Parents’ Tears of Relief as Lifeline Respite Service Secured in Bath

Parents of Bath’s most vulnerable young people are overjoyed after a critical respite care home, Newton House, was saved from closure. As the only facility in Bath and North East Somerset offering short-term care for young people with severe needs, Newton House provides essential relief to families who care for their loved ones round the clock.

In 2024, families were told the service would close by October due to financial constraints. This news sparked a year-long campaign by parents and supporters determined to keep the lifeline open. On January 13, exactly one year after parents first pleaded with the council to save Newton House, families were informed that the council is now negotiating a five-year contract extension with Dimensions, the service provider.

Richard and Julie Franklin, whose son Ryan requires constant care and stays regularly at Newton House, expressed their overwhelming relief: “When I got home with Julie the pair of us just cried together.” Wendy Lucas, who thanks to Newton House finally gets a full night’s sleep twice a week, said, “It’s wonderful news for all the families… I cannot emphasise what a huge relief this is and a complete vindication of everything we have been telling the council.”

The announcement follows a difficult period where families were notified via letters about the impending closure—letters sent before the council’s cabinet member for adult services, Alison Born, was informed herself. After public outcry, the closure was paused and eventually postponed to October 2025. During this time, families became active campaigners, presenting their case at council meetings and joining working groups.

Thanks to new powers under the Procurement Act 2023, the council can now directly negotiate contracts, enabling the continuation of this much-needed service. A council paper states, “This approach reflects the expressed preferences of families and addresses the critical need to ensure continuity of care for vulnerable adults and their carers.” The council is committed to ensuring no gaps in service from October 1 when the current arrangement expires.

Richard Franklin summed up the community’s feelings: “People have seen how valuable this service is… Having somewhere you can trust to leave your loved ones is absolutely vital.” Councillor Dave Biddleston emphasized the importance of respite care, noting it is “not a luxury, it is absolutely essential” to protect the health and wellbeing of carers and families.

Newton House’s future will be officially discussed in the council’s children, adults, health, and wellbeing scrutiny committee on January 19, marking a hopeful new chapter for families relying on this irreplaceable service.