CrossReach shuts Glasgow learning disabilities care home

A CARE home in Glasgow for 15 adults with learning disabilities is to be closed.

Florentine House, in Queen Mary Avenue, Crosshill, will become the first of the frontline services of Crossreach – the Church of Scotland’s social care division – to be shut on June 14 in an effort to save cash.

The Kirk said it was working to find alternative accommodation for the residents.

Calum Murray, Cross­Reach’s director of adult care services, said: “We have had to inform our staff and the relatives of people at the home that, due to financial pressures, we can no longer provide the service at Florentine House.

“While the service meets the national care standards, the building is outdated and requires significant investment.

“The global financial situation has affected our ability as a charity to fund such investment to assure the quality we insist upon.

“However, both Cross­Reach and Glasgow Learning Disability Partner­ship and our respective staffs have commenced work to make suitable alternative arrangements for the continuing care and support of home residents.

“Further meetings with relatives are planned.”

It was reported last year that up to 20 of the 80 staff at the Edinburgh headquarters of the Kirk’s CrossReach service were facing redundancy after the main body of the Kirk lost almost £90 million on its investments during the economic downturn.

CrossReach employs 2000 across the country with 80 services involving children and families, old people and those with mental health problems. It has an annual expenditure of £45m.