Newton Dee charity expresses concern over funding changes that could put adults with disabilities at risk

A charity providing life-changing support for adults with learning disabilities and additional needs is concerned that changes to funding could leave some without support.

Newton Dee provides invaluable opportunities in an inclusive space in Aberdeen.

But a review into the eligibility criteria for a number of people attending the service means some might have to fund their own activities.

Jacob Vollrath works at the charity and is concerned the most vulnerable will suffer.

He told STV News: “I worry that there is a short-term solution that is going to cost more in the long-term.

“When people aren’t being meaningfully engaged their mental health can get worse, their physical health can get worse, and that can have a bigger impact on NHS services and the amount of care that is needed directly in the house.”

At the core of Newton Dee is providing meaningful work so that people can reach their full potential. Some of the workshops on offer include baking, farming and woodwork.

The charity hopes they can now find the means to continue providing support before changes come into effect next month.

A spokesperson for Aberdeen City Health and Social Care said: “Detailed reviews have shown that some recipients of services at Newton Dee do not meet our eligibility criteria.

“Those criteria, which are applied across all ACHSCP care packages, ensure that services are funded for those with high, critical and emergency needs.

“As part of our continuous review of individual needs, there are some changes to the services that individuals will be entitled to. This has been done in collaboration with the client and the provider.

“Our reassessment of clients’ needs also showed that some service-users have sufficient monies to self-fund the activities they enjoy.

“We are now working on detailed transition plans for those people whose service will be changed, as of April 1.

“We have engaged with Newton Dee for well over a year in an effort to negotiate an equitable solution and hope that they understand that we are duty-bound to make the best possible use of public money.”