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Pupils from Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Hove and parishioners from St Joseph's and St John the Baptist Catholic churches in East Brighton are campaigning with Citizens UK to deliver affordable housing for the city and support much-needed key workers.

In an article published in The Argus shortly before Christmas, Brighton and Hove Citizens - described as the largest alliance of civil society institutions across the city - highlighted the significant impact that “soaring housing costs" are having on nurses, teachers, care workers and families in Brighton and Hove, with research highlighting that “NHS staff are leaving the city in significant numbers" because they cannot afford to live in the area.

Ophthalmic nurse Chidi Ezikpe moved with his family to the town of Peacehaven after his previous landlord increased their rent. Speaking to the BBC earlier this month, he said many colleagues had left their jobs due to the cost of housing. The local NHS trust plans to create a modern health hub on the site of Brighton General Hospital (built in the 1800s) and sell off the rest of the land. Campaigners are urging the trust not to sell to a private investor and instead use the space for affordable homes to help retain essential workers.

Claire Jarman, Principal of Cardinal Newman and member of the Brighton and Hove branch of Citizens UK, warned that the city risked losing talented teachers and support staff without affordable housing: "Younger staff love Brighton," she said, "but many move on after a year or two because they can't afford to stay. Even experienced staff take on extra work just to cover costs."

A Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said it welcomed the opportunity to work with local partners and the wider community as it explored the future of the Brighton General Hospital site. Reflecting on the campaign, and St Joseph and St John the Baptist's campaign work with Citizens UK, Parish Priest Canon Kieron O'Brien said:

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“We are delighted to be campaigning on this important issue with Citizens UK and students and staff from Cardinal Newman Catholic School. Finding affordable housing is a real struggle for many key workers, including those in our church and school communities, who are unable to find a stable home for themselves and their families in the city they serve.

"Catholic Social Teaching affirms the dignity of the human person and the need to work together for the common good. Through a culture of dialogue and action, and working with local council and NHS partners, we hope to bring about positive change in Brighton & Hove.”

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You can read Brighton & Hove Citizens' Housing Report, which was compiled last year, below: