A Portland carer is calling for ‘long-term security’ to come from a three-month consultation on the future of day services in Dorset.

Day centres could close in a move by Dorset County Council to save £600,000.

Three options for the service have been put forward:

• Reduce available services, either by closing or merging some day centres or reducing hours or service options.

• Set up a Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) to run day centres – a separate business, owned by Dorset County Council, which could offer a wider range of services that could generate more income.

• Seek to transfer centres to a charity, private or commercial sector business. The successful bidder would be required to continue providing services to the people supported now but could also offer opportunities to people who don't meet the current criteria.

Full-time carer Jo Pearce, who is co-founder of the Portland Carers’ Support Group worked with the council during the initial consultation.

Mrs Pearce, who has cared for husband Busty since he suffered a stroke 20 years ago, previously campaigned to save Fairfield day centre on Portland.

She said: “I think the third option is the way forward. I don’t think just slashing services is the answer. Something needs to be put in place now that’s sensible for the future. It’s no good if in a year’s time we’ve got to go all through this again.

“Let’s get a charity or a not-for-profit organisation involved and work with them to improve services.”

Prior to this summer, service users only needed to pay for their lunch and transport to council-run day centres, but in July a means test was brought in to boost funds.

Mrs Pearce added: “It’s vital to keep centres like Fairfield open.

“It provides such an important support role for carers, if that ever closes, I promise you I would be under a bus.

“It’s that little bit of time to myself.”

Service users and other interested parties have until October 24 to give their views.

A final decision from councillors is expected by the end of the year and changes will be phased in over the next two to five years.

Debbie Ward, the council’s director for adult and community services, said: “Day services make a vital contribution to meeting people’s needs.

“We want to ensure these services can be maintained and developed for the future. But this means that some changes will be required, both to operate within the tough new financial constraints and also respond to changing demands in the kind of support people want.

“However services are delivered in the future, we remain committed to ensuring that day services for vulnerable adults remain available and accessible.”

A letter has been sent to people who use the day care centres, informing them of the consultations that are taking place in each centre.

• THE county council has organised six community meetings to give residents a chance to ask questions and put their views forward.

A public meeting will take place at Budmouth Community Sports Centre in Chickerell Road, Weymouth on Monday, September 19 from 7pm to 8.15pm. Another meeting will be held at Dorchester Baptist Church on Monday, October 3 from 7pm to 8.15pm.

Meetings will also take place in Purbeck at All Saints Church, Ulwell Road, Swanage next Wednesday from 7pm to 8.15pm and at Blandford Corn Exchange, Market Place, Blandford on Monday, September 26 from 7pm to 8.15pm. To find out more, visit dorsetforyou.com/dayservicesconsultation or dorsetforyou.com/vocservicesconsultation