‘We cannot allow this centre to close’ says Old Town councillor

The Isabel Blackman centre looks set for closure as East Sussex County Council (ESCC) search for multi-million pound savings from its adult social care budget.

Old Hastings borough councillor James Bacon has urged local people to fight in defence of the centre saying: “I attended a Public Meeting at the Isabel Blackman Centre regarding the proposed County Council cuts to day services which include this centre in Hastings Old Town. I attended the meeting with Councillors Tania Charman and Nigel Sinden and we heard many passionate speeches from those who use the centre on a daily basis and how important it is to their quality of life. We cannot allow this centre to close or be a victim of County Council and Government cuts. This service is vital and must be kept open for the benefit of all those who currently use it and for future generations.”

a8f65268-4e83-4986-85af-9e270a0d42c1
The Isabel Blackman Centre in Winding Street is facing closure as East Sussex County Council tries to save £10m from its adult social care budget.

In agreeing its budget for the coming financial year East Sussex County Council  recognised it would need to make savings of £17 million which included a £10 million budget reduction for adult social care and health. A review is underway which is looking not just at the Isabel Blackman centre but at similar centres in Bexhill and Lewes.

A spokesman for ESCC said: “We are asking for people’s views on how we are proposing to make the nearly £10 million in savings. What people tell us will help us to understand the impact and risks associated with our proposals. There may also be other ideas that we haven’t thought of.

“Those who use services that would be affected by the proposals can speak to their provider or contact us. Frequently asked questions will be published on the website before the consultation closes in April.”

Anyone wishing to be involved in the consultation process should follow this link..

https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/adult-social-care/dayservices-updated/

The centre, in Winding Street provides a day service for the over 50s living with: dementia or alzheimers, the effects of a stroke, a learning disability or other long term conditions. It offers services for people who have support needs and says on its website that it caters for those who would like to take part in ‘stimulating activities with other older people’.

22e676db-d6c9-4a9e-9ce2-b17a6a44dca4

In addition to providing tailored care for each person who attends the centre it also provides a hot meal meal and crucially it is open every day, running from 9am until 5pm seven days a week including bank holidays and Christmas.

Old town resident Jonathan Mendenhall plans to launch a petition in support of the centre and has asked for testimonies as to the effectiveness of the centre from the families of those who have benefited over many years from the facilities it offers.

Mr Mendenhall says: “I acknowledge the difficult, sensitive and statutory obligation on ESCC to find extensive budget cuts to social adult and welfare care within the county. I earnestly urge ESCC to regard the provision of such care at The Isobel Blackman Centre to be an exceptional provision for the elderly not only within Hastings but beyond. It is so exceptional that quite frankly it is indispensable.

“There is a moral obligation which goes beyond sheer economics for ESCC to support and maintain such day care particularly as our citizens are living into greater old age.”
Making a direct appeal to ESCC Mr Mendenhall says: “We urge you to explore all grant aid options that may be available to contribute to the running of the IBC and under all circumstances to commit the council to sustain and preserve a facility which, if it closes, will add to the demise of our most vulnerable, leaving them largely isolated and ultimately dependent on a fractured NHS.”

One thought on “‘We cannot allow this centre to close’ says Old Town councillor”

  1. I have taken people there and seen what they do
    the staff are very helpful food is great and people can talk to each other
    We need to invest in place like this not cut

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Heringtons choose its Charity of the Year and it’s St Michael’s Hospice!

Just remember St Michael’s Hospice has to fundraise over £12,000 EVERY DAY to keep running and providing the vital service that it does… From April St Michael’s Hospice will be Heringtons Solicitors Charity of the Year. Following a vote among the staff of Heringtons the result was announced earlier this month at the Heringtons’ Christmas […]

Police appeal for information after brutal West Hill attack

Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman suffered multiple injuries following an assault in Hastings. On Friday evening (December 27th) a woman in her 30s climbed the steps from Exmouth Place in the Old Town that lead to the West Hill. She then sat on the second to last bench at the top […]