'Such sad news': Members of the public react to Age UK Dudley's announced closure

Members of the public reacted with dismay to the announcement that Age UK is closing in Dudley.

Age UK Dudley is being forced to close its doors due to a lack of funds

It comes after Dudley Council pulled £350,000 annual funding in 2016, leaving the charity struggling to operate financially.

The closure will see six centres close across the borough including the Daybreak service at Myles Court in Brierley Hill.

Jane Parker said: “Just heard Dudley withdrawing funding for Daybreak, which is a day centre for people with dementia.

“This is not free - the service users pay £30 a day. This is going to affect a lot of vulnerable people.

“Daybreak provides them with company, entertainment and breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, but after all they don’t matter do they? And they are an easy target, not going to fight back. I am wicked.”

Pauline Brettell said: “This is outrageous. The elderly are indeed an easy target because withdrawing something like this doesn’t result in higher levels of crime or vandalism.

"The elderly people affected just retreat to their homes and feel the loneliness, they become silent and invisible.”

'Really awful'

Maxine Lacey said: “That’s terrible and especially if it’s a paid for service. It’s essential for people with dementia to have social interaction.”

Hannah Thomas said: "That’s really awful that they are closing it down. People rely on these services to feel safe and be part of a community again."

Sue North said: "This is such sad news as I have been there and seen how much they all enjoy themselves and it is a chance for them to have a day out and meet others and a lovely three-course meal as well. I do hope somehow it can be saved."

Dudley Council confirmed it will seek to support the charity's users after Age UK Dudley finally closes. The local authority has done so since withdrawing its funding package.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “For many years we have directly funded organisations like Age UK Dudley to provide services to people across the borough.

"In recent years we have all had to work differently to be able to provide services for an increasingly ageing population, finding more sustainable ways to do it.

“The services provided by Age UK Dudley are hugely valuable to a borough like Dudley and we have been doing everything we can to offer alternative funding opportunities and new ways of working.

"While they haven’t always been successful, it is vital we continue to offer that support by working with umbrella organisations such as Dudley Council for Voluntary Services to ensure people have access to these services.”