It appears that the magnificent and spontaneous campaign, led by service users, to stop the closure of Ashcroft has caused Norfolk County Council to reconsider the reduction in funding which forced Julian Support to announce Ashcroft’s closure.
Ashcroft delivers highly professional care, often in complex cases. It is hard to see what could replace Ashcroft or how mental health services for vulnerable women in Norfolk would function safely or effectively without it.
The joint statement below from Ashcroft and Norfolk County Council sounds optimistic but our campaign and the women who rely on Ashcroft will not relax until an agreement is signed:
Norfolk County Council and Julian Support met this morning as planned to discuss Ashcroft and had a positive conversation about the situation facing the home and its future.
We both recognise that Ashcroft is a valuable service that provides very specific support to a number of vulnerable women.
Julian Support has been able to identify ways to reduce their costs and the council has increased its funding offer to a level which Julian Support believe would enable them to continue providing a safe and good quality level of care for the seven beds purchased by the council. In addition, the council will continue to work with Julian Support to try to increase the viability of the home and make the service’s future more secure.
Both Julian Support and the County Council are aware that the uncertainty surrounding Ashcroft has caused a lot of concern, particularly among those who are currently being supported at the home or who have benefited from the service in the past, and we are keen to work together to find a solution.