Families fight to keep Malton learning disability day centre open
Key North Yorkshire Council meeting to discuss Cauwood Day Centre closure
Families relying on Malton's Cauwood Day Centre for support will attend a North Yorkshire Council meeting today (30th July), advocating against proposals threatening the centre’s closure.
Cauwood is a hub for adults with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs. Families like Caroline Garrod’s and Stu Moss’s argue against replacing its specialised services with mainstream venues.
Caroline Garrod, mother of Natasha said: "Cauwood Day Centre is more than a building; it is an essential service that supports dignity, independence, inclusion and quality of life for disabled adults in Ryedale."
Stu Moss highlighted its role, post the loss of Matty’s mother, as essential for work-life balance: "The centre offers me the only opportunity to work, given my current circumstances. It cannot simply be replaced by mainstream venues without significant impact."
Campaigners argue that specialised facilities like Cauwood cannot be substituted in public venues due to attendees’ needs, including wheelchair and hoisting requirements.
Jackie O’Sullivan, executive director of strategy and influence at Mencap, said:
“We’re deeply concerned by the proposed closure of Cauwood Day Centre. For many people, day services like Cauwood are not optional extras. They are essential support that provides routine, purpose, social connection, friendships and opportunities to participate in community life. They also provide families and unpaid carers with vital respite and the confidence that their loved ones are safe, supported and able to thrive.
“Disabled people should not be the ones who bear the cost of a system that is chronically underfunded. Before any decision is made about the future of Cauwood, it is vital that the voices of the people who use the service, their families and carers are heard and meaningfully considered.”
What do the Council say?
North Yorkshire Council says the Cauwood Day Service in Malton is no longer sustainable because demand has fallen significantly, the cost of providing the service is around twice the market average and the building requires more than £300,000 of essential repairs.
The council also says it will try to retain staff where possible and is considering using the site for an Extra Care housing scheme if the closure is approved.
Executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said: “We recognise that Cauwood Day Service is highly valued by people who use the service, their families and carers, particularly for the consistency, stability, trusted relationships and social opportunities it provides.
“A closure of the building currently housing the Cauwood Day Service would only happen once suitable alternative support is in place for everyone who would be affected.
“Individual reviews have already been carried out with the people who use the service, their families and carers to identify suitable alternatives if the proposals are approved by the executive.
“Where needed, tailored support arrangements would be put in place, alongside the development of a new community-based service with a local hub in the Malton area.
“This would ensure any changes are carefully planned, centred around each person's needs, and introduced gradually so that everyone continues to receive the appropriate level of support.”