Attendance
The meeting was attended by eight Members and facilitated by Bill King, Board Member and Susan McGregor, Support Worker.
Minutes of previous meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting on Tuesday March 11th 2025 were discussed. BK also reminded members of the purpose of the meeting, to encourage members to give their views of the service in complete confidentiality to help Libertus maintain and improve high standards of service.
Transport
Members were generally happy with transport arrangements to the Centre. All members present come on a bus provided by Libertus. The journeys were not too long and members enjoyed the journey as part of their experience, meeting each other and enjoying the company of members, volunteers and staff.
Transport for activities is more difficult to arrange, due to the high costs involved. Members reported missing some of their favourite outdoor trips this year. BK explained that due to recent budget cuts also affecting other organisations that provided buses, Libertus was having to manage on a tighter budget which had made affordable transport for outside trips difficult to find. BK asked if members would be willing to pay a contribution for transport for trips and all agreed that would be acceptable. BK undertook to discuss this with Board Members to see if a practical solution could be found to provide more outside trips.
Christmas Events
Members greatly enjoyed last year’s Christmas lunches and the various activities that were provided. In particular, the meal, opportunities to socialise, entertainment from musicians and singing together were all keenly enjoyed.
General Service
Discussion about activities led to a long discussion about the general service provided by Libertus’ Day Service. Members agreed that the opportunities provided for social activities, friendship and stimulation were hugely beneficial and all felt that without their days at Libertus they would find life much more difficult. They always found staff and volunteers approachable, friendly and they often provided advice and acted as a gateway to other services. Several members pointed out that they lived alone and might not see another friendly face.
All felt that their physical and mental health benefitted from the opportunities provided at Gracemount. SMcG gave several examples of how staff had helped members to access other services, including help with gardening, applications for Taxi cards and referrals for Occupational Therapy assessments.
Members discussed the difficult processes of ageing, the willingness and ability of Libertus to help them cope with these and their need to stay in touch with the outside world. One member was especially appreciative of the willingness of staff not to ‘label’ or discriminate against people with dementia or other difficult conditions. Members were happy with the choice and quality of food and felt that eating together was important, helping to maintain good nutrition and enjoyable companionship.
Members were very clear that Libertus gave them something to look forward to and the opportunity to have company, friendship, physical and mental stimulation and useful advice.
Libertus’ Issues
BK raised, on behalf of the Board, the current situation on funding. The Day Centre continues to receive an annual grant from Edinburgh City Council to maintain places at the Day Centre. However, in the last financial year this was reduced by 10% resulting in fewer places being offered. Despite the cuts, Libertus continues to offer a high-quality service, staff numbers have been maintained and volunteers continue to assist staff and members.
However, recent funding cuts to the Positive Futures service and the Volunteers Programme have caused some strain on budgets. Both above services continue to operate but some funding that helped us pay for overheads has been reduced.
Libertus had to redesign the service previously offered at Canalside in Wester Hailes. A severe funding shortfall led to the building being handed back to Edinburgh City Council with members being offered places at Gracemount. This had worked out well with members enjoying the facilities and increased opportunities at Gracemount. No previous member had lost access to the service, a tribute to the efforts of staff and managers to make sure that no one lost out.
Members were reassured to hear that, with careful financial management, Libertus has sufficient funding to continue offering a service into the future.
BK pointed out that the current cost of a day’s service totals £85.69 with members contributing £11.03 each. The difference is made up by the grant allocation. Members agreed that their contribution represents good value for money. They reiterated that they would be willing to contribute to trips so long as Libertus also met some of the cost.
Next meeting
It is hoped to have another Forum meeting in the New Year of 2026.
In Memoriam
Sadly, since the meeting on 1st October one of the longest attending and most enthusiastic members, May Murray has passed away. We will miss her infectious appetite for life, her kindness to fellow members and her sparkling sense of humour.
R.I.P.
