The council has been financially supporting the service since August while seeking a long-term provider. Despite inviting expressions of interest, a suitable and viable partner has not been identified, leading to the charity's closure and the day centre's cessation of services.
Although the charity was independent, the council owns the building and is committed to finding a new community use that supports older residents. The opportunity is expected to be re-advertised in early 2027.
Firstly, I’d like to thank the incredibly dedicated staff who have run the centre in Twyford and District Age Concern for many years. But recently, the centre struggled financially, because day centres, such as the one it ran, are not as popular as they used to be. But there is still a need for a community service for older people; and we are determined to find a solution for the community of Twyford and beyond. The expression of interest process did not immediately lead to a solution and that is disappointing, but not the end of our efforts. We will now work with partners on a new expression of interest process that we believe may attract a different range of potential providers.
The council acknowledges the difficulty this closure presents for families relying on the service and has engaged Age UK to assist individuals in identifying alternative local services within Wokingham Borough.
