News

Decision on future options and enhancements for community services

Released on 16 June 2010

At its meeting this week (June 15) Surrey Heath Borough Council's executive has approved plans to transform the Ian Goodchild Centre (IGC) for older people into a multi-functional community facility that residents of all ages, and existing customers, can enjoy.

A key feature of the changes to the IGC will involve expanding the Windle Valley Centre (WVC) from its current three days a week service to five days a week. This enhanced centre will continue to provide excellent day-care services, but will open for an extra two days and give priority to service users with high needs.

From September 2010 the council's role will shift from service provider at the IGC to that of landlord. While there will be no care staff at the IGC, the current rentals will continue, including the hairdresser, chiropodist and counselling and the council will carry on directly providing a lunchtime meals service open to all. The changes will enable the council to provide a new community space with a wider range of uses available for all residents to visit and use.

Community and voluntary organisations, groups and other potential users of the IGC will be encouraged to provide a range of activities, including caring and supportive services.

The changes will save an estimated £120,000 per year and will meet the council's need for financial savings, as well as increased use of both venues.

A full programme of consultation on the proposals began in January 2010, starting with the 100 plus registered service users and centre staff, followed by local groups and the wider community.

Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council Cllr Moira Gibson, said: "We have listened to and acknowledge the views expressed by customers and residents responding to the consultation. This will help develop future Community Services, a large part of which were established more than 20 years ago.

"As with many local authorities, the current economic climate has put the Council under immense pressure to identify financial savings. By changing the way it delivers services, we believe the Council can continue to provide for those with high need whilst developing new and exciting opportunities to compliment the many leisure services available for all Surrey Heath residents including The Camberley Theatre, parks and open spaces, the Arena Leisure Centre.

"Reshaping our services includes operating our buildings on a more flexible basis to enable greater community use which will benefit everyone, from young people to the elderly. We want to safeguard future services by planning ahead and working with the many voluntary organisations across the borough.

"We realise that any change is difficult and can fill people with apprehension but the council will make every effort to help during the transformation period and ensure that different needs are handled sensitively."