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| Setting the scene |
| THE BAD NEWS: Our community is not typical of Tunbridge Wells, suffering from problems more usually associated with inner city estates. The parish has suffered from underinvestment for years. One only has to walk along Camden Road to witness the increasing deprivation . The majority of local housing is social. Most residents are unemployed or on low incomes. This situation is made all the worse because we currently lack infrastructure to combat the issue. One might asume that living in a prosperous town would alleviate the suffering of the poor . In fact the reverse is true- many residents feel isolated and trapped- seeing no way to break out of poverty into the success and wealth they witness around them. It may seem surprising but our families can count themselves amongst the most disadvataged in the UK. A CRISIS IN EDUCATION |
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| Another challenge that needs addressing lies in the provision of adequate health care. Substance abuse is predictably high as are problems with obesity and poor diet. Because many residents rarely leave the parish they do not access local health clinics and support agencies. What is needed is a location within the parish where the community can meet- and where help can be sought and found. THE GOOD NEWS: Despite the challenges outlined things are far from bleak. The parish is vibrant and has real character and soul. Many residents are supportive and full of life. The Church is undergoing revival- with numbers up by 48%. The school is also experiencing an upturn in performance and reputation. Indeed what is frustrating is that with a little investment and vision many of the problems faced could be eradicated. So much so that NOW is the time to ensure the positivity is carried forward into long term regeneration. We must build a facility to meet the needs of local residents. A place where children can be cared for, health services accessed and proper support found. What we need is a community centre -a facility to propel people forwards in body, mind and spirit. |
The challenge facing our community is brought home when you consider that a staggering 45% of school pupils have special educational needs. In addition 37% have English as an additional language. Our school provides excellent care for these pupils and is a very happy community and we are proud to have sent high acheivers onto grammar schools. But despite these recent successes the fact remains - many of our children have an uphill struggle on their hands. Compared to their peers elsewhere in town they begin life disadvantaged in almost every conceivable way. What is scandalous is that, despite catering to many of the town's most vulnerable children, there is currently no preschool provision available. 68% of pupils have received no preschool education whatsoever, including drop in groups etc. Quite clearly there is a desperate need for something to be done to serve these children better. |
| A CRISIS IN HEALTH CARE |
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