Lifeworks NHS occupation ends in victory

Submitted by AWL on 9 July, 2014 - 6:53

Lifeworks is a Complex Cases Service drop in centre which currently supports over 70 people with complex mental health problems in the Cambridge district. Following a deeply flawed decision by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust to close the Lifeworks centre in a bid to ‘save’ money, taken behind the backs of those using it, a group of service users decided to occupy it. (We covered the struggle extensively: see here for our 7 May interview with the occupiers).

After four months in occupation a legal agreement has been signed confirming the service will continue, as before, for at least the next five years.

This is a major victory and proof positive that resistance and solidarity works.

The occupiers refused to be moved from the building, operating a rota and sharing duties to cook and clean as well as carry out the tasks needed to keep the campaign going. They took their struggle to the streets with protests, leafleting and petitioning sessions in Cambridgeshire town centres. They forged links with local trade unionists and campaign groups such as DPAC. They took their fight to the county council, to politicians and to Parliament.

The importance of the service to the community, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the Cambridgeshire area cannot be overstated. For people with conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder it can mean the difference between life or death. Due to the perseverance and tenacity of the service users, the service is safe, for now. We must support efforts to ensure that services such as these remain open for those that need them now and in the future.

There was sadness amongst the occupiers as they began the process of packing up to leave the building. But this was because they have developed such strong bonds with each other and with supporters throughout the campaign.

This is major victory against cuts to the Health Service and against austerity politics. It a victory for the most vulnerable people in society. The Lifeworks occupiers are an inspiration to all of us. Ordinary people can win. We can win.

Comments

Submitted by AWL on Wed, 09/07/2014 - 18:58

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.