If we have to close down, who will help the disabled in Brent?

From Brent Advocacy Concerns (for background see LINK)

Yesterday a 74 year old disabled lady visited our office for her third appointment.  Her main issue is that she lives in a council flat with no heating and is on the third floor in a block with no lifts.  She has to stay in bed all the time to keep warm.  We have had to pass her case onto Brent Start, as we do not know how much longer we can remain in our office.  Normally we would do the work ourselves but we could not be certain that we could complete her case before we had to leave our office.

Brent Clinical Commissioning Group informed us  exactly one month ago today, that they need our office for clinical use but they have not given us any further information and they do not reply to our emails.

This time last year (23rd Nov. 2016) the CCG and the council gave us assurances at 'The Well Being Scrutiny meeting' that they would support us to remain in Brent but they have not been in touch and the councillors do not reply to our emails either. 

The Dementia luncheon club adjacent to our office are still waiting to hear back from the CCG about their future.

Burnley Medical Practice have published on their website that they will start their new contract to deliver GP services from April, 2018.  But before they move in, they have reported that the construction of 8 new clinics will begin in January 2018 on the space currently used by the luncheon club.  A further 4/5 clinics will be based in the area which includes our office.

Burnley also report that they have held several meetings with the CCG and which have included the architects, the planners and others involved in the design of the practice relocation.

But to date, we have not been invited to any meetings concerning our future, nor have we been told anything about Burnley's relocation plans. Like you Martin, I can search and find out relevant information that affects us but it would be nice if the CCG would actually reply to us to officially tell us what is going on.

If we make it to next June (2018) we will have been providing services across Brent for 30 years, so we feel up for a fight, as there are still many disabled people needing our help and if we go who will take our place.

Build a stronger, healthier Chalkhill - job vacancy

Michael Stuart, who has done a terrific job on Chalkhill Estate as Well London Co-ordinator, is finishing in March  and the job is now being advertised.

I hope to publish an interview with Michael soon about the work he has done, but meanwhile here are the job details:

Well London Coordinator – £18,000 3 days a week (pro rata £30,000) fixed term one year post, with extension subject to available funding.

Well London is an exciting and ambitious programme that builds stronger local communities by getting people working together to improve their neighbourhoods, health and well-being. We have been working in Chalkhill since August 2012 and are looking for a co-ordinator to further develop the project.

The co-ordinator will be based in Chalkhill and will use community development, project management and volunteer management skills to sustain and develop current activities, increase the capacity of the local community and build relationships with local and statutory organisations. Key areas of work contributing to the Well London health and wellbeing outcomes include:

·         healthy eating

·         physical activities

·         volunteering, employment and training

·         emotional health

·         social and community activities.

It is important to build the skills, confidence and capacity of residents’ groups and activities to be independent and sustainable and to ensure all sections of the local community are involved.

How to apply:  download the Application Form and Job Description/Person Specification from the link below or email m.stuart@cvsbrent.org.uk. Closing date for applications is Sunday 1^st February (midnight), with interviews on Wednesday 11th February. Please return completed applications to m.stuart@cvsbrent.org.uk. For an informal discussion about the post please contact the existing postholder, Michael Stuart, on 0756 8575 580.

Application Form

http://www.cvsbrent.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Well-London-Chalkhill-Application-form.doc

Job Description / Person Specification

http://www.cvsbrent.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Well-London-JD-and-PS-2015.doc

Advert

http://www.cvsbrent.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WLC-Advert.docx