Disability charity lands £20,000 grant towards training

A charity that supports people with learning disabilities across Aberdeenshire has been given £20,000 by the Scottish Government.

Cornerstone, which provides services for adults and children with a range of disabilities, will use the cash for staff training.

Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram announced almost £1million worth of grants from the government’s voluntary sector development fund yesterday for voluntary social care training across Scotland.

The fund aims to help train staff at small and medium-sized voluntary organisations, so that they are eligible to register with the Scottish Social Services Council.

Mr Ingram said: “The government is committed to improving the skills of Scotland’s people, particularly in these difficult economic times, so that they can develop to their full potential and contribute to our economic recovery when the time comes.”

Cornerstone chief executive Edel Harris said: “At Cornerstone we pride ourselves on the calibre of our staff.

“This funding is excellent news and will help us to continue developing our employees, ensuring we can deliver the very best service to the people we support.”

North-east MSP Maureen Watt said training volunteers is essential in improving the quality of life of vulnerable people.

She said: “Staff training can often be an expensive requirement for small and medium-size organ- isations to meet and I am sure that this funding will help to ensure that these costs are met.

“In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever that people receive assistance to develop their skills and I am glad that the Scottish Government continues to provide that support.”

Around £900,000 has been made available to 67 voluntary organisations across the country.

Three voluntary groups in Aberdeen received a combined sum of £50,000.

Learning disability charities Inspire and Archway will benefit, along with Voluntary Service Aberdeen.