Scottish Social Services Awards announce 29 finalists from record number of entries
The shortlist for the 2019 Scottish Social Services Awards has been announced, revealing the 29 finalists from a record 157 entries received nationwide.
It includes a diverse mix of social services from third sector, independent and health organisations and local authorities who have made a positive difference to people’s lives.
The awards aim to cut across boundaries, celebrate excellence and recognise the work of one of the country’s largest sectors. It includes 10 distinct categories including awards for people leading for impact, silo busters, and those making change happen.
This year a new special policy focus award recognises excellence in Mental Health services. The Scottish Government is committed to improving Mental Health and has introduced a ten year strategy to improve access to services, backed by an additional £150 million over five years.
Special guest compere, Jo McFarlane, will join the Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Maree Todd, to announce the winners at an awards ceremony later this year. Jo is a poet and author motivated by social justice and an ambassador for the Scottish Association of Social Work.
Minister for Children and Young People Maree Todd said: “Mental health problems are common and more people in Scotland are seeking help than ever before. This new special award will emphasise the invaluable contribution that social services make to support those affected towards their recovery.
“The record number of entries received this year is testament to the diverse mix of people and projects committed to supporting vulnerable people in our society. All finalists, award entries, and social service workers should be applauded for the life changing work they carry out.”
The finalists of the Scottish Social Services Awards 2019 include:
Category 1: Living the Codes
- Alan Ross and James Donnelly – Tenancy Support Service, Loretto Housing
- T.A.S.C. After School Care Partners:
Glasgow’s Children Holiday Food Programme
Glasgow Guarantee
Glasgow West Childcare Forum (GWCF)
Inkind Direct
Investors in People
LGBT Youth Scotland
SOSCN
Category 2: Bright Spark
- Charlie Halliday, Action for Children’s New Horizons housing support, Haddington
- Miss Allana McKay, Hillcrest House
- Tanya Smith, Balhousie Care, Huntly
Category 3: An Enlightened Approach
- Health and Social Care Partnership Aberdeenshire Shared Lives Scheme
- The Positive Behaviour Support Team, The Richmond Fellowship Scotland
- Kidzcare training academy
Category 4: Silo Buster
- Care Home Team, Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership
- Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership, Neighbourhood Care Project
- Humanitarian Protection Team – Dundee City Council, NHS Tayside, Police Scotland, Scottish Refugee Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Department of Work and Pensions, Third Sector interface
Category 5: A Different Approach
- Ensemble-Loretto Care
- Intensive Family Support Service – Anti Poverty Strategy, Dumfries & Galloway Council
- Time for Change, Shelter Scotland
Category 6: Making Research & Evidence Real
- Balhousie Care Group Cognitive Stimulation Therapy project
- Dan Johnson, Clinical Director, Kibble
- David Walker Gardens, South Lanarkshire Council, Health and Social Care Partnership
Category 7: Leading for Impact
- Laureen, Alltogether Care Services Ltd
- Elaine Siggers, Unit Manager Ostlers House Care Home, Fife Council
- Erin Stevenson, Senior Support Worker with The Richmond Fellowship Scotland
Category 8: The Untold Story
- Fran Ritchie, Shared Lives Carer, Aberdeenshire Council Shared Lives
- Margaret Dass, Alltogether Care Services Ltd
- Viv Clelland, Vibrant Communities, East Ayrshire Council
Category 9: Making Change Happen
- CrossReach Recruitment Partnership
- East Lothian Champions’ Board – East Lothian Council & Who Cares Scotland
- STOP (Sacro Tackling Offending Prejudices)
Category 10: Excellence in Mental Health Services
- Involved! Group, North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership
- Firrhill Team, Carr Gomm
- Westerton, VSA
All finalists are invited to attend an afternoon tea awards ceremony at Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh on 5 June 2019.
Picture (c) SSSA.
