Reverse Course On Phoenix Centre Closure Say Lib Dems To County Council

Lewes Liberal Democrats have continued their campaign to protect the Phoenix Centre, a vital social care facility in Lewes that supports some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. Local MP James MacCleary and Councillor Kevin West have sent in responses and have been urging residents to respond to East Sussex County Council’s consultation on the proposed closure of the centre, which has sparked widespread concern.

Cllr Kevin West recently submitted a petition calling for the Phoenix Centre to remain open. The campaign has highlighted the irreplaceable role the centre plays in providing care, respite, and connection for older adults and their carers.

In his submission to the council, James MacCleary outlined the severe social, emotional, and financial impacts of the proposed closure. He highlighted that many clients would face increased isolation, rapid deterioration in health, and barriers to accessing alternative care due to mobility and transport challenges.

James said: “The Phoenix Centre is a lifeline for so many people in our community. It offers critical services to older adults, including those living with dementia, Parkinson’s, and the after-effects of strokes. Closing this facility would have devastating consequences for clients and their families.

“The stories I’ve heard from residents make it abundantly clear just how vital this centre is. I understand the council is in a difficult financial position but I hope they listen to the huge value this service offers and reverse course.”

Cllr Kevin West, Lib Dem Town Councillor for Lewes Priory, said: “This campaign shows how much our community values the Phoenix Centre. The response has been overwhelming. It’s clear that closing this facility would be a step backwards in supporting vulnerable residents.

“We will continue to stand up for the Phoenix Centre and make sure the council knows how vital it is to Lewes.”

The Lib Dem petition is available here: www.leweslibdems.org.uk/phoenix

The consultation, which ends on 28th November, can be seen here: https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/adult-social-care/phoenix-centre/consultation/subpage.2024-10-01.9475430060/

Here is the text of James's submission to the consultation: 

Dear East Sussex County Council,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed closure of the Phoenix Centre in Lewes. As the Member of Parliament for Lewes, I have seen first hand the transformative impact this facility has on the lives of its clients, carers, and the wider community. Its closure would have devastating consequences for some of the most vulnerable residents in our area. 

     1. The Phoenix Centre as a Lifeline 

The Phoenix Centre is a lifeline for the individuals it supports. During my recent visit to the centre, I spoke with clients whose lives have been immeasurably improved by the care, activities, and companionship the centre provides. For many, attending the Phoenix Centre is their only opportunity to socialise and engage in meaningful activities, which are critical in combating the harmful effects of social isolation. The services provided at the Phoenix Centre are irreplaceable. The centre supports older adults, many of whom live with complex conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, and the after-effects of strokes. Its dedicated staff ensure clients’ safety, health, and dignity through services like personal care, medication administration, and assistance with eating. The centre also provides a hot meal each day—something that some clients may not otherwise have access to. It has specialised facilities and equipment and is geared towards helping vulnerable older residents. 

     2. Overwhelming Community Support 

Since the consultation began, I have received a significant number of letters and emails from residents, many of whom have shared personal and heartfelt stories about the vital role the Phoenix Centre plays in their lives or the lives of their loved ones. It is clear that the community values this facility enormously and would like to see it remain open. The centre also provides crucial support to carers by offering respite, allowing them to continue caring for their loved ones while maintaining their own health and wellbeing. Without this support, many carers risk burnout, which would further strain already overstretched local services. 

     3. Preventing Social Isolation 

Social isolation is a crisis among older adults, particularly those living with complex health needs. The Phoenix Centre addresses this by providing a safe, welcoming space where clients can interact with others, participate in engaging activities, and maintain a sense of purpose and connection. If the Phoenix Centre were to close, many clients would face the prospect of being confined to their homes, leading to a decline in both their mental and physical health. For some, the Phoenix Centre is the only opportunity they have to leave their homes and engage with others. Alternative facilities which are further afield or less specialised would come with additional cost or barriers to combat this social isolation. 

     4. Broader Implications for Health and Social Care 

The closure of the Phoenix Centre would have wide-reaching consequences beyond the immediate loss of services. Without the care it provides: Clients’ health could deteriorate more rapidly, leading to increased hospital admissions and greater demand on the NHS. Families and carers would lose essential respite, potentially leading to crises in caregiving. The local community would lose a vital resource, exacerbating inequalities in access to care and support. These outcomes would ultimately cost more than the savings achieved by closing the centre, both in financial and human terms. 

     5. Recent Refurbishment and Long-Term Potential

 It is also important to note that the Phoenix Centre has recently been refurbished, demonstrating its potential as a long-term asset for the community. Closing it now would waste this investment and deprive Lewes of a facility that is uniquely equipped to meet the needs of an ageing population. 

     6. Increased Costs and Barriers for Clients Travelling from Outside Areas 

The closure of the Phoenix Centre would force clients and their families to travel to alternative day services further afield, creating significant additional costs and logistical challenges. Many of the clients who rely on the Phoenix Centre have mobility issues or complex health needs, making long journeys both physically and emotionally taxing. For families or carers who already face financial pressures, the added expense of travel—whether through private transport, taxis, or public transport—would be unsustainable. These increased travel distances also pose accessibility challenges, particularly for those in rural parts of Lewes and the surrounding areas where public transport options are limited. By relocating services further away, the council risks cutting off access entirely for some of the most vulnerable residents, leaving them isolated and without the support they need.

 Conclusion 

The Phoenix Centre is an indispensable part of our community, offering essential care, connection, and respite for those who need it most. The stories I have heard from residents and my own conversations with clients and carers make it abundantly clear that the centre must be preserved. I urge the council to reconsider this proposal and explore alternative ways to achieve the necessary budget savings without cutting such a vital service. The human cost of closing the Phoenix Centre is simply too great to justify. 

Best wishes,

James MacCleary MP Member of Parliament for Lewes