“In a life of caring for somebody with serious needs, everything’s a fight,” says Richard Franklin, a devoted father from Keynsham. One of the toughest battles he and other parents faced was saving Newton House, the respite care home their children rely on. This month, their relentless efforts have finally paid off.
Newton House, located on the outskirts of Bath, is the sole provider in Bath and North East Somerset offering short-term respite care for young people with the most severe physical disabilities and learning difficulties. For families like the Franklins, the home is a critical “lifeline” that provides support and relief.
Richard and Julie Franklin’s son, Ryan Probert, who has a rare chromosomal condition leaving him non-verbal and highly dependent on medication and care, has benefited immensely from the staff’s understanding and tailored support at Newton House. These short stays give his parents much-needed time to recharge and experience some normalcy.
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Similarly, Wendy Lucas credits Newton House for allowing her daughter, Rhiannon, to spend two days a week there, which grants Wendy a full night’s sleep — a rare and invaluable respite. Without this service, their daily lives would be unsustainable.
However, at the end of 2024, Bath and North East Somerset Council and care provider Dimensions shocked families with only two months’ notice of the home’s planned closure, citing the service as “unaffordable.” After issuing an apology for the “error” in communication and the lack of alternative provisions, families were left uncertain and alarmed.
For Derek Greenman, whose son Michael has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy, the closure news was devastating. The parents quickly mobilized, with Richard Franklin launching a petition and collaborating with local councillor Dave Biddleston to challenge the council’s decision. Their campaign successfully delayed the closure, sparking a year-long engagement where parents shared their stories and advocated relentlessly.
On January 13, 2025, marking one full year since they first confronted the council, families, including the Franklins, Lucas, and Greenman, attended a crucial council scrutiny committee meeting. Their heartfelt testimonies underscored the essential role Newton House plays. Their consistent presence kept the pressure on the council.
Finally, their dedication was rewarded. Newton House’s short breaks service will be recommissioned for an additional five to seven years. “When I got home with Julie, we just cried together,” Richard Franklin revealed, overwhelmed with relief.
Wendy Lucas expressed her gratitude: “I cannot emphasise enough how huge this relief is. It’s a complete vindication of everything we have been telling the council over the past year. It proves that parent power really does make a difference.”
Derek Greenman added, “This outcome allows us to plan our lives with some certainty — something many don’t understand unless they’re caring for someone with special needs.”
Council cabinet member for adult social care Alison Born confirmed the service’s recommissioning during a January 19 scrutiny committee meeting. Thanks to new powers under the Procurement Act 2023, the council was able to issue a direct award given the absence of alternative local services. Born expressed confidence that the process would face no further obstacles and emphasized ongoing collaboration with families and providers.
Vice-chair Liz Hardman applauded the carers’ advocacy, highlighting the scrutiny panel’s role in bringing attention to the issue and helping negotiate the positive outcome.
Ms. Born praised the cooperative spirit shown by parents and officials alike: “It was a positive, constructive process – a great example of co-production despite a rocky start.”
Looking forward, the council pledged to involve service users in any major decisions impacting care provisions. Born stated, “We won’t make significant decisions without fully involving those affected. While difficult choices may still arise, they will be informed and collaborative.”
Richard Franklin reflected on the experience: “This could have been avoided with more openness. The council recognises that now. We’re happy with this result and hopeful we won’t face such uncertainty again — not just for current users but for future generations relying on Newton House.”
The petition Richard started garnered nearly 3,000 signatures, a powerful testament to the community’s support and the victory secured by parent power.