Popular Northampton business reacts to ‘devastating’ closure of neighbouring Workbridge service

St Andrew’s Healthcare has announced that its long-running Workbridge service on Bedford Road will close later this year.

The announcement comes after St Andrew’s Healthcare was recently rated as “inadequate” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Workbridge was established more than 40 years ago to provide vocational opportunities for people with mental illness, learning disabilities, autism, or brain injury. The site includes a café, garden centre, charity shop, workshop, retail units and education services.

In a statement issued today (Thursday), St Andrew’s Healthcare said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close Workbridge. This is part of a broader plan to ensure St Andrew’s Healthcare remains financially sustainable and focused on delivering specialist care for patients with complex mental health needs.

“Unfortunately, Workbridge continues to make a financial loss. Despite best efforts, it has not been possible to secure its long-term future and St Andrew’s Healthcare has sadly concluded that closure is the only viable option. This will enable the charity to focus resources on delivering specialist hospital care for patients with complex mental health needs.

“St Andrew’s patients will continue to have access to creative, educational, and work-related activities at its Northampton hospital site.”

The statement added: “Workbridge’s retail operations will remain open until 23 December. Workbridge’s education service will continue until its existing contracts are fulfilled and it will support its community learners.”

The neighbouring independent worker co-operative Daily Bread has spoken out, describing the decision as “devastating”.

In a statement published on social media, Daily Bread said: “This is devastating news for all the workers, service users, and customers who have been part of the Workbridge community.

“As for Daily Bread, we are an independent business and will continue to trade as normal. However, we will be discussing our future options within our membership, including whether to remain on-site or consider relocating.”

Many customers reacted to Daily Bread’s Facebook post.

One wrote: “So sad that so many good community places are closing. We need more good places, not less, for people to come together. It’s a lovely hub – get your plants, visit the charity shop, have a coffee then do your shopping at Daily Bread. It’s our regular visit and we meet friends there.”

Another added: “I hope something gets sorted out. I’m a regular user of Daily Bread, privately and in business, and fervently hope it continues and flourishes. My heart goes out to all directly affected by the closure of Workbridge, which I’ve also regularly used.”

Another wrote: “Such sad news, we use Daily Bread and the garden centre and café. Hope something can be done to relocate Workbridge or for another company to take over the running of it as it does such good work.”

Another trader, Natural Canine Co., posted: “It’s just devastating. I’m so sad for everyone. I’m remaining on site as I am for now in the cabins, but will be moving to one of the vacant buildings next year, so together hopefully we can still continue to trade here and keep it thriving.”