Parents 'heartbroken' over children centre cuts
- Published
Two children and family centres on the Isle of Sheppey and in Thanet are to have their funding cut by Kent County Council (KCC), leaving families saying they are "absolutely heartbroken".
KCC says it has decided not to recommission services at Millmead, in Margate and Seashells, in Sheerness, when contacts end on 31 March, citing financial pressures.
Heidi from Sheerness says she "wouldn't be the mum" she is today but for Seashells, which she has used for nine years.
The council says the measures will save the authority about £425,000.
She said: "They've helped me with everything, absolutely everything... I wouldn't be a good mum, I'd have my kids taken off me.
"There is nothing like [Seashells] on the island [of Sheppey]."
Kerry from Minster who has been using Seashells for over three years while awaiting an autism assessment for her daughter, says she will be deeply affected by the loss.
"For someone with autism that's a big thing, I don't want her to have a step back but if they close it that's what's going to be happening," she said.
She says the centre has given Kerry's daughter "the help that she needs" during a period in which she has struggled with poor mental health.
The two centres, which are the only two externally commissioned family hubs in Kent, were first revealed to be at risk last July.
KCC has said it needs to save more than £100m in the coming years.
Cabinet member for children's services, Sue Chandler, said it was a "very difficult decision" made to ensure "equitable, efficient and effective" services for all.
Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, external, on X, external, and on Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
Related stories
- Published3 days ago
- Published21 November 2024
- Published24 September 2024