September Update

Since our last newsletter in May we have moved forward in two main areas, the Jenner Centre and our Community Asset Transfer (CAT) request for the Brechin Infirmary site to develop a health and wellbeing hub.

At the end of June we picked up the keys for the Jenner Centre and during July and August we were busy getting it ready to be a listening space for the whole community. The Centre is at 24 St David Street, the former Santander building, and we want to say a big thank you to Andy Edgar, the owner, for leasing the premises to us.

On the ground floor the Centre has a large reception area and a small meeting room for one-two-one appointments and on the first floor another small meeting room, a larger room for small group meetings, a kitchen and toilet facilities.

During the past weeks we have purchased and acquired a range of furniture and put in place all the necessary stuff to do with social distancing. Also, we have had visits from a wide range of groups and organisations who want to use the space in the Centre to offer help and support to people with long-term health conditions and those whose health and wellbeing has been affected by the lockdown.

At present we have two organisations using the premises although the others, who are very keen to use the Centre, are unable to do so due to the current restrictions. It is hoped that in the coming weeks the restrictions will be eased so that face-to-face appointments can take place.

We have been very fortunate to receive funding support for the Centre and we are extremely grateful to the Corra Foundation and the North East Locality Improvement Group for their financial support.

If you would like more information about the Centre our phone number is 07547 794996 or email us at brechinhealthcaregroup@gmail.com.

In connection with our CAT request for the Infirmary site we are now in discussion with NHS Tayside. At present we are discussing with them the value of the site, that is the Main Building, the Annexe and the extensive external grounds, and the price we want to buy it for. As we want to buy it at a discounted price we need to show the financial benefit to NHS Tayside so that they sell it to us at a discount.

A ‘way out’ example would be – if the site is valued at £5 million and we want to buy it for £1 million we have to show how the health and wellbeing hub will be £4 million financially beneficial to NHS Tayside over a period of time, say 5 or 10 years. As you can imagine it’s not an easy thing to do, but it has to be done.

We are hoping to have the final CAT decision by the end of October as the decision will determine if we can apply in November to the Scottish Land Fund for a grant to buy the site.

We will keep you updated on the progress of our discussions with NHS Tayside and with the developments at the Jenner Centre.

Thank you for your continued help and support and if you want to know more please get in touch.