I had the pleasure to visit Shirley Neighbourhood Care yesterday in their new home, the Baptist Church in Wickham Road.
The ladies were delighted to be there for lunch, to meet old friends once again and to connect with the world. Suzy and her wonderful loyal volunteers didn't falter during lockdown, nobody was forgotten, Phone calls were made to keep in touch, shopping delivered, meals cooked and taken to the most vulnerable, Christmas parcels and Easter presents packed, no one was forgotten.
How are they rewarded, the Council removed their grant last year but still they struggled on, they have been informed that it will be reviewed in December, does this mean they will get some money for December to April or they won't get anything until May ? how are you supposed to plan, no doubt they will, fortunately this is an effective, cost effective well run organisation, maybe the Council could learn something.
Cllr Sue Bennett
