Chesil Lodge is at risk of being closed from next year as a result of cost savings being sought by Hampshire County Council (HCC). This facility and Newman Court in Basingstoke run at a combined loss of c£250k per annum, although many of those attending Chesil Lodge are self-funding. HCC is running a public consultation until 7th May.

Chesil Lodge is a day centre for the over 60's providing support to people with dementia, long term illnesses which affect their cognitive abilities, and those who are unable to access the community on their own and are at risk of social isolation. It was opened in 2018, and is owned and managed by Winchester City Council. 

The centre serves Winchester and its surrounding area, and the dedicated team provides stimulating activities, support and social interaction. This service enables precious respite for carers, and family members. The day centre is a key part of the lives of those who use the service.

If this service closes, carer and family members who support their loved ones are at risk of relationship breakdown; the result of this could well be a permanent place in a residential home, either funded by HCC or self-funded at a sample cost in 2025 of £1700 per week upwards (£88k per annum).

Chesil Lodge is an under utilised facility compared with pre-pandemic times. It has capacity today to provide existing services for more people, against a backdrop of an ageing demographic and growing demands on the state for more support.

It is a facility which is normally unused during evenings and weekend.

Every signature collected will demonstrate to our local authorities the value of Chesil Lodge Resource Centre.  Together, we can show the strength of our local support. Please sign the petition today and feel free to share with your contacts. We have a target of 1000 signatures. Thank you