Bobbins, a care home catering to young individuals with complex needs, closed its doors on New Year's Eve, leaving residents and their families in a state of uncertainty. Managed by Active Care Group (ACG), the home faced closure after Swindon Borough Council's decision in October 2024 to relocate two of the four remaining residents. This decision prompted ACG's "reluctant decision" to shut down the facility, resulting in four vacant beds. Residents received notice in December, with the closure finalized at 17:00 GMT on New Year's Eve.
Karis, a 26-year-old with epilepsy, autism, and severe learning difficulties, was among those displaced. Having resided at Bobbins for seven years, her father, Kevin Edmonds, expressed frustration over ACG's handling of the situation. He accused ACG of failing to assist in finding new accommodations for Karis and labeled their claim of support as "absolute tosh."
"We had very little time and Active Care Group's claim they [helped] to get a new place for the young people living in their care home is absolute tosh." – Kevin Edmonds
Kevin Edmonds further criticized ACG, stating that the company disregarded the needs of the residents while praising Swindon Borough Council for their efforts to secure new placements.
"They washed their hands of these four adults and if it hadn't been for Swindon Borough Council I don't know where we would have been – they have worked tirelessly to find these four young adults a new placement." – Kevin Edmonds
ACG defended its actions by stating that they collaborated with the local council to arrange new placements and even offered to delay the closure. They also mentioned that the Bobbins service was "severely compromised" due to inappropriate placements.
Meanwhile, Karis has returned to her family home while awaiting completion of a new care facility. Her father highlighted the challenges ahead as they prepare for her transition.
"But the transition we are facing in the next two to three weeks to get her into the new home is going to be really difficult," – Kevin Edmonds
Karis, described as resilient but unable to communicate her feelings effectively, poses an ongoing challenge for her family.
"She's quite resilient, she does take things in her stride but she can't tell us how she's feeling, so when she's not happy we have to try and second guess her all the time." – Kevin Edmonds
Swindon Borough Council refuted ACG's account of events, emphasizing the urgency of finding alternative provisions for the residents.
"We do not agree with the version of events described by Active Care" – Swindon Borough Council
"The most important people in this whole unfortunate episode are the ones who had to be found alternative provision at very short notice" – Swindon Borough Council
