Service that offers activities to disabled people to close in Hereford

Run by Affinity Trust, SCORE Day Opportunities is a lifeline for people who have various needs, such as Down Syndrome or Autism, with many connections and friendships have been for nearly 20 years.

However, a chronic lack of funding has meant that the charity has made the tough decision to close the service from May 31.

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Leo Sowerby, Chief Executive of Affinity Trust, said: "Money invested in programmes like SCORE delivers improved outcomes for the people we support and value for money for the local council. Programmes like SCORE and social care providers like Affinity Trust are invaluable partners in ensuring everyone has opportunities to build their skills and confidence whilst reducing social isolation.

"Sadly, closures like this one are likely to become more common, given the Government’s announcement last week reducing the commitment to adult social care funding by £250 million.

"It is heartbreaking to remove vital support that we know is wanted and needed, delivering excellent results for the local community.

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"We are immensely proud of our staff team, who have made a difference in the lives of the people we support at SCORE and their families.”

A spokesperson for Herefordshire Council added: "The council is committed to ensuring the provision of day opportunities within the county and the commissioning team are working closely with all the providers in relation to sustainability and the challenging economic circumstances within which services are operating.

"Affinity Trust has recently made the decision to close the Score service and informed the council and service users of this decision.

"The council has already made an offer of an increase in funding, however, Affinity Trust have indicated this increase would not result in the Service becoming financially viable. The council and Affinity Trust are continuing to work in partnership to see if a resolution can be found.”