Disability charity Leonard Cheshire puts 17 care homes up for sale

A total of 17 care homes are to be sold off by disability charity Leonard Cheshire as it makes "difficult decisions" in order to "reach significantly more disabled people".

The charity has decided to sell care homes in Leeds, Sheffield and York as it believes some of its homes “are not in the right places”.

Homes affected include Champion House in Leeds, Alne Hall near York, Kenmore in Cleckheaton, White Windows in Sowerby Bridge and Mickley Hall in Sheffield.

The charity's care home residents include people with physical and sensory impairments, those with learning disabilities, older people and those with an acquired brain injury.

'Not in the right places'

A spokesperson for Leonard Cheshire said: “We know this is a difficult and worrying time for many, including the residents and their families, and we will be supporting them throughout this process.

"The continuity and quality of support, and the welfare of all residents is our top priority during this period as we look to secure a new provider.

“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. To make this ambition a reality we have had to make some difficult decisions about some of our services.

“A small minority of our properties are not in the right places with easy access to community amenities and with scope to grow. Other providers are better placed to make long-term investment in these services."

Once the homes are sold, Leonard Cheshire will operate 137 services across the UK of which 87 are registered care homes with the CQC and other devolved nation care regulators.

All funds raised from the sale of the care homes will be invested in UK community, residential and outreach services.

The charity's spokesperson added: “There is huge unmet need across the country in the support that is available to enable disabled people to live as independently as possible, whatever their ability. Leonard Cheshire must be at the heart of building a more inclusive society."