MP's pledge ahead of community service closure

Mike Reader said he was working with West Northamptonshire Council and local groups to support those affected by the closure of Workbridge

A Labour MP has said he will "stand by" to support those affected by the closure of a community service he describes as a lifeline.

Mike Reader, for Northampton South, raised the closure of Workbridge during a Parliamentary debate on employment opportunities for adults with autism.

It is run by charity St Andrew's Healthcare and provides training sessions and work experience for people with mental illness, learning disabilities, autism or brain injuries.

The charity says the service is due to close on 23 December for financial reasons.

The Labour MP said he was working with West Northamptonshire Council and local groups to support those who would lose their jobs and volunteering roles, and to find an alternative service for these adults.

"The reality is, across the country, the support network available to autistic adults is fragile," he said.

"When part of that network collapses, the impact is immediate and devastating and that is exactly what we are seeing in Northampton.

"I have been contacted by residents — by email, by letter and, actually, quite a lot on Remembrance Sunday—who are shocked and, frankly, devastated that this community institution will be closing."

A spokesperson for the council said it was not contacted before the decision was made to close Workbridge and "therefore were unable to offer any support to keep the service open".

"Workbridge has been a vital source of support and opportunity for people with autism, learning difficulties and mental health challenges for over 40 years," they said.

"Our priority is to ensure continuity of care and meaningful opportunities for those affected by its closure."

They said they were working with other groups to explore "practical solutions" and provide assistance "where it's most needed".

Workbridge has been operating for 45 years and will remain open until 23 December

Spectrum Northants, a charity that supports vulnerable adults, also offered to help find Workbridge services users an alternative.

Mark Mitchell, the charity's chief executive, said it would have the capacity within its two centres to "house just under half" of those who attended Workbridge.

He pointed out that Workbridge was a source of inspiration for their own cafe in Duston, and that they had a charity shop providing retail opportunities.

"We feel we're in a position in terms of the size of our premises to make a significant contribution to try and overcome what is a sad state of affairs," he said.

Spectrum Northants provides retail and catering training opportunities for its service users

A petition calling to save the service has reached more than 6,000 signatures.

It was created by Angie Bruce, from Northampton, to "bring people's voices together in one place and show a bit of solidarity".

Mr Mitchell said the petition was a "great expression of public sentiment and public opinion".

St Andrew's Healthcare said the closure was a "difficult decision".

"This is part of a broader plan to ensure St Andrew's Healthcare remains financially sustainable and focused on delivering specialist care for patients with complex mental health needs," it said in a statement.

"While Workbridge is closing, there are many opportunities for patients to take part in creative, educational and work-related activities, and we are working with our community learners to ensure they receive full support."

It added that it would honour current contracts for educational courses.