As well as our Alex’s article regarding the stakeholders meeting at the Riverside Centre on Saturday, we also have a report from a stakeholder who attended the meeting. Ed
More than 80 people attended the Stakeholders meeting at the Riverside Centre on Saturday.
Several councillors were there, Geoff Lumley, Ian Stevens, Reg Barry, Vanessa Churchman, John Howe among them. Andrew Turner gave his support as well as Jill Wareham and Mark Chiverton.
But most of all, it was a chance for the users of the Riverside to voice their opinions and ask questions.
Introductions
Shirley Smart, Chair of Trustees, opened proceedings by welcoming everyone and emphasising the importance of the meeting. She expressed her regret that no members of the cabinet or senior officers felt able to attend, but thanked those members of the council who were present. Shirley then handed over to Richard Priest.
He opened by highlighting the centre’s commitment to the “Transforming Social Care” agenda. “The management and trustees are 100% in favour of the concept” he said. It gives choice to the service user. It was the implementation of it that was problematical.
Richard went on to present the difficulties facing the centre.
Problems faced by Riverside
Reduced income – losing over £110,000 which represents over 20% of total income.
Increased costs – indicative rent increase of over £100,000 as well as removal of business rate subsidy. The cost of providing transport for users of other services estimated at £60,000 for which no payment is received.
These factors combined make the Riverside financially nonviable, he continued. Problems had arisen by the failure of the council to address these issues or to even enter into a dialogue with the centre.
He then went on to outline the options open to the centre including increased room hire charges, introducing charges and providing services to other, smaller, charities.
The vision was that it should become a “hub” for the voluntary sector, he continued.
Audience discussion
The meeting was then opened up to the audience for questions, but Richard pointed out that as the local authority had yet to respond to queries raised it would be difficult to come up with any firm answers.
A centre user, Peter, asked where would users go if it were to close?
No one was able to give him a firm answer.
Then followed several users who paid tribute to the help that they had, and continue to have, from Riverside.
Councillors and parliamentary candidates speak out
Jill Wareham spoke about the lack of an Equality Impact Assessment, Geoff Lumley took the floor to lambast the administration, although he brought some amusement to the proceedings, as he was happy that no councillors had turned up, given his promise a week earlier to “run naked around the Riverside” if any had!
Ian Stevens spoke eloquently about the need for the Island to care for its vulnerable citizens and John Howe followed with a plea for the council to remember it heritage and the charitable efforts that led to the foundation of the Riverside.
Mark Chiverton then spoke promising the full support of Unison in the efforts to enable the survival of the Riverside.
All in all a positive morning with a great deal of passion and commitment to support the efforts of the Riverside and its clients.
As Richard Priest said “It’s not about the Riverside it’s about the people that use it.”
