Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 26th January print edition.
Mahatma Ghandi is quoted as once saying that, “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” I have said many times, including in this column, that we have an incredible network of support organisations in Burton for those who need them. At the start of this new year, I have been visiting a number of the cornerstones of that network to see what they have planned in the months ahead to support our society’s most vulnerable people.
Last week, I met Burton YMCA CEO, Paul Laffey, who gave me a comprehensive tour of a number of their local support centres and programmes in the town to help those who are homeless, or are at risk of homelessness. Through their work, they offer accommodation and counselling, as well as mediation and food bank services.
The passion and dedication amongst the staff and volunteers to help those with complex needs to get back on track came across consistently at all their sites. This was also the case in their furniture store, which not only helps provide them with a revenue stream to carry on their vital work but a place where people just getting started can buy furniture, white goods and other homeware at a very reasonable price.
I also recently met with local charity SARAC (Sexual Abuse Rape Advice Centre) to hear about the work they do supporting victims of sexual abuse. Based in Burton, the organisation supports people of all ages impacted by sexual violence and the team were recently awarded the Queen’s Voluntary Award for their work. Touring the advice centre with CEO Cathy Miles, it was good to see the support they offer to people who are impacted by these crimes, helping them to move on with their lives, and hear about the plans they have to improve their service offering.
Another key organisation in our area’s support network is Burton Addiction Centre which provides life-changing support to help those wanting to get back on their feet. I often meet with Founder and Director, Noreen Oliver MBE, including when Langan’s Tea Rooms recently celebrated 10 years of operation. The award winning tearooms, has for over a decade been providing opportunities for individuals recovering from addiction to gain valuable employment experience, and vital skills to help them return to the workplace.
We can be incredibly proud in Burton of our network of support organisations for those who need help. It is an amazing safety net for so many of the most vulnerable in our community.
