Let’s work towards an equal society
Charity ENABLE Glasgow requires 23 new employees, says Ken Mann
ADULT learning disabilities charity ENABLE Glasgow is hiring 23 new recruits – all for a brand new project in Yorkhill.
Service Support Officer Jane Feeney says the Esmond Street Project will offer a 24/7 “person-centred” supported living service to 22 people with learning disability but who are older, have enhanced needs, or both.
“This is a much needed service and it aims to address a gap in specialist provision for older people with learning disability in the city,” says Ms Feeney. “It’s our long held belief that people with learning disability have the right to live as independently as possible within the community for as long as possible.
“(The) Esmond Street service will enable people to have the correct support to live life to the full – regardless of enhanced needs and associated health issues, such as dementia.”
The full launch of the project, scheduled for May, is great news in more ways than one. The charities sector faces big challenges in the affordability of providing and maintaining services.
“There’s no doubt that these are some of the most challenging times for social care provision that many of us can remember,” she adds.
“This new venture reflects our effort to address these challenges by creating new models of sustainable services that still reflect the dreams and aspirations of our members.
“We recognise the need to expand our services in response to demand. Our focus has always been to maintain high quality services and evolve incrementally in line with the needs of the people we work with. Whilst we are expanding, we are very much committed to staying a grass roots, community-focused organisation. Our Esmond Street Service represents the fruition of many years of work, both in terms of research and public consultation and fundraising efforts.”
ENABLE Glasgow, as a membership organisation, works with services users and their carers or other supporters. It does not intend to become a large service provider. Instead it concentrates effort on developing specific services that its members tell it they want and need.
Based at 61 Esmond Street the key target is to provide an excellent home environment with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere – for users as well as staff.
“We are looking to develop a team that will support all the needs of our new service, including support workers and support assistants, an administrator, cooks and domestic assistants,” Supported Living Manager Theresa Campbell explains.
“We are also recruiting for a Senior Support Worker to complement and further strengthen our existing management team. All roles certainly have an important impact on the type of service we can provide and it is our aim to continually work to push new boundaries in best practice.”
Experience of working with vulnerable adults, preferably in a care home setting, is essential for Support and Senior Support Worker Roles, but personal capabilities and values are just as important in contributing to the performance of the new facility and that ethos of “excellence” mentioned.
Theresa talks of an overall “approach” being vital, something applicants might note when considering the available posts.
“The most important attribute is to have a positive, empowering attitude and approach to working with adults with learning disability,” she insists.
“We aim to offer people with the right attitude and outlook a chance to gain experience and enhance our team.”
These are some of the most challenging times for social care provision