Jewish Care chiefs have held a “constructive” two-hour meeting with Brighton community leaders in the aftermath of the charity’s decision to close its local residential and nursing home, Hyman Fine House.

Brighton rabbis and welfare groups had expressed sadness and outrage over the loss of a much loved facility and officers from Sussex Jewish Representative Council, Brighton and Hove Jewish Welfare Board, the Jewish Housing Association and Helping Hands made their views clear to the Jewish Care delegation.

But in a statement, the Brighton group said that following “a frank and open exchange, we left the meeting better understanding each other’s positions, whilst holding different views.

“We remain very disappointed that a beloved service in our community is going to be closed.
“However, we will work collaboratively in the future to find the best way to support the elderly Jewish residents of Brighton and Hove. As a community, we already provide many services to enhance the Jewish lives of our older members and we look forward to adding even more to these in the future.”

Jewish Care said that after hearing the local feedback and concerns, it was committed to exploring other potential services the community wished to develop — “and to consider what support Jewish Care can offer once the home closes”.

A further meeting will be held in September.