Calls for a rethink on closure of Croydon drop-in centre for carers

By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter

Croydon residents have expressed growing concern that closing a ‘one-stop shop’ support centre for carers in the town centre would leave them without a voice.

Croydon council’s decision to switch to a new care provider has prompted the closure of the Croydon Carer Support Service, ending its 25-year partnership with the John Whitgift Foundation (JWF).

Despite this, calls for the George Street-based drop-in centre to remain open have swelled, and a petition has been created.

Since opening in the town centre in 2013, the JWF-run drop-in centre has provided support services to nearly 10,000 Croydon carers. Services include advice, assistance with benefit forms, and free bereavement counselling.

The centre’s website describes it as a ‘one-stop shop for carers. ‘ When the shop is closed, it provides additional phone and email support.

The centre also houses the ‘beloved’ Carers Café, which provides a place for carers to rest, socialise, and share their experiences with others in similar situations. The volunteer-staffed café is open three days a week and is described by regulars as ‘more than just a café’.

Therefore, it was not surprising that speculation surrounding the centre’s closure has attracted widespread public backlash. While the council have confirmed the George Street centre will close, an official date has not yet been confirmed.

The centre’s future was bought into question following the council’s recent change of carer support supplier. Last Wednesday, the council announced Carers First was successful in its bid to become the new provider for adult carer assessments and health support.

This new deal is part of the council’s splitting of carer services, which has also seen them strike a new deal with Croydon Mind to provide mental health support and counselling for adult carers and choose. Counselling charity Off the Record will now provide its dedicated service for young and adult carers.

The new contracts, which the council created in consultation with carers, will launch on April 1 this year. Ahead of the change, the council has committed to working with the JWF to ensure a ‘smooth handover’ of its services.

Following the announcement, the JWF said: “We have been very pleased to be able to support carers in Croydon for over 25 years. Whilst we are naturally disappointed that we have not been successful in our bid, we wish Carers First the very best in delivering this important work.”

The council has confirmed that no carer staff jobs will be at risk from this supplier change and has attempted to dispel rumours that this is a ‘cost-saving’ exercise.

The council has also said that a replacement in-person centre will soon be located in the borough and that ‘Carers First is exploring options for that.’ They also said that the centre’s current staff will have the opportunity to move on to the new contract if they wish.

Despite this, many Croydon residents see the closure of the George Street location as another loss of public space after the recent closure of four of the borough’s libraries.

Café regular Jackie Arnold said: “It troubles me to no end that this valuable community fixture is potentially facing closure. For me, and for countless other carers, the centre has been a critical lifeline. It’s a place where we can talk, socialize, and share our stories, it’s more than just a café for us.”

The petition, which had over 800 signatories at the time of writing, has also seen people share their personal stories of the centre’s importance to them. One signatory, Christine Fisher, said: “This is a real blow to local carers, depriving them of the support they so deserve.”

Following the announcement of the new providers, Croydon’s Mayor Jason Perry said: “There will be no loss of service to carers and we are working in close partnership with both John Whitgift Foundation and Carers First to ensure there is a seamless transition for Croydon carers. My thanks go to the John Whitgift Foundation for their many years of service.”

Pictured top: The Carers Support Centre at 24 George St has been joint-run by the council and John Whitgift Foundation since 2013 (Picture: Google Street View)