For Craig Murray, support from Quarriers has been a lifeline. “When things are going well, it helps that I know they will be there in a crisis,” he says.
“I’ve had support from them since December 2002, through ups and downs. I never thought they would pull the plug.”
Craig, 36, has Aspberger Syndrome, which causes him to struggle with disruption to his routine and he has problems managing social interactions. He lives alone in in his own home in Cumbernauld and currently receives regular visists for advice and help.
As a result, one of the benefits of the charity’s help has been to reduce his loneliness and isolation. It is thanks to support from Quarriers that he has been able to continue living on his own, rather than in an institution or dependent on family he says.
“They have supported me to go to Glasgow , helped me around the house and built up my confidence,” he says. “Basically the reason I’m self sufficient is entirely because of the support.
“As well as that I always knew Quarriers would always be there in a crisis. It has given me some self worth and confidence. “
He says it is “not acceptable” that he and other disabled people supported by the charity should just be dropped for financial reasons.
“If Quarriers go ahead with this I want to fight it,” he said. “Without them it will be like starting all over again.”
Craig’s Dad Frank Murray, who lives in Fife, is also alarmed by the charity’s decision and worried that the change will set his son back or limit his independence in future.
“Craig can’t cope well with change. He can be terribly lonely and can’t sustain friendships,” he said.
“Quarriers say this is a purely commercial decision, and we understand they may have other clients with greater need. But there has been no consultation about this, they just say everyone who is currently receiving less than 50 hours support a week will no longer get it.”
Meanwhile he is sceptical of the charity’s reassurances about prioritising the safety and wellbeing of those affected.
“I’ve talked about the impact on Craig until I am blue in the face, but have got nowhere. They just say it is a purely commercial move and they can’t be Craig’s provider any more.”
Social work may be able to find another provider by March 31st but given the length of time Craig needs to build relationships, that is a very limited time for him to get to know a new worker. Mr Murray adds. “I would have thought a charity with their history would have been aware of the likely repercussions, but that has not been in evidence. They are walking away into the sunset and they never even phoned us, it is shabby.”
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