A Petition has been launched to save the unique “Milan Day centre” in Kirkintilloch, which is attended by the Black Asian Ethnic Minority (BAME) elderly residents of East Dunbartonshire. For years it has given the families respite and support knowing the members are in safe and caring hands.

This centre provides Punjabi and Urdu speaking staff, which is the home language of users with many speaking no English. It provides rich cultural and religious experiences that can only be delivered by BAME staff. Most members have specialist dietary requirements and only eat Asian cuisine and this centre provides this food.

The care inspectorate has graded this service with 5 stars. The service should be extended out and replicated for BAME communities but instead the council propose closing it. The alternative options given by the council are inadequate and do not take into consideration the cultural and religious needs of the users. We need as much support as possible to keep the centre open. 

There is a demonstration planned outside the Kirkintilloch Council offices on the 15th January at 11am and people are being encouraged to attend and support the cause.

To sign the petition go to: 

https://www.change.org/p/save-milan-day-centre-kirkintilloch