The Jenner Centre – DD9 Connections Issue No 17
The (new) Jenner Centre
Well, we’ve got here at last and The Jenner Centre has a new home – 24 Clerk Street, Brechin DD9 6AY. At the time of going to press we’ve been in for three weeks. As with any move it took a wee while to work out where everything would go but Phil was very patient as we had him move the settees from place to place to see what was best. On the suggestion of Councillor Jill Scott, SPAR Scotland had very kindly offered us 28 chairs, some with arms and some without. The placing of them was determined by their colour, interior decorators in charge! Joyce quickly set up her Footcare room which gives her a lovely bright space which – in estate agent language, has dual aspect. This is a room which, when there is no Footcare going on, can be used by anyone needing a confidential space for up to 3 clients and so we’ve furnished it accordingly. And, there’s also an alcove where if someone just needs a wee bit of office space with Wi-Fi.
Jenner Footcare – Joyce and her client
The main reception area is similar to our previous premises although a bit bigger. This is where the Hearing Aid Services are offered and has our usual friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The room to the back can be put to a variety of uses for anyone wanting to hold groups, large or small, or meetings for up to 28 people (the chairs from SPAR coming in handy).
Back (still to be named) Room
In a short few weeks we’ve proved that the premises are wheelchair friendly with plenty of room for turning in the Footcare room. The accessible toilet has also passed its first test making a visit very easy. How did we manage for 4 years at St David’s Street with none of our clients needing to negotiate the spiral staircase?
Parking is so much easier now; this end of Clerk Street is usually less busy with parking permitted for up to one hour on our side and no restrictions across the road.
Joyce and Alison at the NHS Hearing Aid Services
We continue to offer help and support in a variety of ways. Why do all these organisations assume that everyone not only has access to the internet but has the skills to do more than send an email? We’ve just helped someone set up a Direct Debit with their electricity supplier; they had received a letter telling them to do it online but they had no access to the internet. A phone call to the supplier, permission to act on the customer’s behalf and the Direct Debit was set up in no time, and reassurance given that they would continue to receive paper copies of their bill.
Another request was for help with a letter concerning jury service; how could they get to Dundee in time, the necessary bus leaving at 6.30am? A phone call to the court established that aged over 71 they could be exempt and it was made clear that they wouldn’t be called again for as long as they remained at their current address. This clearly lifted a weight off their shoulders.
You’ll see throughout this issue, articles with contact information, phone numbers and websites. If you’d like to find out more but cannot access that information you know that you can drop in to see us for assistance. (Mondays and Tuesdays & Fridays 10-12 noon at present)
We’ve asked in the past for ways that we could develop either for yourselves or for the benefit of others in the community. Now that we have premises with better space and which are easier to access we’ll be looking again for those ideas. We’ll be holding a number of open days in the coming month and would like to show you round, hear your ideas and develop the Centre in the way that will serve you best.
Moira Robertson
Trustee, BHG
Photos: Exterior, Footcare, Back room (needs a new name), Hearing Aid Services