Taking tea with top MSP
Care workers have been praised for their efforts at an awareness-raising event in Perth.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney joined the Sue Ryder carers and service users in the Fair City recently at the first-ever get together of those who are supported by the homecare service recently established in the area.
Through a new scheme, people can receive care that they require in their homes including the introduction of self-directed support, enabling people to make what is described as“informed choices”about their support and how it is delivered.
The Perthshire North MSP dropped in for afternoon tea and a chat at the National Christian Outreach Centre on Riggs Road.
Currently around 75 people across Perth and the surrounding communities are supported by the service.
A 90-strong team of care staff delivering 2500 hours of care across Stirling, Falkirk and Perth.
Karen Gray, Sue Ryder’s homecare team manager, said:“As our new Homecare service develops across Perth, we felt it was really important to bring together our service users in a social setting, to not only hear at first-hand about their experiences of the service, but also to build on strong relationships amongst our users.
“We were delighted when John
Sue Ryder carer Abbie Jarvie, manager Karen Gray, John Swinney MSP and service user Betty Menzies (83) agreed to come along and speak with our group about his experiences, not only locally but at the heart of the Scottish Government and all in attendance were grateful for the time he spent with us.
“Working in social care is challenging but also hugely rewarding and we welcomed that acknowledgement from the Deputy First Minister about how valuable a service our carers deliver across the community.”
Mr Swinney said:“It was a privilege to join the Sue Ryder service users in Perth for their afternoon tea.
“The commitment and dedication shown by care workers is extraordinary and they all deserve our thanks and praise.”