Andrew Mitchell MP has met with members of Sutton Coldfield’s clergy to discuss issues of local, national and international concern. This year the meeting – an annual event between the town’s clergy and our Member of Parliament – was hosted by Reverend David Dewey at Chester Road Baptist Church. On local issues, concern was raised about vulnerable adults who might fall below the threshold for care in the community. Recent experience at several churches has shown that there appears to be a lack of co-ordination within Social Services for ensuring these people get the assistance they require. Following the meeting, Andrew has made representations to Birmingham City Council’s Strategic Director for Adults and Communities as well as the Minister for Care Services, Paul Burstow at the Department of Health. Sutton’s MP has since received replies reassuring him of local and national support for vulnerable adults. The Service Director for Assessment and Support Planning at Birmingham City Council responded with details of the new Integrated Access Service available to vulnerable adults. This service has a role in helping people who are vulnerable but fall below the eligibility for community care. They can advise people about the range of services including daytime activities that exist and ensure they have appropriate benefits. Andrew Mitchell MP said, “This was an important meeting for me as Sutton’s Member of Parliament and I have obviously taken forward our clergy’s concerns regarding vulnerable adults at the highest levels of local and national government. I fully understand their concerns that this group of people can become isolated and unable to cope alone. I will continue to keep an eye on the situation in order to ensure that Sutton’s vulnerable adults receive the care and support they need in order to cope with day to day life.” Photo: Andrew Mitchell MP with members of Sutton Coldfield’s clergy at Chester Road Baptist Church.