Six months ago, I joined the team at one of the two remaining adult respite centres in Lincolnshire, where we provide invaluable support to adults with learning disabilities. Our centre is not just a place of work; it is a beacon of hope and support for our service users and their families. Our mission is to create an environment where respect, independence, and care go hand in hand. The planned closure of these last two centres by the council threatens to extinguish the light of this vital community service which so many depend on every day.

These centres are more than just facilities, they are lifelines for families who rely on periodic respite to balance the demands of caring for their loved ones, allowing them to rejuvenate and maintain their careers, families, and personal health. Closing these centres means severing this crucial support, leaving families to struggle without the necessary resources or respite.

Statistics show that in Lincolnshire, the demand for adult respite care is increasing due to an aging population and the rising need for specialised support for adults with learning disabilities. Closing these facilities not only goes against the growth in demand but also highlights a grave neglect in providing equitable support for every person in our community. Further compounding the issue is the lack of alternative services in the region, leaving our service users with no reprieve.

It is well-documented that respite care reduces the likelihood of burnout amongst primary caregivers—a factor that is critical in preventing more extensive healthcare requirements down the line.

Join us in urging the council to halt their closure plans and save these critical adult respite centres. We need your voice to protect an essential service that profoundly impacts the lives of countless families and maintains the wellbeing of our community's most vulnerable members. Sign this petition to keep the spirit of care and resilience alive in Lincolnshire.