15/05/2023
Cartref Statement
For over 70 years Cartref has provided first class care to thousands of residents across South Wales. We established an enviable reputation for excellence in care and this would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of our hardworking staff. As Trustees we are most thankful and appreciative to the selfless efforts of our staff, many of whom have worked at Cartref for many years.
Following events outside of the control of the Trustees we have regrettably reached the decision we can no longer sustain Cartref as an organisation providing care facilities. This decision has not been taken lightly as we know the significant impact this decision has undoubtably had and will have on residents, their families, our staff and the wider community. This decision follows a statutory 45 day consultation period with our staff.
For many months Cartref was sustaining losses of approximately £10,000 per week. Throughout the Pandemic we received additional government financial support as our ability to welcome new residents was impacted. As we emerged from the Pandemic we identified the demand for the services we offer was not what it previously was. Cardiff Council recently announced it’s ‘Aging Well Strategy’; a strategy predicated on keeping residents in their own homes for longer. Given Cartref does not offer nursing provision and the reduced demand for general residential care, the future looked bleak. However, as Trustees we wanted to ensure all reasonable efforts were taken to explore ways of saving Cartref. As Trustees we knew Cartref was special and meant so much to so many.
As Trustees we supported management in their recommendations to invest in our buildings to improve the amenities offered at Cartref. We sought to promote Cartref and the wonderful provision offered and sought specialist advice on the options available to Trustees.
Over previous months the Trustees explored ways of restoring a sustainable business model to allow us to continue to provide an excellent service to residents. This included exploring converting our homes to offer nursing provision - a demand more sought after by Cardiff Council and local communities. Unfortunately the layout and design of our buildings meant this wasn’t feasible. We also explored closing one of our homes and relocating to the remaining home; however this wasn’t considered feasible in the long term as we have financially benefited from the strength of operating two homes.
We considered a sale as a going concern however the losses facing Cartref and the fall in occupancy meant this was not an acceptable or workable option. We also sought to explore whether the organisation could be restructured to save Cartref and again this wasn’t considered suitable or workable.
As Trustees we reached a point where it would have been inappropriate to continue operating as our fast depleting reserves risked us being able to fulfil our obligations to our staff. As Trustees we were committed to ensuring our staff received the loss of employment payments they were legally entitled to receive. In recent weeks we have worked closely with Cardiff Council to ensure residents and staff are supported.
As Trustees we passionately believe Cartref offered what more care home providers should offer; excellence in all we do, free from the motivations of profit.
Although Cartref will now cease to operate as a provider of general residential care, the Trust remains and the Trustees remain committed to ensure the Trust discharges its obligations under our charitable aims and objectives.
Trustees of Cartref
