A REVIEW of day care opportunities in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area could lead to the permanent closure of some services and changes for others.

Several day care units have been closed since the start of the Covid pandemic and although many have since re-opened several remain shut.

Th future of three of those is currently being discussed.

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A council report into future services refers to ‘day opportunities’ rather than services, centres or care facilities – pointing out that the wider term takes into account everything from opportunities to learn new skills, supported employment, volunteering and making friendships.

It says that the new strategy will evolve with the help of those who use the opportunities and partners which may run them.

“BCP Council recognises that people value day opportunities and therefore we want to develop and co-produce a new Day Opportunities Strategy to meet the needs of local people which enables them to live active, healthy lives as independently as possible.

The council recognises that carers, parents, and guardians of those who access day opportunities rely on these services to reduce the likelihood of carer break down. Day opportunities provide much needed short-term respite for carers to continue their role,” said the report to the health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee on July 25.

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Councillors will be told that demand for services is already extensive and set to increase with the number of over 65s are expected to rise in the council area by 6per cent, or 25,300 people, by 2028; with 900 children and young people over the age of 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan and more than 5,500 registered carers.

“With the projected increase in the demand for social care, thinking differently about how to respond to that demand, and how care and support services will be delivered now, and in the future will be crucial in delivering these priorities,” said the report.

It points out that the council spends around £6.5million a year on contracted day services with the council trading company, Tricuro, expected to account for over £5million of day services block contracts in 2022/23. Three of the eight day services offered by Tricuro have still not re-opened.

Many day services in the area are also contracted independently by people who receive direct payments.

A paper outlining the proposals for change is expected to be completed in December this year.