Leslie House is a residential home in Leslie, Fife, which is owned by the Church of Scotland. The Leslie House 21 Group is a group of people who are the friends and relatives of the 13 residents in Leslie House and who are acting on their behalf.

The Board of Social Responsibility of the Church wants to close Leslie House. Before it can do that, the Board has to get everyone moved out. The Board doesn't mind how that is achieved and is prepared to scatter the 13 residents throughout Fife like confetti. Most of the residents are old, frail and suffer from dementia. If old frail and demented people are moved, other than as a single unit together with the staff, their well being may be severely prejudiced. A home in England was closed on 9th July this year. 26 people were moved. By 3rd August 5 had died! The purpose of the Leslie House 21 Group is to stop Leslie House from being closed until arrangements are in place which will; protect the mental, physical and social well being of the residents.

The Group has made several suggestions about how Leslie House can be saved at no cost to the Church of Scotland. For example, a new unit could be built in the grounds of Leslie House. The residents, together with the staff could be moved into the new unit, Leslie House could then be converted in sheltered flats or other accommodation and sold. The proceeds would pay for the new unit. Alternatively Leslie House could be made the subject of a scheme of equity release. (In effect mortgaging Leslie house and using the money for redevelopment or new build.) Private care providers and a not for profit housing association are interested in taking over Leslie House and, inter-alia, would like to build a new unit in the grounds. The Board of Social Responsibility is refusing to consider any of these options.

The Group believes that funding care of the elderly shouldn't be left to voluntary organisations such as the Church of Scotland. The cost of caring for the elderly should be met by society as a whole.The Group is taking a Petition to the Scottish Parliament asking that care of the elderly is properly funded.

2.4 care homes close every week. With every closure more hospital beds are blocked making waiting lists longer and costing the Health Service more money - that affects us all.

We will all be old one day and may need residential care, but don't wait until you are old to do something, that will be too late. Do something now!