All posts by ianr

Extra social care money must be focused in right places says Surrey CC

In a statement, Surrey Council says it welcomes the government’s proposals on the long-term future of adult social care, but says it must ensure any additional funding is passed on to authorities tasked with delivering it.

It is in response to plans to raise National Insurance to help the NHS and the care sector following the pandemic.

The statement reads:

It is a positive step that the government has published proposals around the long-term future of adult social care in the UK. There has been too much uncertainty for too long, uncertainty that causes worry and anxiety for some of our most vulnerable residents and their families.

Surrey County Council will now be working to ensure the voices of all our residents are heard. We await more detail on the reforms, and how the money will be divided between the NHS and local government, particularly in the first year of the new health and social care levy. It is vital that this money is not swallowed into the overall health budget, but rather passed on to those authorities tasked with delivering social care services. It should also be noted that money is just one part of the solution – there are other things that need immediate attention, primarily a proper plan around workforce.

Additionally, if the government wishes to enable the NHS to recover quickly from the pandemic and reduce waiting times, the adult social care system will require additional resources next year. This will not only smooth hospital discharges, but will ensure the kind of care that avoid hospital admissions in the first place. This will, in turn, alleviate the pressure on our Accident and Emergency services and free up capacity for elective work to increase. We must not view it as a case of “first the NHS, then social care” but rather as one system that needs to advance together.

Surrey County Council is looking forward to continuing to work with the government as it finalises its proposals, and on the upcoming white paper. This way we can ensure local authorities remain at the heart of delivering this vital service that enables vulnerable residents to live the lives they choose and that they are protected from huge care costs.

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

Reigate Scout Leader praises community response to break in

A Reigate Scout leader has praised the response to a break-in at a local campsite.

Spencer Mitchell told of his disappointment at finding ‘Jordan Heights’ campsite damaged and in need of repairs after a break in a few weeks ago just as it was about to reopen after the pandemic.

Yet thanks to donations the site is now getting back to a position to welcome scouts.

You can read more about this story and how you can help HERE.

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

SPORT: Carlisle win shows we’ve got heart says Yems

Crawley Town boss John Yems has praised the team’s desire and heart after their 2-1 win over Carlisle at the weekend.

Goals from Tom Nichols and Nicholas Tsaroulla meant the Reds came away with their first victory in 15 meetings between the two clubs.

Yems believes the win shows the club is moving forward despite recent injuries and hopes more people can get believe in them now.

You can watch the full interview with John Yems and goalscorer Nicholas Tsaroulla here:

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

Appeal launched following Jordan Heights Scout Camp break-in

Jordan Heights is set within a secluded area on the side of Reigate Hill.

Named after a former Guide commissioner and used for guide camps up until almost a decade ago the Campsite, set on National Trust property was taken on by the scouts providing a safe camping place with many activities including archery and climbing. The grass plateau is surrounded by woodland with a small outdoor Chapel set into the trees and perfect for traditional camping and survival skills to be learned. Access is on foot up some steps then a newly laid back trackway. Certainly a test on fitness on arrival.

Jordan Heights Scout Camp is a registered charity, locally run by a team of volunteers.

The break in was a few weeks ago and a lot of work has been completed to restore the site to its former glory after storage boxes were ripped open, fences torn down, lighting smashed and solar panels damaged. This has been a significant set back, and an added burden to an already hard working team of volunteers.

Spencer Mitchell (Warden)
Photo credit: Neil Munday

The Warden, Spencer Mitchell following in his father’s footsteps as a warden (his father warden of Reigate Fort when that was a Scout site), is very passionate about his duties and the site has been improved and tidied for the scout camping season.

Spencer spoke with Neil Munday:

He has asked if people can support the site with donations or physical help and more details of the help required can be found on the Jordan Heights Scout Camp Facebook page, along with information on how to donate. Spencer can also be contacted by email at spencer.mitchell@reigatescouts.org.uk

Website: https://www.jordanheights.org

Heritage Open Day at St John’s, Redhill

The church of St John the Evangelist built in 1843, and later enlarged (1889-95) by architect John Loughborough Pearson, the famed exponent of Victorian Gothic, will be open for guided tours from 14.30 hrs to 17.00 hrs on both Saturday, 11 September and Sunday, 12 September.

St John’s splendid 185 ft spire is a familiar landmark visible from much of Redhill, Earlswood and Salfords. It houses eight bells, installed in 1895, and hung for full circle ringing with the peal considered to be one of the easiest going in Surrey.

The church features the original Victorian stained glass windows, and an outstanding organ installed in 1897 built by Henry Willis, (famously known as Father Willis), who also built or rebuilt around 1,000 organs, including Alexandra Palace, the Royal Albert Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Musical Events
On Saturday 11 September at 17.00 hrs the choir of St John’s will give a special recital conducted by Director of Music Clement Hetherington entitled “Music in the House of God”.

On Sunday 12 September, at 16.00 hrs, there will be an organ recital by Robert Cooper, featuring music by Alfred Hollins, organist of St John’s from 1884 to 1888.
Although blind from birth, Hollins became a world-famous composer and recitalist and returned to St John’s in 1897 to give a recital marking the opening of the refurbished church on the then new organ.

For further information about St John the Evangelist see the website:
https://www.stjohnsredhill.org.uk/news

Photo credit: St. Johns, Redhill