Introduction

We are inviting members of the public and our stakeholders to have their say on proposed changes to the service provided at Oak Farm, a day opportunities service located in Ditton Priors, South Shropshire (WV16 6SS, nr Bridgnorth). Oak Farm services are commissioned by Shropshire Council and delivered by Bethphage, a charity that provides support to adults with learning and physical disabilities. The landowner of the site is the Ditton Priors Community Land Trust.

Bethphage has been working on its vision for future service provision over recent years and has established a strong vision to purchase their own site for future service provision in a new location. This means that there is now a need to review the current service and commissioning arrangements. An important part of this review is obtaining feedback from service users and their families, stakeholders, and the wider community. Currently the service is utilised by approximately 30 individuals.

The aim is now to gather information prior to any decisions being taken. Shropshire Council asks those who attend Oak Farm and a wide range of other stakeholders to provide feedback to help determine what support might look like in the future, wherever that is offered. We want to explore options and people’s views on those options. Discussions will also be focused on identifying if there should be a long-term relationship with Oak Farm or whether future options at other venues should be considered.

This consultation aims to explore options for a new service and gather feedback from members of the public and stakeholders to inform future decision making. Individuals currently receiving support at Oak Farm will receive a survey through the post. The outcome of the consultation will also need to consider relative costs of services for individuals to ensure best value for money and financial sustainability ongoing.

More details are provided on the options below later in the survey, but in brief, the options are:
  • Option 1: Oak Farm Day Opportunities run by Bethphage ceases and appropriate alternative support is identified for each individual
  • Option 2: A new Day Opportunities provider is secured to deliver a service from Oak farm (subject to lease arrangements with landowner)
  • Option 3: Support continues through an agreed move to the new farm location, which is Lower Sutton Farm, Sutton, Chelmarsh, WV16 6BQ

For transparency, Shropshire Council’s current preferred option is Option 1. However, it is important to consult on all possible options and to invite service user, stakeholder and public views before any final decisions can be taken.

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback to support Shropshire Council in working to understand and meet the future needs of all the adults with learning disabilities and Autism who are currently supported at Oak Farm.

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