In our December newsletter we said we anticipated a decision for our Community Asset Transfer (CAT) request by the end of January and had expected the decision to be made by 17 January. However, NHS Tayside have taken longer to assess our request and the decision will not now be made until the next formal Tayside NHS Board meeting on Thursday 25th February 2021.
We do not know what the decision will be but are hopeful to get the green light to purchase the Infirmary site to develop a Health and Wellbeing Hub for Brechin, Edzell and the Glens. However, rather than counting our chickens before they’re hatched, we have formed two small groups to look at the next step for a YES decision and a NO decision.
The YES group will plan the initial steps in the setting-up of a £multi-million project, including bringing in the necessary people with the relevant skills and experience for the project. The NO group will be preparing an appeal to the Scottish Government as we know the Hub is vital for the future health and wellbeing of our community.
The Jenner Centre, which has been open and will continue to be open during the current restrictions, is offering space to a range of organisations providing vital help to people requiring face-to-face support. This has involved over 700 hours of volunteer time allowing numerous people to receive this vital support throughout the pandemic. We know that many other organisations want to offer support in the Centre but are unable due to the restrictions. Once the restrictions are lifted the Jenner Centre will not be able to accommodate the demand and therefore the Hub is essential both to continue and expand the work of the Jenner Centre and to provide many other vital services and opportunities which will improve the quality of life for the folk in our community .
We need your continued support in the coming weeks and months whether it be a YES or NO decision and we ask that if you have the necessary skills and experience to help us in moving forward, please get in touch.
Keep safe and well and despite the restrictions we hope this will be a good year for everyone.
