My wife is living with young onset dementia. For her, the local day care centre in Blandford represents an oasis where she finds social interaction, fun and friendship in a completely secure environment. Meanwhile, for me, as a caregiver, this centre is a lifeline, providing much needed respite and helping sustain our life together.

I know the same is true for other users of this day centre and their carers.

Dorset council proposes to shut down these essential centres in Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sherborne stating that their closure will ostensibly improve day care services in the region. We completely disagree with this assertion. To shut them down is arguably to strip away a key element of effective provision of day care services.

Adult day care centres, like the ones under threat, are vital institutions that provide adults with various physical, learning and cognitive disabilities with invaluable opportunities for social communion and activity. For caregivers, they offer much-needed relief, preventing caregiver burnout. The closure of day centres is liable to strip away these benefits from those who need them most.

I urge you to voice your support for our cause, help us urge Dorset council to reconsider their proposal. Help us ensure that vital services like adult day care centres remain in operation, to continue providing support to those who count on them day in and day out. Please sign this petition.