THE father of a young girl who requires 24-hour care has condemned a charity and council for closing a "life-line" respite service after 20 years.

Families have been left devastated after being told that the Chavy Down home in Newton Mearns, run by Quarriers, is to close in weeks.

Parents criticised East Renfrewshire Council - which funds placements - for failing to consult with families ahead of the decision and say they have yet to receive confirmation of the closure in writing from either the council or Quarriers.

Adrian Boyce, whose 17-year-old daughter Cara has used the service for 11 years, said: “The idea that in a matter of weeks we can find alternative respite is criminal.

Read more: Father of disabled daughter condemns closure of vital respite centre

“What is fair about closing down a major respite facility with absolutely no consultation with the children and their families who use it, and with what is clearly woefully inadequate notice.”

The service provides residential care and short breaks for children and young people with complex disabilities. A home-based service is also being axed.

In its statement, the charity said it was “deeply saddened” but had no option to close the service at the end of November because of a reduction in referrals from East Renfrewshire Council.

The council say there is reduced demand for ‘building-based’ respite because parents now have access to self-directed funding and can opt for alternatives such as home care support.

However parents believe the decision is simply down to budget cuts and say the type of care offered by Chavy Down gives them a chance to “recharge” and children benefit from the social aspect.

Adrian Boyce’s 17-year-old daughter Cara has been going to the centre since she was 11.

Adrian and his wife Jo spent 18 months finding a suitable placement for Cara, who has complex disabilities.

The family, who are from Largs, chose a home outwith their area because they were so impressed with the level of care staff could offer.

He said: “One of the excuses from the council is that there is no demand for building based respite but this is simply about reducing funding.

“It took us 18 months of visiting several respite facilities across Glasgow and west of Scotland to feel comfortable to leave our daughter with the carers.

“Self directed support is about parents having choice – NOT the Council. That’s the whole point.

Read more: Father of disabled daughter condemns closure of vital respite centre

“Cara has been going there for six years. She cannot walk or talk and is on oxygen.

“The staff are all trained in emergency care, administering oxygen and peg feeding. That kind of care is priceless.

“The staff are devastated, the kids are upset.

“Cara requires 24-hour care and it allows us to spend time with her younger brother and sister.”

Chavy Down was rated ‘very good’ in all categories in a recent inspection by the Care Inspectorate and provides intensive respite care for six children and young people.

Margaret Murray, who is from Netherlee, says she relies on the service for her daughter, who also requires 24-hour care.

She said: “If they go to respite, it allows us to recharge our batteries. There is also the social aspect for the children.

“The alternative they are giving us is in Bridge of Weir, which is 45 minutes away and there is another one in Helensburgh but it depends on the type of disabilities the children have.

“You can’t get into these centres tomorrow. There are long waiting lists.

“The worst thing is how they have done it.

“They basically informed us on September 8 that they were closing in October. There is not transition period for these youngsters.

“East Renfrewshire Council haven’t carried out an impact report on this.”

Alice Harper, Chief Executive of Quarriers, said: “Despite the best efforts of all involved parties, we can confirm that our Chavey Down Service in East Renfrewshire will close later this year.

“This has been a tremendously difficult decision for Quarriers and we are deeply saddened to be in this situation after nearly 20 years of supporting families in the area.

“Numerous proposals were explored to maintain the service but, unfortunately, none were financially viable due to the significant drop in demand for building-based short break care.

Read more: Father of disabled daughter condemns closure of vital respite centre

“While East Renfrewshire HSCP will work with affected families to identify suitable alternatives and manage transitions, we will embark on a consultation process with our specialist staff to assess potential redeployment opportunities within Quarriers over the coming months.

“The service will operate until the end of November and we, along with the HSCP, are committed to providing the same high level of person-centred support to families during this period.”

Julie Murray, Chief Officer of East Renfrewshire HSCP, said: “In recent years families themselves have chosen more flexible and bespoke care options to meet their needs which has impacted on the number of referrals made to the Quarriers service.

“It is unfortunate that Quarriers has now made the decision to close the service and we are working with the small number of families affected to ensure their needs are fully met. As this decision was made by Quarriers it would not be for the HSCP to carry out an impact assessment.”