"Bellfield Centre Visitor Information"

One day recently just after 14. 00 I went to visit someone at the Bellfield Centre. Signposting to the Centre was very clear and once I got in, I was impressed with the accommodation. However, when I arrived at the centre there was absolutely no information available. Fortunately, I knew I was looking for the Argyll unit but as you know this is in two parts at opposite ends of the building. I eventually spotted a discrete bell which I pressed but after three times there was no response so I went to the other part of Argyll with exactly the same result. Eventually a member of staff came from elsewhere and was able to help me. This took about 15 minutes.

I am fairly bright and worked in the public sector for 40 years and I could find absolutely no information. I was making a relaxed, casual visit to a friend. Just imagine if I were making a visit to friend or family in a state of anxiety and shock.

I do realise that he Centre is not yet fully occupied. The offices, hairdresser etc are not in use and when these are up and running things will hopefully be a lot more welcoming and informative. I also know only too well the difficulties you face on all fronts and I do not need you to offer these as a reason for my difficulty. However, none of this is an excuse for such an oversight. Please as a matter of urgency put up some information Eg. Opening times for visiting, make it obvious that the bell should be pressed, if necessary, say that it may take a few minutes to respond, provide seats for people to wait for a response. If at all possible, get someone who is a stranger to the unit to try it out.

You could also consider re-naming one part of the Argyll unit or giving them supplementary names too.

Best of all have someone, I know you have volunteers, in the office or a customer phone until the whole centre is occupied.