Children's needs to the fore

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This article appeared in The Diss Express on 8 July 2005

In his regular column, Diss Express columnist and South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon casts his eye over more local issues

I was delighted to help the BREAK charity celebrate getting a grant of more than £55,000 from BBC Children in Need to transform the grounds of Nelson and Trafalgar Lodges, its respite and residential centres in Long Stratton.

Pathways, raised vegetable and sensory plant beds as well as a go-kart circuit and outdoor play equipment will soon be enjoyed by children with severe learning difficulties.

WINNERS: From left, Harleston Primary head Roger Walsh, Megan Lawn, Marilyn Walsh, Richard Bacon MP, Karen Roberts and Sarah Chubbock of CLIC and Mondi Packaging MD Melvyn Mabbutt, with the winning design

TESTING DRIVE: Richard Bacon MP
enjoys a go-kart ride at the
BREAK charity premises
in Long Stratton

Nelson Lodge's partner, the Norfolk Autistic Society, gave £5,300 towards the cost while the Ipswich and Norwich Co-operative Society's community dividend fund made up the £3,772 shortfall.

Although up to 40 families a year now benefit from the purpose-built Nelson and Trafalgar Lodges, much more needs to be done for children with conditions such as autism and Aspergers Syndrome. Current proposals from Norfolk Children's Services still do not go far enough. I and my fellow Norfolk MPs will continue to support Norfolk Autistic Society's efforts to get true recognition and help for their children's needs.

On the up

It is always good to hear of local companies doing well. Based in Diss, Midwich has been supplying major-brand IT and audio equipment to retailers and businesses for 25 years.

Since a management buyout four years ago it has seen its turnover increase more than threefold.

What is the secret of the company's success? Offering outstanding service in a competitive market is the key, managing director, Nick Culley told me.

Staff turnover is low and Midwich provides a friendly, continuous working relationship which customers appreciate, while excellent incentives and recruiting senior appointments from within the company help maintain employee loyalty.

The company is entering the 2006 National Customer Service Awards. I am sure it will do well.

Smart moves

Anything which helps the elderly to live independent lives is always welcome. Spearheaded by South Norfolk Housing Partnership in association with Norfolk Social Services, smart Home uses the latest technology to ensure people with forgetful behaviour can remain in their homes more safely.

Available to Council tenants as well as the private sector, various electronic aids work through a Life Line unit linked to a 24-hour emergency service and connected to the telephone. The gadgets include a fall detector, 'wandering client' detector, flood alert and smoke alarm.

I saw this amazing system in action at Clare House in Diss. Given the thumbs up by Council carers, the system gives peace of mind to users and their families and saves on home and residential care. For more information call 0800 917 4680.

▪ Need to see your MP? You can make an appointment to see Richard by calling 01379 642769.

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