Moorlands Home Link is Set to Close this Friday, February 6th

This week, we were informed that Moorlands Home Link will permanently close on Friday, February 6th. This decision by the board of trustees is not related to a specific service closure or a temporary issue for the Charity, but is final. You may have seen their year-long fundraising campaign aimed at bridging the gap in finances caused by a withdrawal of some grant funding.

Home Link provides a much-needed lifeline to many elderly and disabled people living in South Moorlands and brings in residents from Leek one day each week. They offer support for accessing services, which can be complex for families to navigate alone. They offer a befriending service, meals on wheels, and day care with hot food and activities. They have been an established local charity since 2014 and, without doubt, reduce the burden on the County Council's adult social care bill paid for from our taxes in a variety of valuable ways.

So often, a wife or a husband loses a partner after many years of companionship, only to be plunged into isolation and loneliness. The van driver from Home Link, delivering a hot meal, is sometimes their only contact with another person that day.

COG visited Home Link in person and was told that an email will be sent out with contact numbers for alternative services, and they may even provide a press announcement. We look forward to sharing that information with you.

The news has come as a shock to everyone, especially those who use the service, and the speed of closure will be unsettling and could put service users at further risk.

We spoke to Mary today, a local lady, she relies on meals on wheels every day and will struggle without Home Link.

Another lady, who is happy to give her name, Heather Bentley, said: “I cannot understand why the council has not supported Home Link and kept it running,” as she knows people whose only break from caring for an elderly parent is when they go to their facilities for the day.

Another lady goes to the lunch club at the Guildhall and relies on hot meals from Home Link. We understand the organiser is hoping to provide sandwiches until a solution can be found.

Speaking to a nurse who cares for the elderly, she said that the meals on wheels driver is sometimes the only person able to raise the alarm if a customer does not answer the door. This closure could put residents in danger.

Our editor would again like to express her thanks to Sharon and the Home Link team who, when delivering her mum's lunch, found her collapsed on the floor. "Their presence and quick action almost certainly saved mum's life." (Lori - Editor Cheadle COG)

Cheadle Allotment Society, provides all the fresh vegetables to Home Link during the growing season. They are at a loss as to who to provide the upcoming crop to now that Home Link will close.

On a positive note, we heard from Sally at the library that they may be able to provide a room for people to come and chat. COGNEWS will keep readers informed of any developments.

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Moorlands Home Link is Set to Close this Friday, February 6th - created 5th February 2026