Good care on HAND
Charities and organisations are working to provide support for Scots of all ages
HAVING the right support in place to live as independently as possible can transform lives and futures. and there are a wide range of community care services tailored to fit people with learning difficulties and physical disabilitities as well as for those suffering dementia, older people and those needing palliative care. The aim is to deliver high quality services which lead to improved quality, safety and positive experiences for those involved and to enable them to live fulfilling and rewarding lives in their local communities. Learning disabilities affect about 15 per cent of the population, impacting not just on the person but also on their families and friends. Finding the right support can be difficult, though there are both government and local organisations working in this field, with the current emphasis on ensuring the service provided is tailored very much to the individual’s needs. This includes providing varying levels of support to people living in their own homes
depending on the different requirements, supporting people to become involved in employment initiatives and ensuring they are made aware of any courses and training available to open up their horizons and ambitions and help them play a greater part in their communities and enjoy the rewards of being involved in work and recreation.
Giving back is very popular in Scotland, with many people volunteering from a surprisingly early age. Charities are always grateful recipients and often there’s a strong emotional link between those supporting them and the work they do, whether that’s providing advice and care throughout an illness or working on behalf of others unable to lobby for themselves.
There are ample opportunities to give time, cash or practical donations and for those who feel unable to do so due to other pressures, there’s always the opportunity to leave a legacy.
What we pass on and also leave behind us, whether personally, professionally or politically can change lives for the better, transform communities and make Scotland a better place in all sorts of ways.
Tackling health, education or attainment inequalities, working towards everyone having a warm and comfortable home, enough to eat and the confidence to try to be their best are the constant challenges faced every day by many who feel strongly about making a vital difference to their society.
As Scotland’s foremost provider of care for veterans and their spouses, Erskine provides unrivalled nursing, residential, respite and dementia care in four homes throughout
Scotland, caring for over 800 residents each year.
Erskine has 44 cottages for veterans and their families on the Estate in Bishopton with building work under way in 2018 for five assisted living apartments and 24 single living apartments – creating a Veterans Village supporting veterans of all ages.
Erskine also assists younger veterans who need help to begin the next chapter of their lives, offering social, recreation and training facilities at the Activity Centre and employment opportunities in partnership with Scotland Bravest Manufacturing Co.
Glasgow East End Community Carers has supported carers and their families across the East End of Glasgow for more than 25 years.
The charity was founded by a group of local carers who recognised that a local carers service was required – this proactive, community ethos remains at our heart.
Now named The Carers Hub, this service ensures carers, cared for and former carers access professional support throughout their caring journey.
Hub services include information and advice, health, wellbeing and training designed to boost confidence and reduce isolation and stress.
Dedicated parent carer and older carer workers offer a range of supports including befriending, buddying, sensory room and Play-Sense, a play group for parent carers and children with disabilities.
The successful Homecare service has earned its reputation as a trusted local provider, offering a full range of care services, including complex care, in the home and community.
A team of dedicated care staff assists service users of all ages including young children and the elderly who have conditions including physical and cognitive disabilities, mental health, long term conditions and frailty.
‘There are ample opportunities to give time and there’s the chance to leave a legacy’