Residential Care Consultation begins

People are being asked to give their views on proposals relating to Arwelfa Residential Care Home in Croeserw and Trem-y-Glyn Residential Care Home in Glynneath.

A six week consultation has started on proposed changes to the Council’s residential care contract with Gwalia.

Under the proposals, two new homes that were originally planned for Croeserw and Glynneath would not be built. A transition plan would be developed and suitable alternative placements secured for existing residents of Arwelfa, enabling the home to be closed in 2017. Trem-y-Glyn in Glynneath would be redecorated and refreshed and the contract adjusted to enable Gwalia to operate services from there for a further six years.

Supported housing planned for the Afan Valley will still be delivered as part of any new arrangements and will feature specially designed units for older people.

The consultation runs from 8.30am on Friday 5th August to midnight on Friday 16th September 2016. There are a number of ways that people can give their views on the proposals. All consultation documents and an online feedback form can be found at www.npt.gov.uk/haveyoursay.  Printed copies of consultation documents and feedback boxes will also be available in Arwelfa and Trem-y-Glyn Homes, Neath and Port Talbot Civic Centres, Croeserw Enterprise Centre, Glynneath Library, and the main libraries at Neath, Pontardawe and Port Talbot.

An independent advocacy organisation will be identified to work with any residents who need support to take part in the consultation to ensure that their views are captured.

Public meetings will take place at 11.00 a.m. on Monday 15 August in the Main Hall at Croeserw Community Enterprise Centre and 11.00 a.m. Wednesday 17 August at the Town Hall, Heathfield Avenue, Glynneath. There will also be meetings specifically for staff, residents and their families. Direct contact will be made with residents and families regarding meeting arrangements.

Nick Jarman, Director of Social Services, Health and Housing for Neath Port Talbot Council said:

“During the consultation, people who would be affected by the proposals, including residents, their families, staff and local people, will get the chance to say what they think about the proposals.” 

“We want to consult fully so we can understand all the different issues relevant to any decision about the future of these homes.  I would encourage all those with an interest to read the consultation documents and let us know their views.

The consultation runs until Friday 16th September. All the views given will be taken into account when preparing a report for Cabinet to consider. It’s likely that a decision will be made in October 2016.