Several Autistic Hillingdon residents are set to lose their jobs as Hillingdon Council cuts funding to ‘lifeline café.”,
A CAFE staffed by Disabled residents and those with autism has been forced to close, after recent funding cuts were announced by the local council. The HACS Rural activities Centre Tea Rooms which has been operating on the site since 2014 is forecast closed on the 25th of March meaning a number of people supported by the organisation will lose their jobs.
The move by Hillingdon Council has resulted in a backlash from local residents who have started petitions and campaigns to try and get the council to reverse the decision. The petition has received hundreds of signatures so far, many residents publicly sharing their reasons for signing the petition.
A statement from HACS said: "Following notification from London Borough of Hillingdon that we will no longer receive voluntary sector grant funding for the Rural Tea Room, the café will be closing on Saturday March 25, 2023, at 3pm.
The Rural Tea Room has provided work-based learning and supported employment opportunities for young people and adults with autism and learning disabilities since 2014. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal patrons who have supported the café over the last eight years. A very special thank you to our staff and learners who have worked so hard to make the Rural Tea Room a much-loved community asset in Hillingdon."
"I WILL BE MORE LONELY AS A RESULT OF THIS"
Some local residents felt the center provided more than just jobs and training, including Anne Chesterton who lives within walking distance of the tearoom. Anne explained to Hillingdon Vision that the tearooms were a vital part of preventing social isolation saying: “I like to visit the garden center as it means I get out and about. I’m 82 years old and so don’t get out a lot. But I could manage to visit the center for some plants and would visit the café almost every day. Sadly, its closing means I won’t get out as much and inevitably will be lonelier as a result. I won’t shop for plants there anymore either, as having a rest with a cup of tea is important to me if I can’t sit down for a rest, then my legs won’t let me do it anymore, I sincerely hope they find the money somewhere, its real lifeline to many.”
Although she had concerns about where the council would find the money if the decision was reversed adding “but then what else will be cut instead?”
The council says ’Difficult decisions have been made and that they still have one of the ‘most generous’ programs of financial support for the voluntary sector in West London.
In a statement, the Council addressed cuts to the voluntary sector across the Borough. “Hillingdon Council said: “The present financial climate has required the council to make changes to its grants program, which for 2023/24 will continue to support the voluntary sector in Hillingdon with funding totaling more than £1.6 million, which is amongst the most generous in west London.
“As part of this process, difficult decisions have had to be taken and a number of charities and voluntary organisations have seen their grant reduced. HACS will continue to benefit from a council grant of £40,000 to deliver their valued community services.”
Commentaires