Area needs health and community forum
It's a crying shame if Sunderland Council allows Southwick Health and Community Forum to go to the wall, as it appears to be doing.
Here's a charity in the most deprived area of the city, crying out for a 70,000 lifeline to save it from closing its doors in six weeks time.
It's so desperate to stay in existence, staff have agreed – four part-timers and one full – to take a cut in wages in the hope that the north area committee of 14 councillors cough up the cash from their 200,000-plus Strategic Initative Budget with the council's blessing.
Project manager Keith Brazier said an interim payment from the council of 4,000 a month for six months could be the lifesaver they need. He has tried every avenue for external funding and hit a brick wall.
The three women ward councillors – Christine Shattock, Norma Wright and Rosalind Copeland – are backing them to the hilt to save the forum and pleading with fellow councillors to do the same to give the forum time to apply for grants from outside bodies.
It's the beating heart of the community, offering not just activities that span the generations, courses to get people back into work and trips for peanuts or even free, but a spirit of hope that should not be crushed for lack of cash.
How I wished I was a secret millionaire when I walked through the door of the forum this week in Southwick Road and what a lifeline it has been since it came into existence eight years ago.
This is about people, children, youngsters, single mams, the isolated, the ailing, old people, the struggling, the widowed, the lonely, the depressed, the victims of domestic violence, the hard-ups who, but for places like the forum, would be lost.
Having seen the amazing work that goes on for all the community – not just those on its doorstep but people from Fulwell, Roker, Witherwack, Town End Farm and Red House – it is vital that this place stays open.
70,0000 sounds a fortune to those who are fighting for funding. But it's a drop in the ocean when set against the difference this place is making in lives. That is worth it's weight in gold.
How much will be spent in doling out anti-depressants if this place shuts? And how many doctors and specialists time will be taken up seeing people?
Although the forum may not be prescribing direct health prescriptions – although its chair exercises, keep fit, walking, cycling and dancing groups are a definite fitness boon – it is definitely a big saving to the public.
It has a dedicated band of more than 50 volunteers and a contingent were all fired up for a meeting with local councillors on Monday night at Bunny Hill Health Centre to plead their case.
Half an hour before the meeting, they were informed it had been cancelled.
There was no mention that it would take place the following night at Sunderland Civic Centre.
It smacks of contrivance. The council knew that a deputation from the forum was planning to turn up with questions they had already submitted for councillors' consideration.
Suspicious until we know otherwise.
If you do, do tell me.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Sunderland striker Campbell fresh to face Middlesbrough
- Sunderland’s astonishing rise even surprising Martin O’Neill
- Middlesbrough 1 Sunderland 2 (aet): O’Neill relieved to avoid shoot-out lottery as Sessegnon wins it
- Martin O’Neill defends David Meyler after criticism from Tony Pulis
- Kieran Richardson says there is plenty more to come from James McClean
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South west
