Families lose fight to save autism day centre in Irthlingborough

Diane Jones and her son Elliott have been using the Diamond Day Centre in Irthlingborough for seven years

A group of families of people with autism has lost its fight to save a day centre they describe as a "lifeline".

The National Autistic Society (NAS) has confirmed that the Diamond Day Centre in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, will close in April.

The closure was announced last September but delayed for six months so an alternative could be explored.

The society said it was "incredibly sad and sorry" that a solution could not be found.

The Diamond Day Centre in Irthlingborough will close in April

The Diamond Day Centre offers a range of activities, such as supervised trips to the shops and pubs, countryside walks and arts and crafts sessions.

The decision to close the centre followed a review of services by the NAS, which also decided to stop providing the residential and supported living services in Wellingborough and the Northants Outreach Service.

The National Autistic Society said it was "sad and sorry" that the closure had been confirmed

In a statement, Steven Rose, the managing director of adult services at the NAS, said: "We are deeply sorry to confirm that the Diamond Day Centre and Heath Rise residential services in Northamptonshire will be closing in April.

"Unfortunately it has not been possible to reach a long term agreement with North Northamptonshire Council, nor have they been able to find an alternative provider to take over the running of these much-needed services."

Mr Rose blamed "the current funding crisis in social care" for the decision and added: "We are incredibly sad and sorry that a solution for these services could not be found.

"Our priority now is to assist the people we support, their families and our staff, to navigate the changes that these closures will bring."

Elliott Jones, who is autistic and has severe epilepsy, has used the day centre for seven years

Diane Jones, whose 25-year-old son Elliott has been going to the centre for seven years, said: "I didn't think for one second that this would happen - they've let 25 very vulnerable people down."

She said she understood that a provider had shown interest in taking over the service, but did not have the necessary experience.

"I'm devastated, upset and worried what will happen to some of the people," she added.

Jackie-Lee Seaman, who previously described the centre as a "lifeline" for her brother, Martin, said: "Martin has limited understanding and I'm worried this will really throw him.

"It feels like NAS have thrown these people under the bus and I don't feel they deserve their name."

Jason Smithers, the Conservative leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: "We worked extensively, supported by the NAS, to try to identify an alternative provider to take over the running [of the service].

"Sadly, these efforts proved unsuccessful.

"We are working hard to identify suitable alternative provision and are focused on supporting individuals, their families, in partnership with the NAS, to coordinate and manage moves for people to their new support arrangements as sensitively as possible."