Campaigners are calling on Leonard Cheshire Disability to reverse a decision to sell one of its care homes, fearing that it will be taken on a by a private company.
But the charity says that the sale of the property, which is home to around 30 people, is necessary and that it is looking for an organisation which shares its values.
Leonard Cheshire informed residents that the Marske Hall care home would be sold at the end of July and the families of some of the residents have started a campaign calling on the charity to reverse the decision.
They say that there has been no consultation and that they are "fearful for the future of residents, workers, volunteers and the impact on the local community in Marske and Cleveland". Campaigners also suspect that the home will be sold to a "private for-profit business".
A petition on 38 Degrees has attracted over 1,400 signatures.
Local MP, Anna Turley, a former Labour shadow minister for civil society, has also written to Leonard Cheshire's chief executive, Neil Heslop, urging him to rethink the decision and requested a meeting with him.
"People fear a decline in service, they fear the loss of the volunteer network which contributes so much to the quality of the life of residents and they worry that a future owner will decide to close the home entirely," she said.
The community's response to the news that Leonard Cheshire are to sell Marske Hall shows how loved and respected the home is. I have written to the CEO of the charity to ask for a meeting and will give any support I can to the @save_hall campaign. #SaveMarskeHall pic.twitter.com/1KvCSHuQWO
— Anna Turley MP (@annaturley) August 6, 2018
Leonard Cheshire response
But the disability charity said that to make a bigger impact it needed to make "difficult decisions" about some services and was looking for an organisation with "similar values" to take over at Marske Hall.
In a statement it said: “We know this is a difficult and worrying time for many, including the residents and their families, and we will continue to support them throughout this process.
“The standard of care at Marske Hall is excellent and we know the service is a key part of the local community with a unique culture. When considering potential buyers we will be looking for evidence of similar values to Leonard Cheshire, the ability to provide first class care and make long-term investment in Marske Hall.
“In 2018 all charities must continue to challenge themselves to make a bigger difference. Leonard Cheshire has set out to reach significantly more disabled people and to make this ambition a reality we have had to make some difficult decisions about some of our services.”
“All funds raised from this sale will be invested in the provision of UK community, residential and outreach services.”
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