Berwick praised for ‘coping’ qualities

Apr 29 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

A LEADING government adviser has praised the ability of people in a Northumberland town to cope with lack of services at critical times.

Dr Stuart Burgess – the Government’s Rural Advocate and chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities – last night concluded a two day trip to Berwick, Northumberland.

His visit was part of a national fact-finding exercise to look at how people in rural areas cope with major life changing events.

These include traumas such as being diagnosed with cancer, suffering a stroke, losing a job, becoming a young carer and having a baby.

The visit came amid fears that people in rural areas are at risk from a lack of access to services when they need them most.

Yesterday, Dr Burgess met staff and management from Carers Northumberland, who work with cancer patients, and Berwick’s Citizens Advice Bureau, including staff who work in bereavement, benefit and nursing.

The advocate also met young people from Berwick Youth Project, visited the town’s Sure Start children’s centre and its Jobcentre Plus. On Monday night, Dr Burgess met local health representatives, including officials from the primary care trust and midwifes.

Last night, he said: “It has been a really good visit.

“The voluntary and community sector are really making a major contribution to the welfare of our society, especially up here in Northumberland. There are some fantastic people up here, there really are.