Proposed closure of elderly clubs 'thoughtless'

Brendoncare run clubs across the south of England

Proposals to potentially close charity-run social clubs for elderly people have been criticised as "thoughtless" by a volunteer.

BrendonCare, which runs sessions across Hampshire and Dorset, said it was "not in a position to say if and when any of the clubs will be closing".

But Kathy Haddock, who helps at the BrendonCare kurling club in Wimborne, Dorset, said she was "disappointed" with the way the situation was being handled.

The charity said it was currently looking for local organisations to partner with in order to keep the clubs going.

Ms Haddock told the BBC that she became aware of the plans following an email to volunteers on 19 February.

She said the potential for closures was "such a shock to everybody", and would affect "an awful lot of people".

"Some of these people it's the only outing they have in a week, they need friends," she said.

The 85-year-old said she understood the reasoning behind the proposals, adding she was "not here to bash" BrendonCare which runs "beautiful" clubs and care homes.

But Ms Haddock said the plans had been revealed in a "rather thoughtless and unsympathetic way - just to hit you with it like that with no pre-warnings".

"I'm very sad for myself, but also for vulnerable people who will possibly have nowhere to go," she continued.

In a statement, BrendonCare confirmed it had announced a "proposal to close some of its club services", including those in Dorset.

"We are actively exploring the possibilities of forging partnerships with local organisations with the aim of ensuring continuity of clubs for members who use them," the charity said.

It added that clubs were continuing to run normally "for now", and volunteers were being given the charity's "full support" while the discussions take place.