Campaign for The Croft Centre Re-Development

John Doherty, RPCAG Secretary and now a Trustee of Me Too & Co; started the ball rolling by campaigning for planning permission to go through for The Croft Children’s Centre in Kew. Great jubilation when planning permission was granted despite public unpopularity.

However, RPCAG learned that £1.2m government funding on the re-development had been withdrawn. Part of the project was to include a three bedroom respite centre for children at the site. Richmond Borough at present has no provision for overnight respite for children. It was essential for our families in a variety of ways. Firstly, it gives parents a much need break from constant care. This is especially so for our single parents. Secondly, it gives our children a safe environment in which to socialise and thirdly, it helps in the transition from dependency to independence.

Without respite, families are often running on empty, relationships are more likely to break down. The carers are more prone to illness and accidents. Depression is often the biggest danger with devastating consequences.

From a financial point of view, Richmond Borough spends up to £600 per night to send a child out of Borough for respite care. Figures from Aiming High, revealed that over £250,000 was spent on overnight respite last year. But budgets are tight and there are many more families who would benefit from this provision but who do not have access to it. The burden on the NHS and local PCT from neglect in this area is a huge nationwide problem. Should the unspeakable happen, then it will be social services that would have to take care of the children involved.

It would have been a short sighted move not to have suitable respite in Richmond Borough. In the long term, the cost both financial and human would have been immeasurable.

RPCAG lobbied our MPs Vince Cable and Zac Goldsmith. Along with Cllr. Christine Percival, they wrote to Michael Gore, Secretary of State, to reverse the decision to withdraw the funding. RPCAG wrote to the Richmond and Twickenham Times and has had three letters published. We had a productive and informative meeting with Nick Whitfield, Head of Children’s Services in Richmond Borough Council. RPCAG said that we would not rest until suitable respite was provided in this Borough.

We are now absolutely delighted to inform you that on Tuesday 23rd November 2010 news came that London Borough of Richmond upon Thames would be funding The Croft Centre development to the tune of £1m. Any deficit will be covered by the Government’s Sure Start Plan. For the first time, Richmond Borough will have its own overnight respite centre for children.

In these tough economic times it is no mean achievement and of course we have thanked everyone who has helped us get the result that we wanted for you. So you see, campaigning can work.

If you have any concerns over Council or NHS services, RPCAG can help change things for the better. Please email us and we will keep everyone posted on how they can support us in achieving our objectives. For new members, all you have to do is fill in a RPCAG membership form and we will do our best for you with your support.