Signposting - Moving to adult life - Friendship Clubs for Disabled People

On 11th March 2019, the Council revisited its decision to remove the funding from a number of clubs in the county, and has confirmed that 12 community friendship clubs for disabled people will continue to get funding for 2019/20.

Wiltshire Council has provided us with the following statement: “Wiltshire Council has confirmed that 12 disability friendship clubs will continue to get funding for 2019/20, with a new funding model announced last week put on hold.

The council today revisited its decision to remove the funding from a number of clubs in the county so that it can spend time working with the affected clubs on a new model going forward.

Jerry Wickham, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for adult social care, public health and public protection said: “ Both myself and my cabinet colleagues feel that more detailed dialogue should take place with the affected clubs before we consider making changes. We have decided that the most appropriate way moving forward, is to halt any reduction in the funding for 2019/20 and for officers to work with the clubs to develop a model way of operating, within the spirit of co-production during the ensuing months.

“By carrying out this extended level engagement we will have a better understanding of the issues and will be able to determine a new model of operating. In the meantime, I very much regret the upset this has caused to the users and staff at the centres and I extend my apologies. I hope the clubs will continue to work with us over the next year to ensure a successful service provision can be developed for the future.”

The WPCC is in discussion with commissioners to organise workshops for parent carers and young people to help inform aspirational day opportunities for people with disabilities; we will promote further details in due course.