Report of Brechin Healthcare Group Activities and Achievements

We were disappointed we did not get the Infirmary, but The Jenner Centre has been doing a lot of good work and hope to continue to do so.

In July 2023, our premises at St. David Street were put up for sale due to the landlord’s business going into administration. We submitted an application for the Common Good Property  13 Swan Street to Angus Council in March 24. Due to many issues with the property the application was withdrawn.  The other opportunity was 24 Clerk Street premises whose benefits outweighed the increased rent (plus utilities). There is only one room for 1-to-1 but we can now accommodate larger groups.  ScotMid donated chairs which have been very helpful.  With everything on one level, the disabled toilet along with two other toilets is a positive move for the new premises.  We have installed grab handles where there is a step down to the room at the back which has minimised risk of any falling. The new premises are different and do have challenges but they do  allow for further development.

Many of the activities offered by BHG address issues of loneliness and isolation although not specifically promoted as such.

Jenner Footcare: Toenail cutting service is booked up every week till end of January 2025. There are usually 7-9 bookings on a Monday with great response from all the clients for whom the NHS does not offer this service.   This service uses the one-to one small room which is available for other services for the rest of the week.   Even with two new similar businesses starting in the town, our numbers have not been affected.

Hearing Care services: The service provides hearing aid batteries and offers servicing for tubes and domes and is very busy every Tuesday and Friday.  People come from other towns as well every week since it is a drop-in service, with no appointment needed. We have been told that we have the highest numbers in the county.  We have received Appreciation Certificate from Audiology Tayside and nominated for the Star Award by NHS Tayside.

 Arts & Crafts Group: This is held every Monday afternoon from 1:30 to 3:30, and has proved very popular with 7 to 8 present each week.  Everyone brings their own materials and help each other if needed.

 Chit and Chat with Coffee: This coffee morning is held on Monday mornings. Five volunteers have passed the Food Hygiene Certificate. On an average 4 to 5, mainly women, attending. It was suggested that we have a theme once a month but this was not shown any enthusiasm by the attendees.  There is much talk  about Brechin memories which is very enjoyable.

Cancer Support Group: This Peer-to-Peer support group began in October on a once a month basis.  We wanted to help patients, families, carers during their cancer journey. Maggie’s and Macmillan focus in Dundee & Aberdeen.  We are supported by Macmillan Service, Improving the Cancer Journey,  and Macmillan Community Link Worker, by coming to every meeting.  A nurse from Brechin Medical Centre attended the second meeting and supported the participants. There has been good chatter and sharing experiences,  the two main problems sufferers facing are communication with professionals and opening up to family and friends.

DD9 Connections: Called the “wee bookie” by some, it is proving very popular.  Issue 21 coming out shortly. The adverts are mainly from charities and some paid from businesses. We have expanded the content with articles from readers (memories), useful telephone numbers, Trading Standards (scams, etc.), articles from local businesses.  There are 49 distribution points including libraries, businesses, 8 hairdressers, 400 copies are printed every 6 weeks.

Other services: There are regular bookings from the Justice Services Team, HearMe Counselling, and other service providers have started booking space at the Jenner Centre.

Brechin Memories: Sessions held at sheltered housing complexes with sessions supported by a student of Brechin High School working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

In the pipeline

Sepsis Peer to Peer Support Group.  Still in conversation with the  Sepsis Trust.

Counselling – Two psychotherapists would like to provide a service. Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund – Year 4 applied to for funding and support.

Seated Exercise, hosting Citizens Advice, Listening Service through a local church Pastoral Care

Volunteers – we are grateful to all our volunteers and hope we can attract more to help out if new services to be introduced.