Closure of Essex respite centre expected to be re-examined today
A father from Essex is campaigning to stop the closure of Lavender House
Essex County Council's decision to close a respite centre for children with complex needs is expected to be re-examined today.
Lavender House, which is near Colchester, is set to close after the council met to formalise its plans for respite care in the county at a meeting last month.
The council's new plan for respite care includes expanding the provisions offered at The Maples, in Harlow, by expanding the capacity of the centre.
Under the council's plans, The Maples will provide a maximum of 2,912 nights of respite per year, which the council says is more than is currently delivered through Lavender House and The Maples combined.
But parents of children currently using Lavender House say the new journey to Harrow is too far for some children.
Gary Knowles' 16-year-old son Ashley attends Lavender House for 60 nights per year. He says it just won't work: "From North Essex to Harlow is a monumental journey for a child that might not travel very well at all.
"I happen to know there's a government-backed website where they recommend that no child should spend any longer than 45 minutes travelling. Well, Harlow would be an hour and a half", he said.
Gary is campaigning to keep Lavender House open after he credits it with a lot: "I firmly believe that Lavender House saved my life.
"I was in such a bad place before the service came to us. I strongly believe that it certainly saved my mental health."
He added: "Although you love your kids dearly, I think what families such as ours need is some sleep and some rest.
"And it's the fact that they know, even though their child isn't with them, they're somewhere safe and they're being looked after."
A call-in session is due to take place at Essex County Council this afternoon.