Local MP Tracey Crouch welcomed to Birling Hous

On Friday 10th June, the Conservative MP for Chatham and Aylesford Tracey Crouch was warmly welcomed to Birling House.  She had been invited by the Trustees to strengthen our campaign to raise awareness of the challenging issues the Society faces, as a specialist provider of care for younger adults.  The needs of our residents living with debilitating neurological conditions unfortunately increase over time but funding has often failed to keep up.  Other challenges included staff recruitment and retention and the soaring cost of living, especially for energy.  Dr David Oliver (Chair of Trustees) gave some background information about HD and the long term nature of the condition and increasing needs.  Three other trustees present all had relatives who had been residents or are currently being cared for by the society now, so were able to give their perspective too.  Ms Crouch was able to make some very positive suggestions for action which will be followed up by the CEO and Trustees as soon as possible.  All those attending the meeting agreed that it was an extremely positive experience for us, with ideas for future action, problem solving and raising our profile.

Finally, Ms Crouch was given a tour of Birling House led by Mrs Tracey Edwards (Manager) and Mr Paul Studd our CEO, who organised the fantastic conversion and refurbishment of three ensuite bedrooms on the top floor.  These rooms are now already occupied with very happy residents.  Most importantly, a new lift has been installed which is big enough to hold a stretcher and meets the needs of everyone living and working at Birling House in the 21st Century.  As the pictures show, everyone present was very happy to see the lift officially opened and this will have a lasting, positive impact on everyone at Birling House.