Lambeth Council Finalizes Dementia Center Closure Amid Public Outcry
Lambeth Council has proceeded with the closure of a specialist day care center for individuals living with dementia, despite strong opposition from campaigners who gathered outside Lambeth Town Hall to protest the decision. The closure, part of cost-cutting measures, was formally approved during the council's annual budget setting meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Protesters Rally Against Closure Plans
A crowd of protesters assembled outside the town hall ahead of the meeting, urging the council to halt plans to shut down the day care center located on the Central Hill Estate. Campaigners emphasize that the center provides specialized care that is not easily replicated in other facilities, making its closure a significant loss for the community.
During the budget meeting, Councillor David Bridson, Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities, defended the decision by citing the building's significant disrepair and a decline in attendance over the past year. The council plans to relocate the service to Aspire Wellbeing in West Norwood, which Cllr Bridson described as being in better condition and well-equipped.
Carers Express Concerns Over Relocation
Carers who utilize the Central Hill Estate day center have voiced apprehension about moving their loved ones to Aspire Wellbeing. They seek further reassurance that the relocation will not cause harm or distress to the vulnerable individuals under their care.
Temi Adetunji, a carer who spoke at the meeting, highlighted the center's importance, stating, "Central Hill Day Centre is not just a building. It provides routine, safety, specialist care and trusted relationships." She explained that staff at the center possess extensive knowledge and experience in dementia care, understanding that routine and familiarity are crucial for preventing anxiety and distress.
Adetunji and other carers visited the proposed site at Aspire Wellbeing and raised concerns about its suitability. They noted that the facility is already a busy open day service for people with learning disabilities and reablement attendees, operating in a shared building. Adetunji questioned how the complex services offered at Central Hill, which include multiple rooms, quieter breakout spaces, and areas to de-escalate distress, could be safely accommodated in a single allocated room at Aspire Wellbeing.
She further detailed the specific needs of center members, such as one-to-one support, personal care, use of hoists, laundry services, supervision during meals, and management of emotional or behavioral triggers. "Some need calm spaces when overwhelmed. These needs do not disappear because we change postcode," she asserted, also expressing worries about practical safety issues, including door security for disoriented individuals.
Accusations of Service Run-Down
UNISON's Lambeth branch has accused the council of deliberately running down the service, claiming that several referrals were refused over the past 18 months. Campaigners launched a Change.org petition on February 13 to stop the closure, garnering nearly 550 signatures.
In a statement, Lambeth UNISON pointed out that there are approximately 2,000 people living with dementia in Lambeth, a number expected to rise with the aging population. The group alleged that the decision to close the center was made 18 months ago, with a process of running down the service to make closure seem inevitable. They also criticized the consultation process, stating that service users were not fully informed about the changes.
Council's Response and Future Steps
In response to the concerns, Cllr Bridson assured that an assessment will be conducted to ensure the new site at Aspire Wellbeing meets necessary standards. He confirmed that door-to-door transport to the service will continue and that the council is working to support the seven staff members at risk by redeploying them to other areas of social care to retain their jobs and expertise.
Cllr Bridson emphasized the necessity of the closure, stating, "The risk of us doing nothing is just something that we can't do, the building is not sustainable in and of itself - it needs too much work to stay open." He added that overspending in social care could lead to broader cuts across council services if no action is taken.
The closure marks a contentious move in Lambeth's budget strategy, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing financial constraints with the provision of essential community services for vulnerable residents.
