Introduction
I attended a sharing event at The eDGe Centre on Corporation Road in Darlington. The Centre is attached to the Baptist Church and is directly opposite Corporation Road Primary School. The event was designed for the centre to extend its' reach and to link with more partners to help to make Northgate Ward a better place.
What happened?
After lunch and networking there were presentations from Tony Cotterill who runs The eDGe, Vicky Thompson Baptist Minister, Mark Dibble Head of Corporation Road Primary school and John Makepeace from We are with You ((D&A recovery services). There were also very powerful presentations from service users who have been through 'Roots in Christ Addiction programme' and turned their lives around. (Both now support others with their mental wellbeing and volunteer at the eDGe.
Mark Dibble gave an overview of Northgate ward and acknowledged that his information had been provided by TVS through the Creating Active Schools work. He gave a very real insight into the difficulties that some people and families in the area face on a daily basis. They are multiply disadvantaged.
Who was involved?
Tony Cotterill, Vicky Thompson and Mark Dibble.
Other partners to meet, catch up with included Healthwatch Darlington, Social Prescribing Team, Mike from PACT, John Makepeace (new contact from We Are with You), Barry Thompson. There were other agencies there who I did not network with.
When?
This was a one off event, but the work of the centre is ongoing and developing. Across the week they offer Drug and Alcohol Rehab support, mental heath support activity classes, (crafts and indoor games) walking netball (supported by TVS) and a Parent and Toddler session. There is an informal cafe and a willingnees to support anyone who comes through their doors in need.
Where?
The building is tired, but functional and there is a warmth provided by the staff and volunteers.
The presentation was held in the church hall, which has been a very grand setting in it's day, as well as the main seating space there is an upper balcony. (Imagine old style victorian swimming pool design!)
How?
By invite and through word of mouth.
So?
The eDGe centre want to continue to grow partnerships to help support Northgate ward. This event was a step on that journey and an opportunity to engage with more partners to enhance their offer. We will continue to work wiith Tony and Barry and Vicky through the potential work with ROC.
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