A charity which gives a vital lifeline for carers is being forced to close in June after a nursing agency won the funding instead.

Crossroads, which has operated in Southend for 22 years, failed in its bid to provide staff for respite care in a tender to Southend Council.

Instead, social services chiefs awarded the contract to a rival non-profit making agency. As a result, around 23 Crossroads carers and part-time administration staff will lose their jobs.

Crossroads vice-chairman Joy Curtis said: "We are having to close because of lack of funds.

"We didn't get the contract to supply social services and can't continue with the few private contracts we have, without further funding.

"We have gone through a lot of heart-searching about this. Obviously we are all caring people, and it is terribly, terribly sad.

"We have always prided ourselves on keeping up with training so all our staff were up to date with all the lifting techniques and equipment, as well as being very reliable.

"People need to know what time you are going to come, so they can arrange things, and the continuity of helper is also very important.

"You are going into someone's home and going to look after their loved one, so they need to be sure you know all about giving medication and whether you can cope in an emergency.

"If people are having to explain that each time to a new person, it adds to the anxiety."

Southend Social Services director, Jane Held said the council invited tenders for respite care services.

She said: "Due consideration was given to Crossroads but unfortunately it was not awarded the contract. It was awarded to the organisation which provided the level and quality of service at the best prices.

"If Crossroads wishes to meet me to talk about the situation, I am very happy to do so."

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