Dear fellow concerned people,
Thank you all for your support with the petition. As of this morning, we're up to 362 supporters! Amazing.
As you will know from my previous update, Kirklees Council got back to me but did not answer any of my questions, and just said I should contact the mental health trust instead. As if the Trust were the ones who made the decision to close the building! They clearly don't understand, and haven't tried to talk to me to find out. I'm very disappointed. I have followed up with more questions, but don't expect any contact.
It did get me thinking though. I don't think the mental health trust (South West Yorkshire Partnership Foundation Trust or SWYPFT or similar) want to leave the building either - I suspect this came as a shock to them, too.
So, I would like to ask a favour. If you are able to, please could you send a comment, complaint or compliment to the mental health trust? Their email is: customerservices@swyt.nhs.uk
You could say:
- How important the Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery College is to you and the local community
- How important the Mirfield site is to learners. Before the Recovery College opened, it was home to a Day centre, Occupational Therapy team and other mental health social work activities. So it's been part of our community for a very long time.
- That for people with anxiety, having a known, safe, familiar site is really important to learners. Learners will know that courses held at Mirfield are often fully booked, while learners don't have the confidence, money or transport to get out to other sites in the community. I know from personal experience that other courses haven't always had the numbers to run (but if held at Mirfield, they could be filled twice over).
- How disappointed you are that the site is being closed without learners being consulted.
As usual, don't feel you have to do this, no pressure. But anything you are able to do - even just sharing the petition link with a friend or family member - is much appreciated.
Lastly, media. I have had some contact from local journalists. I am going to pop down to Mirfield on Friday morning at about 10am, to sort out craft supplies for my Batik and Tie-dye course (although it's not certain where we will hold it). Any learners who would like to meet up, have a cuppa and talk about where we are at, would be welcome to join me. I'm not sure if we will be joined by anyone else, but all are welcome.
I realise I am not sure if my contact details are on here at all. But if you want to get in touch, I have put them below.
Thank you for your support. It means the world to me and my fellow learners.
Lizzie
eawalker43@hotmail.com