Stop the closing of Cedar House respite centre in Spalding, Lincolnshire for adults with learning disabilities

For many years, our dedicated team has provided essential support at our respite centre for adults with learning disabilities in our community. Cedar House is a lifeline for the individuals we support and their families, offering them a much-needed break from daily challenges. We work every day with these individuals, building trust and understanding of their unique needs. Our service is irreplaceable, and we have seen first hand the immense positive impact it has on the well-being of both the individuals and their families.

However, the council's decision to close our centre threatens to uproot these individuals from the nurturing environment they are accustomed to, and place them into alternative care settings such as care homes for older people, which are neither suitable nor designed for the younger individuals we support. This one-size-fits-all solution does not account for the specific needs and challenges of the people we care for, nor does it consider the dynamics and potential disruption for current residents of those care facilities.

Our respite centre offers specialized support tailored to the unique needs of adults with learning disabilities, fostering an environment conducive to their personal growth, comfort, and social engagement. The council's proposal to relocate these individuals to settings that lack specialized care and age-appropriate companionship undermines their right to effective and compassionate support. It disregards years of personal development and adaptation made possible by the bespoke services we offer.

We urge the council to reconsider this decision and explore alternative measures that safeguard the continuation of our centre. These could include exploring partnerships with local organizations or securing additional funding through grants and community fundraising initiatives to maintain this critical service. We need your voice to convince the council that our respite centre is a vital part of the community.

Please sign this petition and help us keep our respite centre open, ensuring that adults with learning disabilities receive the care and environment they truly deserve.