A DAY care centre in Barnsley which supports people living with dementia is set to continue after a local firm of solicitors rescued it from closure.
The BIADS Day Care Centre, on Regent Street, opened during the pandemic as a way of supporting those suffering with dementia and their families.
The charity turned the office premises of the old Barnsley High Court into the ideal venue and they have operated there since.
They were able to use the centre rent-free thanks to Liddy’s Solicitors but due to ongoing issues, the charity has been forced to close it today.
Once the BIADS centre closes its doors, the centre will reopen just as before - meaning those who use the service will see no change.
Kevin Liddy, director at the firm, told the Chronicle: “I go in there every day and they seem to be doing an extraordinary job.
“They’re providing a service which is woefully sparse in Barnsley at the moment.
“The venue itself is well kitted out.
“The staff are incredibly committed and are very experienced in what they do.
“When Linda Pattison (BIADS’ chief executive) announced that she was going to close the day centre it seemed a no-brainer to me that it should carry on.
“BIADS basically provided the admin and we have a firm of solicitors who do admin every day.
“It seemed the obvious answer.”
Once the BIADS centre closes its doors, the centre will reopen as it was - meaning those who use the service will see no change.
Kevin added: “Those current attendees who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia have a particular problem in that if you upset their routine, it can be very traumatic.
“So, closing the centre would have been very upsetting for them.
“But in the longer-term, so many families are having to look after people who have dementia or who are just old and infirm.
“They have no support and we’re able to support them.
“And that’s exactly what this day care centre does.”
Linda admitted they did not want to close the centre but were left with no other option.
“The new centre will be the same staff at the same venue,” she added.
“We just haven’t been able to make a profit on it.
“It’s a life-changing thing.
“It’s been a really difficult decision for us to close it.
“It was our dream that we were able to open it but we really had no other choice.
“If we’d have kept it open it could have put the charity at risk.
“Everyone at BIADS wishes them all the best for the future.”
