Introduction

We're 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 used by approximately 30 individuals.

The aim is now to gather information prior to any decisions being taken. We're asking 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's offered. We want to explore options and people’s views on those options. Discussions will also be focused on identifying whether there should be a long-term relationship with Oak Farm or whether future options at other venues should be considered. These changes at Oak Farm are due to the provider relocating to a new site, and aren't linked to the wider changes we're undertaking to meet our financial challenges.

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. The outcome of the consultation will also need to consider relative costs of services for individuals to ensure best value for money and future financial sustainability.

Option 1 - Oak Farm Day Opportunities run by Bethphage ceases and appropriate alternative support is identified for each individual

Under this option the service at Oak Farm will finish. All individuals (along with their families and carers) will then be assisted to find the best alternative support available. This will be supported through a review.

There are different types of day opportunity support running across Shropshire. Each individual will have the chance to consider the support that best meets their needs, strengths and interests. This may include the new farm run by Bethphage, or other services and support based in communities across Shropshire.             

Option 2 - a new day opportunities provider is secured to deliver a service from Oak Farm (subject to lease arrangements with landowner)

Under this option, arrangements would be made to find a new provider to replace Bethphage at Oak Farm. It may not be easy to find a new provider who is interested or able to deliver the services in the time we have or have the demand for another service.

Individuals would need to review their care and support and discuss their future needs with a member of the Social Care Team. Each individual will have the chance to consider how the new support arrangements best meet their needs, strengths and interests.      

Option 3 - support continues through an agreed move to the new farm location, which is Lower Sutton Farm, Sutton, Chelmarsh, WV16 6BQ

Under this option arrangements will be made for individuals who are presently supported at Oak Farm to move across to the new Bethphage-owned farm site. The support offered will be the same, although the site is different.

Each individual will have the chance to consider the support arrangements at the new farm to ensure that they best meet their needs, strengths and interests. Individual reviews with the Social Care Team will assist any individual who feels that they would like to move to alternative support.          

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

The consultation will run for seven weeks, from 15 July 2024 to 2 September 2024. Please take time to look at the draft strategy document and complete the consultation survey, which you can access by clicking on the ‘How to get involved’ tab at the top of the page. 

We hope that you'll provide feedback to support us 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.

Documents

Here is our Oak Farm consultation and survey easy read version. 

If you’d like the survey in an alternative format, please use the email below to request a copy, or call our customer services team on 0345 678 9000 and explain any support you need to allow you to respond.

• You can also respond with any comments in writing: Email: Please title your email ‘Oak Farm consultation’ and email your comments to TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk
• Post: Feedback and Insight Team, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shropshire SY2 6ND