Event brings together organisations which support vulnerable people

More than 50 organisations which offer support to vulnerable people were brought together at a Shropshire Council organised event this month.

The Market Place Day at the Council Chamber at Shirehall in Shrewsbury on Wednesday 8 August 2012 has been declared a great success by organisers, the organisations taking part and staff visiting the event.

The event was held for staff to find out more about the services that are on offer to people they work with and residents across Shropshire. The day also provided a networking opportunity for the organisations taking part.

Community, charitable, voluntary and other organisations which set up stands included: North Salop Wheelers; Barnardo’s Shropshire Project; Carers Support Service; West Mercia Women’s Aid; Community Play Store; Shropshire Mind and the British Red Cross.

Councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for health and well-being said:

“We have received fantastic feedback from people involved in every aspect of the event.

“The day was extremely popular with staff, providing a great opportunity to learn about new services and be updated on existing services, taking away information that they can share.

“Organisations taking part have also told us they welcomed the chance to talk to each other and find out about opportunities to increase the ways they work together.”

Cindy Blake, from Pegasus Crafts which set up a stand, said:

“We’ve found the day really useful. It’s been good for raising awareness of what we do, networking and we’ve talked to people about sales of the crafts which is great for our members.”

Pegasus Crafts is a self-help craft group based in Shrewsbury for people who have experienced mental health problems or emotional distress.

Senior social worker Caroline Edge, who attended the event, added:

“It was good to see a range of organisations offering their services to individuals and their carers in Shropshire. The event was well supported and it was a good networking exercise. I certainly came away with some valuable information that hopefully will be put to good use with helping people choose personalised services.”