The public is invited to a meeting giving a progress report on a community partnership to improve health and social care in the south.

Investigations led by Southern Communities Initiative (SCI), which is based at the hub at Thie Rosien, Port Erin, began a year ago into how a community partnership would work.

There were public meetings to assess what the community needs, subsequently there has been discussion about how those needs can be met through collaboration with government and third sector organisations.

The findings will be discussed at the meetings which were originally meant to take place in February but cancelled because of bad weather.

’We have been very encouraged by the manner in which the potential creation of a community partnership has been received right across the southern community and the number of individuals and organisations who have indicated that they are able and prepared to work with us to make it a reality,’ said David Gawne, vice chairman of SCI.

The meeting will incorporate a presentation of the results of research undertaken followed by a discussion on a proposed structure for the partnership identified from the previous meetings.

Attendees will be invited to debate and endorse these ideas.

Following the meeting it is anticipated that matters will move forward quite quickly.

’A southern community partnership is about connecting various aspects of our communities and enabling a community we are proud to be part of,’ said Janet Bridle, SCI Hub co-ordinator.

’A partnership is not just about services but about people and filling in the gaps, creating an atmosphere of traditional neighbourliness, whilst also connecting with our island, nature and culture too which is very much in keeping with the 2018 Year of Our Island ethos.’

Janet added: ’SCI successes to date include the establishment of Men in Sheds and the Community Hub - both based at Thie Rosien - is addressing isolation and loneliness in partnership with others.’

The meeting is at Castletown Civic Centre on Wednesday, May 2, at 7pm.