SCA Group

Pictured: The Bishop of Winchester, The Right Reverend Michael Scott-Joynt, with staff at the state-of-the-art new NHS dental clinic and laboratory at Holbury.

The Bishop of Winchester visited the New Forest yesterday (Wednesday July 22) to find out more about a new approach to health and social care.

The Right Reverend Michael Scott-Joynt, whose diocese covers Hampshire, parts of eastern Dorset and the Channel Islands, visited the Fenwick 2 Health and Well-being centre and a new NHS dental laboratory in Holbury. Both are run by SCA Group, a not-for-profit, social enterprise health and social care provider that puts all the surpluses it makes back into the business rather than distributing profits to shareholders.

The new state-of-the-art dental laboratory, which will be officially opened in September, can produce dentures, crowns and bridges for both NHS and private patients much faster than usual, and at cost-effective prices. It is part of SCA's Trafalgar Dentistry service, whose clinics in Holbury, Woolston, Gosport and Portsmouth provide NHS dentistry for 45,000 people in Hampshire, on behalf of NHS Hampshire.

At Fenwick 2, in Lyndhurst, the Bishop toured the NHS long-term conditions centre as well as finding out about other services at F2, such as a day care service for elderly people with mental health needs, the SCA domiciliary care service which provides care in people's homes and a new Social Enterprise Institute, which will help other organisations set up social enterprises.

"I decided to see for myself how SCA Group is developing its pioneering means of care in a range of fields," he said.

"This is at a time when the politics, finance and structures of care are in a state of flux. It is interesting to watch this organisation develop its work in this context.

"There is a lot of talk about churches and voluntary groups engaging with government in the provision of services for the community. SCA Group is an example of a body that has done this very well. SCA also has a lot of experience to share with other bodies who want to set up similar organisations."

SCA Group Chief executive was delighted to welcome the Bishop to the New Forest.

"I think the Bishop was impressed with the range of innovative services SCA Group provides in the region. There is no other organisation like SCA and we welcomed the chance to outline the opportunities and challenges that face us in the future," he said.

Fairfax Court community support and wellbeing centre has opened its doors to relatives and friends for a ‘tea and chat' afternoon.

The centre, based in Hinkler Road, Thornhill, Southampton, caters for elderly people living alone or with a carer, some of whom have mild memory problems. It is run by not-for-profit social enterprise SCA Group on behalf of Southampton City Council. 

(Pictured:  Service Users and relatives at the open day)

The recent open day was a chance for relatives and friends of people who use the day centre to meet the staff and other service users and find out more about the activities that take place.

The centre is open every Thursday and members are collected from their homes by an SCA community bus and taken safely home again at the end of the day. While at the centre they take part in a range of activities, from gentle exercise, quizzes, games and theme days to music and reminiscence events led by outside performers and entertainers. Members help to decide what activities take place and have a service users' forum every few months. 

Jackie Grey, from Andover, came along to the open day with her mother Win Hutchings, 86. Jackie visits her mum regularly in the week but knows she is well cared for on Thursdays.

"Coming to the centre is an important part of mum's week and it's a nice day out for her," said Jackie. "She used to love to travel but now she can't do that because of limited mobility. The whole day is sorted out here from picking her up to bringing her home, so I know I don't have to worry about what she's doing or whether I have anything to organise. She enjoys the company and the activities and has made a good friend here."

Win said the centre gives her an opportunity to get out of the house once a week.

"It's nice to see people and do something different and enjoy some company. The exercises help to keep you mobile but are not too energetic. It would be easy to get to the stage where you don't go out and see anyone, but I look forward to coming here," she said.

Ivy Rogers, 86, attended the open day with her daughter Sue Perrin and son- in-law John Perrin.

"I like being with people of my own age at the centre," said Ivy. "We are all retired and we have similar interests. I just enjoy being here because the staff are wonderful and you can ask them anything. They greet you nicely every time and you don't feel strange or awkward. I look forward to it."

Dorothy Pemberton, centre co-ordinator at Fairfax Court, says she tries to encourage service users to be independent.

"It's good to keep them mobile and active and to encourage them to get involved. They take the lead in running the games and choosing activities. Some relatives say they change - they may be quiet and placid at first but after a while they become more open and make friends."

Any Southampton residents interested in attending any of SCA's community or specialist support and wellbeing centres can contact either their local Southampton City Council Social Services office or Wendy Walsh at SCA group on 023 8036 6663. All potential service users receive a home visit from SCA Group to make sure their needs can be catered for.

Further information is available from Wendy Walsh at SCA group on 023 8036 6663 or Southampton City Council Directorate of Health and Adult Social Care Commissioning and Standards Team on 02380 833848.