Brave mum’s battle to save care centres

Speaks of concerns for welfare of her son

A determined mum has vowed to fight to block moves that may lead to the closure of day care centres for people with disabilities in Peterborough. Claire Dobson (47) of Ulverston Close, in Paston, says she is worried the closure will be to the detriment of her son Joe, who has severe autism, and her ability to care for him.

Peterborough City Council is reviewing the future of its adult day centres as part o f move s t h at c o u l d s ave £400,000.

Mrs Dobson said: “I am incensed by this. These centres are an essential outlet for both disabled residents and for their carers.

She said while her son is only six, she is concerned at what will happen when he leaves at 18.

“He will never live indep e ndentl y a nd I have d i s - cussed hi s f uture with hi s older adult siblings and my hope was that he would live with me for as long as possible, with their support.

“Day Care Centres feature heavily in this plan, not just to offer him the opportunity to mix with other disabled people, but also to offer respite, initially for me and then for them when they take over his care.

“Living at home without a Day Centre to attend would make him bored, isolated and lead to regression of his social skills.

“Our story is just one of hundreds across the city. Most families don’t have the luxury of 12 years to plan the future for their disabled relative, and the proposed closures will result in them having to make very difficult decisions now. “I’m also hoping to get together with other people who want to campaign against the proposed closures. I can be contacted by email at claire_ dobson_2k@hotmail.co.uk

Calire Dobson and her son Joe (6)