Norma McGovern - Working for You
Dryburgh - Wednesday 29th August
I attended Barnardo's Scotland SPACE Service Open Day in Dryburgh Education Centre.
This service supports children and their families who are experiencing significant difficulties at home in school or in the community.
SPACE aims to improve the quality of life for children and young people and, where possible, to enable them to remain in mainstream education and with their families.
I met some of the children and young people involved with the service, and I had the opportunity to speak to staff and managers from Barnardo's.
Menzieshill - Wednesday 29th August
I attended Menzieshill Tenants' and Residents' Association meeting.
The main item on the agenda was the problem with drug users congregating around the chemist shop each day when they are receiving their medication and the associated anti social behaviour.
In an effort to reduce this problem, it was agreed that the community police officer would visit the shopping precinct most days, more attention will be given to surveillence with the mobile police CCTV being deployed, and Crimestopper contact information will be displayed in the neighbouring shops.
The Anti Social Team have urged all residents to immediately contact the police if they see any drug activities taking place.
Thursday 30th August
I attended Dundee Carers Centre AGM and open forum day at the West Park Centre.
This was a very enjoyable event and some of the carers, young and old, gave their stories and told of their experiences to a very attentive audience.
Their stories were very heartwarming to listen to and to listen to them in their own words made the experience extra special.
There were individual round table discussions on hypothetical case studies involving carers, service users and councillors.
The one issue that came up consistently was the need for more respite for carers.