My daughter is one of the many individuals whose lives have been touched by the essential services provided by the Riverside Day Care Centre in East Ayrshire. Like many other families, we rely on this facility to provide the necessary support and care for loved ones with learning disabilities. However, recent financial cutbacks on Learning Disability Budgets are threatening to reduce the number of days this vital service can offer, impacting not just my family, but many others in our community.

The Riverside Day Care Centre is more than just a place for care; it is a safe haven where individuals with learning disabilities receive not only the necessary support but also opportunities for social interaction, skill development, and community participation. For many service users, these interactions are crucial for their personal development and overall well-being. The proposed financial cutbacks would limit access to these critical services, leaving many service users without the support they desperately need.

The East Ayrshire Social Care Partnership's decision to reduce funding for learning disability services affects not just the service users, but also the dedicated staff and the families who depend on these resources. According to national statistics, individuals with learning disabilities are significantly more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation. By diminishing their access to vital day care services, we risk increasing those figures, with dire consequences for their mental health and quality of life.

We understand that financial resources are not unlimited, but the importance of these services cannot be understated. We call on the East Ayrshire Social Care Partnership to reconsider these budget cuts and to look for alternative solutions that do not compromise the care and support for individuals with learning disabilities. Potential solutions could include reallocating funds from less critical areas or seeking additional funding sources to ensure that services are maintained.

This petition aims to safeguard the quality of life for those affected and prevent any reduction in service days. By signing this petition, you are advocating for the continued support and empowerment of individuals with learning disabilities in East Ayrshire. Together, we can stand as a community in support of our most vulnerable members. Please sign this petition to keep Riverside Day Care Centre's services intact and fully funded.