Madam,

Yesterday I was in conversation with a son, who has to work. His mother, who worked all her life, was home alone. He has to work to support his mother and himself.

She has started to fall because of her condition, she is not safe to be left alone. He is not having any support, to ensure that she is safe in her own home. Because she is incontinent, he has to go home during the day to change her. He is at his wits’ end.

Ten years ago she should, could and would have been referred to Bodlondeb residential home. Four years ago she could, should and would have been referred to Park Avenue day centre, Aberystwyth.How many others in north Ceredigion are in this situation?

We at Save Park Avenue Day Centre (SPADC) will continue our vigil every Saturday in Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, because of this.

We should not have so many vacant bedrooms at Bodlondeb. I have been informed that on two occasions there has been less than 10 attendees some days at the new day centre in the old Town Hall. Ten years ago I witnessed most Fridays, at the Park Avenue Day Centre, more than 60 day visitors from all over north Ceredigion. They were going home at 3.30pm.

Now there is a cloud over Padarn Day Centre for adults with learning difficulties in Llanbadarn Fawr, as consultants recommend reductions in hours to save money. This centre supports so many, former pupils of Penparcau primary school, Penglais secondary school and now at Padarn Day Centre.

What is the destiny for those in need of social services support? When we vote for our next Assembly members on 5 May, it will be four years since our purpose-built day centre on Park Avenue closed its doors.

Action must be taken in the next duration of the Welsh Assembly to make all aspects of social services a statutory requirement within public service, throughout Wales.

It’s in their hands.

Yours etc

D A Thomas

Llwyn yr Eos

Southgate

Aberystwyth