Round up from the Regional Networks
Jo McTavish, ERoSH's Regional Development chair, gives an update on what's happening in the regional networks. We hope it will encourage you to take an active role in your existing local ERoSH network or help start a new one in your area.
London's next meeting and AGM is on Wednesday 30 April at Westminster Town Hall. The guest speaker will talk about hospital discharge. Jen Finnigan is standing down as secretary so a volunteer is sought to replace her. Many thanks to Jen who has served both as an excellent chair and secretary of the network.
Waltham Forest has not met for a while as the joint chairs, Sam Kahn and Julia Hayes, unfortunately both had to resign within weeks of each other. A number of people have expressed interest in the network continuing and Linda Milton, who originally set up and chaired the group, is co-ordinating efforts to organise a re-launch meeting. Please contact Linda if you would like to be involved and / or information about the proposed re-launch. Thanks to Sam and Julia for their contribution to ERoSH in Waltham Forest.
Bromley has also not met for a long time as the chair moved to a job in Sussex and has joined the Sussex network. I have contacted some people who used to attend meetings and are keen to see the network re-established but we would welcome support from others. Would anyone be prepared to host a re-launch meeting? Please contact me by phone or email.
Sussex last met on January 23 to learn more about the Mental Capacity Act. Daniel Blake from Action on Elder Abuse will speak about the Protection Agenda at the next meeting on the April 23. Sussex has formed a unique partnership with the Sussex Gerontology Network and will hold their second joint workshop on April 9 about the future role of sheltered / retirement housing and will look particularly at the hub and spoke model.
Kent's meetings continue to be well attended and at the last meeting in February, the new ERoSH DVD was shown and discussed. Members recognised the positive benefits of having promotional material aimed specifically at social care and health professionals. They also looked at the future of telecare in Kent and agreed meeting topics for 2008. The Kent group will next meet in Maidstone on April 15. The agenda will be available within the next few days.
The West Midlands network continues to meet at various venues around the area. February's meeting in Wolverhampton viewed the DVD and discussed the Mental Capacity Act. On May 13, the group will meet in Coventry and will discuss floating support.
We soon hope to re-launch ERoSH Cymru. In February, Wayne Emery, our trustee from Wales, held investigative meetings in both North and South Wales. Considerable interest was expressed at both meetings and Wayne has recruited several new members. Please contact Wayne for further information and to discuss the future format of ERoSH in Wales.
Northern Ireland continues to be very active and ‘Engage with Age' was the topic at their last meeting. At their AGM on April 4, they will explore a possible research project about the benefits of sheltered housing. The network is also planning to organise a conference in September specifically aimed at front line staff.
All the networks would welcome new members to their meetings, so please contact the network chairs who will give you further information. If you and other colleagues would like to consider starting a network in your area, please contact me for an informal chat.
Jo McTavish
Chair, Regional Development Sub Group
