide the high quality of service that we would like to, indefinitely. Our intention is to close the charity by the 31st March 2018. Some services are likely to close before then, but we will write to everyone and let them know, as soon as things are confirmed.

 Q. What will happen to my services/ the services you provide in Whitstable?

If Age UK Whitstable closes, services which are currently provided by Age UK Herne Bay in Herne Bay will also be provided in the Whitstable area. Age UK Herne Bay currently provides all the services that Age UK Whitstable does apart from gardening. We will be looking at the gardening service to understand the costs and demand. It may be that in the future we are able to provide gardening – if we do we will let all of our clients know. 

Q. Will the day centre close?

The intention is to close the Age UK Whitstable Day Centre. As well as financial difficulties, there are extensive building works on land surrounding the Age UK Whitstable day centre. This means a potential loss of parking and increased traffic flow which may severely diminish Age UK Whitstable’s ability to operate a full service from their current location. This is an issue as we want people to be able to easily access the centre.

Q. Where will I go for daycare?

If the Age UK Whitstable day centre closes then Age UK Herne Bay will offer all Age UK Whitstable Day Centre clients (or potential clients) a place at the Age UK Herne Bay Day Centre instead. If the Whitstable Centre does close, it will not do so immediately, and if you think you or someone you know might like to attend at Herne Bay, we will use this time over the next few months to show you around and give you an opportunity to try out the Centre before you make any decisions. If you would like to find out more please contact Roger Ollive, based at the Age UK Whitstable day centre building, or Brenda Kemp on 01227 749570.

Nothing will change immediately. Please be reassured that our number one priority is to ensure that you and all older people in Whitstable are still able to access high quality support and services.   

Q. What will it cost and how do I get there? 

The Centre is based at Reculver Road, Herne Bay. Transport to and from Herne Bay will be available for those that need it. The daily cost including transport is currently £13.50.

Q. What if I need other services?

Age UK Herne Bay offers the following wide range of services and will provide them in the Whitstable area (if Age UK Whitstable closes). Please ask a staff member for an Age UK Herne Bay Service Directory.

Q. How far is Age UK Herne Bay?

For many of the people who currently use our services Age UK Herne Bay is roughly equal distance to the Age UK Whitstable building. Age UK Herne Bay is based at 16 Reculver Road, Herne Bay CT6 6LE.

Q. So what will change then?

Not much for clients. If Age UK Whitstable closes, then it has been agreed that Age UK will extend the area that they currently provide services in to include Whitstable. People in Whitstable will pay the same for Age UK Herne Bay services that people in Herne Bay pay.

Q. What will happen to all the money that people have donated to Age UK Whitstable?

Funds and assets which Age UK Whitstable holds if and when it shuts will be transferred to Age UK Herne Bay as a restricted grant, specifically (and only) for use in the CT5 postcode area which Age UK Whitstable currently serves. Consequently all the money that people have raised to benefit people in Whitstable will still be used for this purpose. It will not be used for Herne Bay residents (or people in other parts of Kent).