Green MSP raises concerns over future of Hollies Community Hub
Green MSP and Co-Leader Lorna Slater has supported calls to save the Hollies Community Hub in Musselburgh. This follows concerns raised by local campaigners and residents.
The Hollies Centre, which works to prevent social isolation within the community for those 60 and over, has applied for emergency funding due to escalating maintenance costs and the impact of the pandemic.
Local volunteers have warned that without emergency funding the centre may have to close in a matter of weeks.
- Concerned residents should write to the Council to express their concern. Email: customerservices@eastlothian.gov.uk
Lorna has written to the Chief Executive of East Lothian Council, Monica Patterson, outlining her concerns and offering to work with the Council and other bodies to save the crucial services that the centre provides.
In her letter, Lorna said:
Hollies plays a vital role in tackling social isolation among older people as well as providing services they know and trust. Its services benefit the whole community - including some of the most vulnerable people
My team would welcome the opportunity to meet with your officers, East Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership, the Hollies and other elected representatives to discuss how we can put the Hub on a long-term sustainable future.
The local campaign to save Hollies is being supported by the Scottish Greens candidate for Musselburgh, Shona McIntosh, who commented:
Hollies Community Hub is precisely the kind of community-led service Greens would urge the Council to prioritise. Sadly the struggles the Hollies are facing are symptomatic of the health and social care crisis in East Lothian.