On the 19th of August Neighbourhood Networks service ceased in Oban and Lochgilphead.
Argyll and Bute Council have removed the budget and disposed of them in a knee jerk reaction, a piece of classic short term thinking. Their progressive, simple, inexpensive and revolutionary system of support will be lost to many vulnerable people who will now be in increased danger of harm as a result of the loss of this support.
Neighbourhood Networks operates primarily with those whose vulnerability results from learning disability. Their Community Living Workers organise small groups of folk who live within a reasonable distance of one another. This gives opportunities for developing mutually supporting social fellowships for those who might otherwise find themselves excluded from other social networks.
As a result, these individuals become more confident, assertive, self reliant, mutually protective and develop a voice of their own in the communities in which they live. The work done by Neighbourhood Networks community living workers is far from easy. Initially they have to identify those in need of their services, gain their trust, persuade them to come forward and meet with others. Then the hard work really starts. They have to develop trust between the members of the group, organise activities and social gatherings for them and, gradually, as confidence grows, move more into the background, but always be there to keep the network going.
This cut is a particularly unpleasant piece of council nastiness. At a time when disability benefits are under threat, when ATOS are doing their best to prove that even the most disabled are fit for work (for jobs that don’t exist) and when the black clouds of uncertainty about the future are depressing everyone, vulnerable adults really need the fellowship and help that Neighbourhood Networks is so professional at creating.
I was at a meeting in Lochgilphead where John Dalrymple, Neighbourhood Networks Director, addressed a mixed audience of Councillors, social care professionals, carers and, most importantly, service users. He told us the unpleasant facts about Argyll and Bute council’s decision to dump Neighbourhood Networks and then allowed the debate to flow.
He was preaching to the converted, all of us at that meeting were supportive of his cause. The most impressive part of the meeting was the contribution made by those who use the Neighbourhood Networks service. They spoke confidently and with obvious passion about their need for, and love of, the service. At one point John told us that they were contemplating a judicial review of the council’s decision. He asked “if we were up for the fight?”. While the rest of us were sheepishly looking at one another and wondering about the implications, a quiet voice piped up “I certainly am” it was one of the service users. She was rapidly followed by the other members of the Lochgilphead Network. A Churchillian speech could not have been more eloquent than those few voices confidently declaring their readiness for the battle ahead.
So, goodbye Neighbourhood Networks. Goodbye John, Becs and Margaret and thankyou for everything you have done for our communities. I have no doubt that we will see you back when more sensible heads rule at Kilmory.
mullingkintyre 