Disabled people and their families have reacted with relief after North Yorkshire Council’s Executive yesterday (Tuesday) approved proposals securing the future of the Cauwood day service.
A new home for Cauwood has been identified at 5, Whitby Road in Pickering, alongside plans for additional satellite space with a provider in Malton.
Families have also received assurances that the existing Cauwood building will remain open until the new facilities are operational and the Cauwood name will be protected
They have also been told the service’s known and trusted staff will transfer to the new and improved care model and families, carers and service users will be involved in shaping the new facilities.
A decision on Cauwood’s future had originally been scheduled to be taken by North Yorkshire Council’s Executive in April.
However, following an 11th-hour appeal from Cllr Keane Duncan and a cross-party group of councillors, the decision was paused to allow for consultation with families.
The 'Save Cauwood' petition attracted more than 2,000 signatures and support from local charities, town and parish councils, and Thirsk & Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake.
Although the existing Cauwood building in Old Malton Road, Malton, is expected to ultimately close, campaigners say confirmation of new premises, plus the retention of Cauwood’s staff and identity, represents a major victory.
Cllr Keane Duncan said: “The decision by North Yorkshire Council’s Executive means a new Cauwood will open, its name will continue, its dedicated staff will transfer and services will remain available locally.
“Back in April, there was no commitment to another Cauwood, no guarantee of a dedicated replacement building and no certainty that the staff team would remain together.
“The strength of our community campaign has resulted in a positive proposal that gives families the reassurances they need after an incredibly stressful period.
“We would like to thank every one of the more than 2,000 people who signed our petition, alongside North Yorkshire councillors, town and parish councils and local charities for supporting the campaign.
“North Yorkshire Council has listened and worked to reach a proposal that parents have the confidence to support. There is still work to do, but today families are breathing a sigh of relief. Their ordeal is over and Cauwood’s future is secure.”
Stuart Moss, whose son Matty attends Cauwood, said: “After months of stress, anxiety and many, many sleepless nights, we have finally been given some positive news. The location of the new building has been confirmed to us and we are relieved.
“To see a smile on Matty’s face and hear his excited reaction was very overwhelming. It was even emotional for the North Yorkshire Council social workers who were with me when I told Matty.
“We are now looking forward positively to working together with North Yorkshire Council, the amazing Cauwood staff and others to make the new Cauwood a success with a legacy to be proud of.
“Without the fantastic support of local councillors, our MP and every single person who signed our petition, we doubt we would be where we are now.
“We would like to give particular thanks to Cllr Keane Duncan for the absolutely amazing work he has done in supporting us and fighting with us. We will be forever grateful to him.
“North Yorkshire Council listened to our concerns and by working together we have managed to achieve the positive result announced today.”
Caroline Garrod, whose daughter Natasha attends Cauwood, said: “We are now relieved that an alternative building has been found and that North Yorkshire Council has confirmed where the new building is located.
“We are looking forward to the opportunity to work with the staff, parents and carers so that we can develop it for everyone who wishes to attend the centre.
“Although the Cauwood building in Malton will sadly close, we have managed to save the service and its staff will be retained. We are looking forward to continuing the Cauwood legacy for many years to come.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past few months, including North Yorkshire councillors, town and parish councils, charities, our MP and members of the public.
“Without their support, hard work, dedication and guidance, we would not have achieved the result we have today.”
Cllr Di Keal, Mayor of Norton on Derwent, said: "The campaign to Save Cauwood has made huge strides since it started in April and the executive decision is by far the best option that the families could achieve from a council that was determined to close the centre from the start as they want the land it stands on for development.
"There are still several questions that need answering, principally where the facility in Malton will be and what provision will be made for a Changing Place in Malton. But it is good to know that the families have the answers to many of their questions they have been asking , have some sense of security for the future of their loved ones and that Cauwood in name and spirit is going to continue."