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In 1999, funding cutbacks began to take effect. The first loss we experienced was full-time one-to-one care. Soon after, the Blenheim Road Day Centre in Kidlington was sold, and adults with learning disabilities were relocated to other venues. Some were moved to a smaller venue by the library in Kidlington, while others were placed in rooms within Garth House in Bicester.
Both new locations proved unsuitable for a variety of reasons. The adults faced a profound sense of loss—they were separated from their friends, familiar surroundings, and long-standing staff. The Kidlington centre, designed to serve 32 adults, had only one shared activity room, a single-person sensory room, and just one changing room. Unlike the Blenheim Road Day Centre, it lacked a garden, cooking facilities, and a computer room, all of which had been cherished features. Group holidays and outings were discontinued, further impacting their quality of life.
In 2016, Oxfordshire County Council proposed further cutbacks, prompting us to take action. We launched an online petition to raise awareness of the situation and advocate for change. The proposal aimed to close 14 daytime support centres and integrate adults with learning disabilities into care facilities for elderly people with dementia—a decision that deeply alarmed carers from both groups. While elderly dementia patients require quiet and calm surroundings, adults with profound learning disabilities thrive in stimulating environments with music and bright lights. The two groups had entirely different needs, making the proposal deeply concerning.
Due to the strong public response to our petition, I was invited to address the Cabinet of Oxfordshire County Council in January 2017. On 14 February 2017, I also made representations to the full Council, advocating against the changes.
Despite our efforts, the Council voted in favour of the proposal - a heartbreaking decision that reinforced the urgent need for a dedicated space where adults with learning disabilities could receive the specialist care and enriching environment they deserve.
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In November 2017, the closures took place. Alexandra was relocated to the Bicester Day Centre, a facility originally designed to support elderly residents from Bicester and surrounding villages. She attended alongside individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, strokes, Parkinson’s, and other age-related conditions - a setting that was, and remains, entirely unsuitable for both groups.
We felt that our group had been marginalised and discriminated against, simply because they could not speak up for themselves. As carers, we were already exhausted from the relentless demands of 24-hour care, yet we also carried the constant worry about our adults and the lack of appropriate support.
Today, many primary carers continue to look after highly dependent adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, who are still living at home. We know firsthand just how vital Day Time Support and Respite Care services are - not just for the adults themselves, but also for the families who care for them. These services are invaluable.
Our mission is to build a safe, enriching, and purpose-built centre where adults with complex learning disabilities receive the specialist care, dignity, and opportunities they deserve. We are committed to providing meaningful daytime activities, respite care, and end-of-life support, ensuring that both individuals and their families feel valued, supported, and empowered. Through compassionate care, tailored facilities, and a strong sense of community, we strive to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and advocate for a world where no one is marginalised due to their disabilities.
Those attending the Day Centre will be welcomed into a bright, airy space with direct access to a specially designed courtyard sensory garden and a nearby inclusive café. Within this supportive environment, our community will enjoy purpose-built facilities, including a music room, sensory room, computer room, arts and crafts area, and dedicated outdoor activity spaces.
We will also provide a much-needed respite service, delivered by qualified, experienced staff. Supporting carers is a vital part of our mission - many are elderly parents who dedicate themselves to caring for their adult children. By offering them the opportunity to rest and recharge, we ensure they can continue providing the love, care, and stability their families depend on.