Letter of the week: 'Trustees seem at the Butterfield Centre in Bourne to lack compassion'
A letter writer discusses the situation at the Butterfield Centre in Bourne.
I read with horror and disbelief what Bourne’s Butterfield Centre trustees are doing to a well-loved and respected establishment whose people prided themselves on giving care in various ways to the town and surrounding villages of Bourne.
I was privileged to work as a staff nurse when it was a cottage hospital until its closure. No longer working as a hospital, it soon became a place where elderly people could be cared for, fed and, if necessary, have a bath. A place where they had fun, entertainment and company, which so many needed.
Cartoon by John Elson sponsored by The Assist Group
Sadly the pandemic put a stop to that but meals on wheels continued through the pandemic, delivered by dedicated volunteers who gave their time willingly seven days a week.
But now these elderly and vulnerable people are being denied meals at weekends and bank holidays. Horror upon horror - no meals over the festive season!
Some of those people live alone, some with no relatives nearby, and will now have a lonely time. Where is the compassion?
It’s thanks to the volunteers, and I’ve been one of them, that the elderly and vulnerable have had daily checks, some of which have been life saving. Don’t believe there is a shortage of volunteers and, if there is, why are they not advertising? The charity is not short of money.
They have stopped the lunch club and weekly coffee mornings, which were a lovely way for lonely people to get together for a chat and some food.
The paragraph which reads “There’s a false perception that all the people who use meals on wheels are stuck at home and can’t get out. Some are in social housing but some are at the other end of the spectrum” doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Even if there are only 20 meals or fewer needed a day, they are needed and it is beyond belief they are cutting back the service.
People need food on bank holidays and at weekends.
What planet are these guys on?
Alison Plumley
by email
