Overdale Closure 2023
Background
The Overdale community was handed to Keychange three years ago by the Overdale Trust as they hoped a different leadership team could find a way to change the loss-making position and to make the home sustainable. Unfortunately, the occupancy and the prevailing market condition means this hasn’t been possible over the three years that the house has been a part of Keychange. The community has lost over £300,000 in the last financial year and is on track to exceed that financial loss in the coming financial year. This threatens the stability and sustainability of all communities in Keychange. We have therefore come to the difficult decision of closing the home.
Workforce
We recognise the impact that this decision will have on the people that have worked and served at the Overdale community. As a Christian Charity, it is important to us that we progress this with diligence, honesty and as much care as we can, while continuing to care for the wider group of beneficiaries. Some colleagues have worked there for a significant length of time. We will facilitate a consultation for the team who will find themselves redundant as a result of the closure.
Residents
We recognise that the eleven residents of the residential home at Overdale will be anxious. We have met with residents and their family on Thursday 12th October and have offered a further meeting with residents and family for Tuesday 17th October.
Regulators and Commissioners (Local Authority & CQC)
We will give Sheffield City Council more than the required 28 days notice, and help those impacted in any way we can to find new homes for them both the socially and privately funded. We will work with Sheffield City Council and the Adult Social Care team to support residents as they find alternative accommodation.
We will also give notice to the CQC and assurances of the process of closure and detail around the safety of the home throughout the closure process.
Next Steps
The team at Keychange will continue to be supporting both the Staff and residents as they seek to find new employment and homes respectively.
