Uni reward for partnership
Scottish Huntington’s Association and Stirling University won the perfect partnership award at the Scottish Charity Awards.
They were rewarded for their work in combining to create the world’s first accredited course for health and social care staff to improve knowledge and confidence to care for people with Huntington’s disease.
It was first run from September to December and offered 200 hours of study at level 10 of the Scottish Qualifications Framework.
SHA chief executive John Eden said:“So many people live under the shadow of silence of this genetic condition. We hope this award will help gain recognition of the challenges they face.
“We are deeply grateful to the university for their commitment.”
Senior lecturer Louise McCabe said:“It has been a pleasure working with the SHA.
“My thanks go to them, my university colleagues and the families and people with Huntington’s disease who helped inspire and guide us.”
HD is a hereditary progressive condition that causes changes to muscle control, thinking processes and can cause long-term mental health issues.
Average age of onset is 33-45 and those living with the condition will require 24-hour care as it progresses to its later stages.
Each child of someone diagnosed with HD is at 50 per cent risk of developing the condition themselves. There is no cure.
An estimated 1100 people are living with the condition in the country, with 5000 at risk.