A petition urges Croydon Council to reconsider closing the John Whitgift Foundation center. It serves nearly 10000 carers.
The JWF center, opened in 2013, provided crucial support to almost 10,000 Croydon carers. Services included advice, assistance with benefit forms, and free bereavement counseling. The center’s website described it as a “one-stop shop.”
The Carers Café, a space for relaxation and shared experiences, operates at the center. Run by volunteers three days a week, people consider it more than just a café. The planned closure has prompted public concern.
The council has transitioned to a new carer support supplier. Carers First will handle adult carer assessments and health support. Croydon Mind will provide mental health support, while Off the Record will assist young carers. These contracts commence on April 1st.
The council assures collaboration with the JWF for a smooth handover. While disappointed, the JWF wishes Carers First well. The council emphasizes that no carer jobs are at risk and the change is not cost-driven.
The council plans to establish a new in-person center, with Carers First exploring suitable options. Current staff have the opportunity to transition to the new contract. However, some residents view the closure as a loss of valuable public space.
Jackie Arnold, creator of the petition, expresses her distress over the potential closure. She considers the center a critical lifeline, a place for conversation and socialization. Christine Fisher echoed this sentiment, calling it a blow to local carers.
Jean Morgan utilizes the center and Carers Café weekly, finding vital support through meetings with other carers. She implores the council to reconsider their decision, emphasizing the importance of this facility.
Mayor Jason Perry acknowledges the vital role of carers, recognizing them as the glue that holds families together. He affirms the importance of health support for carers, stating that the contracts align with the 2024-2029 Carers Strategy, ensuring no loss of service. He expresses gratitude to the JWF for its dedicated service.