Councillors Welcomed to Frindsbury House

As you will have seen across the media, Social Care has come under unprecedented pressure from funding cuts and a serious shortage of care staff, across all areas of need within the system.  However, the specific issues at Birling and Frindsbury House, where we care mainly for people living with long term neurological conditions, have not so far been highlighted and we have felt under represented and in need of raising our profile within Medway Council.  Our residents come into our care at a much younger age and have increasing needs throughout their lives.  This requires highly skilled staff to manage and support their care.

On Wednesday 1st December, David Oliver (Chair of Trustees) and representatives of the Board of Trustees, were very pleased to welcome Medway Councillors Elizabeth Turpin and John Williams, both representing the Strood Rural area to Frindsbury House.  The purpose of the visit was to highlight and discuss the Society's specific issues and difficulties being experienced.  These included the crisis in the recruitment and retention of care staff, but also on access to funding as our residents needs increase.  The incorrect public perception of Caring as an unskilled occupation was also discussed, when actually carers have to be highly trained in order to manage the complex needs of residents in their care.  Trustees also explained how a mismatch of funding, which happens if appropriate increases are not made, could threaten the long term financial security of the Society.  Mrs Turpin was able to offer some practical advice towards problem solving this issue, which was enormously encouraging and well received.  Possible links were also suggested with other areas of the local community which will now be explored.  A tour of the house, facilities, gardens and social areas completed the very positive visit.  The Trustees felt that a very important link has now been established with the local councillors, which can now be built on.  A very positive outcome for the Mortimer Society and thanks to both Mrs Turpin and Mr Williams for taking the time to visit us at Frindsbury House.