My son is one of the many who relies on and benefits from the essential services for disabled adults offered by Hookstead in Crowborough which have been proposed to close in February 2025.  Together, a group of parents/carers of those that need this service so desperately are actively opposing this short-sighted and deeply impactful decision.

The proposed closure of these services is not only heart-breaking for those directly affected but is a step towards devaluing their quality of life and presence within our community. In 2019, it was reported that day services for adults with disabilities are a lifeline for approximately 500,000 individuals across the UK (The Guardian, 2019). These services provide opportunities for social interaction, learning, and life skills development, which will inevitably be undermined by their closure.

The permanent closure of these life-changing units should alarm and motivate us all. This isn't just a decision that affects a few; it's a decision that will impact our community as a whole, undermining the principle of inclusivity and mutual support.

The plan is to merge with St Nick's in Lewes and in accordance with their consultation document, take advantage of other local provisions.  The reason: to save £124,000 per year, though ESCC have failed to provide a financial breakdown of these savings. 

A key issue is, however, that there are no other viable local provisions and ESCC have no firm alternative placements to St Nick's.  The additional costs to East Sussex County Council in transport to the alternative provision in Lewes and meeting the legal requirement to integrate these adults into their local Crowborough, Uckfield or other communities will likely consume a significant chunk of the claimed savings.  

Closure of Hookstead, which ESCC has recently spent hundreds of thousands of pounds to improve, will mean huge upheaval to the service users and the carers who have for many years fought long and hard to ensure that their disabled children get appropriate care during the day whilst trying to hold down a job themselves. 

There are already too few options, especially in the north of the county, so to remove another is lunacy, especially since ESCC themselves claim that demand is growing 9% year on year.  Additional closures of other days services and the team helping disabled adults secure employment will only add to the demand, this year and beyond.

We urge the decision-makers at East Sussex County Council to reconsider the proposed closure of Hookstead Day Services and advocate for the rights and needs of all community members. Please sign this petition to save our day services and submit any supporting views to them through their public consultation - https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/adult-social-care/hookstead/