Concern Over Care Project Closure

The way in which a flagship mental health day care project in Hawick was closed has come in for criticism. About 50 clients were informed of the decision to shut Springboard in the town’s Cross Wynd on 5 May.

MSP Euan Robson said informing them by letter seemed to be a poor choice of communication in the circumstances. Scottish Borders Council said it was forced into the decision for safety reasons and staff issues but has apologised for the letters’ timing.

The closure is said to be temporary and Mr Robson feels there is now an opportunity to improve the facility: “The council particularly wants to reassess the role of Springboard to be sure all the services being delivered were good and effective and sound,” he said. “I have no problem with that I just hope they will be able to do it quickly. There is no doubt that the people who use the service were distressed to hear it was closing and have valued many of the activities undertaken.”