Initiative started to protect disability care center

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Initiative started to protect disability care center

Last update: 03/04/2026
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Over 2000 locals have signed a petition to save Wellington House Day Centre in East Sussex, a vital service for people with disabilities, following a council proposal to close it to reduce costs. Families and caregivers warn the closure could severely disrupt essential care and support.

Initiative started to protect disability care center

More than 2,000 people have endorsed a petition aimed at preventing the shutdown of the Wellington House Day Centre, a key service for individuals with disabilities located in East Sussex. This petition comes in response to a proposal by Brighton & Hove City Council, which seeks to close the centre as part of its annual budget measures, targeting savings of approximately £400,000.

Community Response to Closure Proposal

The proposed closure has alarmed many local residents, particularly parents and caregivers of those attending the centre. Susan Starr, a parent and caregiver, conveyed her unease regarding the council’s recommendation, emphasizing her hope that the council would maintain this essential service for people with disabilities.

Mitchie Alexander, the council cabinet member responsible for communities, equalities, public health, and adult social care, explained that the suggested changes are part of a broader strategy to modify the delivery of day support services for adults. The adjustments aim to maintain high-quality care for users while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of these services.

Consequences of Potential Closure

According to the council’s budget proposal, if approved, Wellington House Day Centre may be repurposed or sold to generate capital funds. This prospect has raised considerable concern within the community, as many depend on the centre for daily care and support. Families fear the closure could significantly disrupt the lives of those attending the facility.

Protests and Public Opposition

On February 26, 2023, parents, caregivers, and union members organized a protest outside Hove Town Hall ahead of the council’s annual budget meeting. Susan Starr, whose daughter Becky attends the centre three nights a week, highlighted that her daughter would struggle to leave home without attending Wellington House.

Corinna Edwards-Colledge of the Brighton & Hove Unison union strongly opposed the closure, describing it as detrimental to the individuals relying on the service. She noted that 21 people would lose access to essential support, potentially forcing them into residential care and increasing costs for the council.

Concerns from Other Families

Other parents have shared similar worries, emphasizing the lack of viable alternatives for users of Wellington House. Sue Holder, whose autistic son has complex needs including epilepsy, described the closure as catastrophic for her family. She emphasized that the day centre provides indispensable care and support that cannot be easily replaced.

Council Response and Consultation Process

The council has confirmed that it will carry out a consultation involving service users, their families, caregivers, and staff at Wellington House to gather feedback and explore potential alternatives. Mitchie Alexander assured the public that the council would only proceed with closure if it is fully confident that all 21 current attendees could be supported with services of equal or higher quality.

Future Prospects for Wellington House Day Centre

The situation underscores the tension between fiscal constraints and the need to provide crucial support for people with disabilities. As Brighton & Hove City Council finalizes its budget decisions, the status of Wellington House remains uncertain. The consultation will play a key role in determining whether suitable alternatives can be arranged to ensure continued care and social engagement for those dependent on the centre.

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Author: Lucas Grant
Lucas Grant is a sports journalist with extensive experience covering football and basketball championships. Known for factual accuracy and an engaging, dynamic writing style.

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