The service has been established in order to provide a more localised response to social work crisis situations which may occur outwith office hours. All of the Ayrshire councils have . . . → Read More: New social work out of hours response service to cover all of Ayrshire]]> A new Social Work out of hours response service that will serve the needs of all Ayrshire communities will soon be up and running.

The service has been established in order to provide a more localised response to social work crisis situations which may occur outwith office hours. All of the Ayrshire councils have previously been part of the West of Scotland Social Work Standby Service operated by Glasgow City Council.

The work to set up the service is being led by a pan-Ayrshire working group consisting of senior social work officers from North, South and East Ayrshire Councils. The new service will be based at Crosshouse Hospital which will enable close working links with NHS out of hours crisis services. East Ayrshire Council will host its management and delivery.

Councillor John MacKay, Spokesperson for Community Health and Wellbeing, East Ayrshire Council said: “The recruitment of the Senior Social Work practitioners who will work in the standby service is going well and the new service will be up and running by April. Having a joint service that is focused on the needs of Ayrshire residents will greatly enhance the service provided and help to ensure that the more vulnerable members of our communities are being helped when and where they need it.”

Called “Is someone else paying the price of your drinking?” the campaign kicked off with the CHiP van at Kilmarnock Cross with staff from NHS . . . → Read More: Alcohol Awareness Week – what does your drinking do to those around you?]]> Drinking too much alcohol can have a devastating effect on people’s lives.  A new
campaign launched this week highlights  the devastating consequences of
excessive consumption for the whole community.

Called “Is someone else paying the price of your drinking?” the campaign kicked off
with the CHiP van at Kilmarnock Cross with staff from NHS Ayrshire and Arran,
East Ayrshire Council, Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue on
hand to offer advice and tips on safer drinking.

During the week the van will park in public areas across East Ayrshire including Kilmarnock, Stewarton
and Cumnock.

Drinking too much alcohol often leads to other problems such as domestic abuse, accidental fires, violence and crime. The campaign will challenges everyone to think about the potential impact of our drinking. To reduce the effect on others, East Ayrshire residents will be given useful tips on how to stick
within sensible drinking guidelines.  These recommend that men drink no more than 3-4 units per day, or 2-3 units per day for women.

Measuring your unit consumption can be difficult. As part of Alcohol Awareness Week anyone visiting the CHiP van will be given a free measure cup to find out how many units of alcohol you are consuming with each drink.

Other small things you can do to help you drink responsibly include:

• Keep
  the sensible drinking guidelines in mind
• Eat
  a meal before you start drinking, or enjoy some snacks while you drink.
  This helps to slow down the effects of alcohol on your body
• Drink
  plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated – why not alternate alcoholic
  drinks with water or soft drinks?
• Try
  a smaller glass
• Try
  a lower alcohol drink instead

By following these suggestions and using a unit measure guide, more Scots will be able to drink responsibly and make every day count without harming others – at work, home and play.

Chair of East Ayrshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, Eddie Fraser said: “Too many people in East Ayrshire are drinking too much too often which frequently
results in considerable harm not only to themselves but others. Councillors from all political parties are backing East Ayrshire’s Alcohol Awareness Week. It gives people an ideal opportunity to find out more about sensible drinking levels and reassess their own drinking habits”

Gerry Cassidy from East Ayrshire Elderly Forum hosted the conference which this year focused on consulting older people about reshaping care . . . → Read More: OLDER PEOPLE’S CONFERENCE]]>
The eighth annual Older People’s Conference took place at East Ayrshire Council Headquarters recently which aimed to help older people become more involved in the ongoing improvement of services which affect them.

Gerry Cassidy from East Ayrshire Elderly Forum hosted the conference which this year focused on consulting older people about reshaping care services and moving towards a ‘reablement’ model. This model involves providing intensive services for an older person if they experience a crisis in their life, and helping them get back to a normal level of living. There was also a discussion around the development of the Older People’s Strategy that will shape services over the next four years and what this should focus on.

Councillor John MacKay, Spokesperson for Community Health and Wellbeing, said: “It is essential that we engage with the Reshaping Care programme where the principal policy goal is to optimise independence and wellbeing for older people at home or in a homely setting. In East Ayrshire we have had notable success in respect of exceeding national balance of care targets, consistently achieving the zero delayed hospital discharge target and most recently enhancing our supported accommodation strategy for older people through new council house provision. We now want to build on this success over the next four years to see even more people supported at home.”

Provost Stephanie Young, who spoke about the impact that dementia can have on sufferers and their families, added: “I was delighted to join the conference, especially for the ‘Musical Minds’ session which was greatly appreciated by all the guests who joined in with the singing wholeheartedly! Alzheimer Scotland is my charity of the year and I was pleased to be able to speak about the effects of the condition and what help is available.

“This conference was put together by the older people and facilitated by East Ayrshire Council, and for me, it was definite proof of how working in partnership can be successful.”

The conference also featured the launch of a directory for older people called “Prime Times” which contains useful information and advice about topics such as health, housing and finances. Copies of the magazine will be available free from local offices and GP practices over the next few weeks.

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The official launch, which was supported by CHIP and Leisure Development, took place at the Burns Mall in Kilmarnock where Councillor Drew Filson, Chair of East Ayrshire Community Health Partnership, had the first opportunity . . . → Read More: ALCOHOL AWARENESS WEEK WAS CHIPS IN]]> The CHIP Van was more than happy to chip in and help out during Alcohol Awareness week earlier this month.

The official launch, which was supported by CHIP and Leisure Development, took place at the Burns Mall in Kilmarnock where Councillor Drew Filson, Chair of East Ayrshire Community Health Partnership, had the first opportunity to try out Beer Goggles for size.

The week consisted of information stands in key venues throughout East Ayrshire, a unit measuring contest to test people’s knowledge of what exactly a unit of alcohol was and the week culminated with a stand at the 24hr Tesco Extra in Kilmarnock where shoppers got the chance to sample some of the ‘Mocktails’ on offer which included the Exotic Punch, the St. Clements and the classic – Shirley Temple.

Councillor Filson said: “Hopefully this week has highlighted the need for people to have a sensible and responsible relationship with alcohol.  It was an opportunity for people to consider if alcohol has a negative impact on their lives, and if so, where to go for help.”

For further information or tips on responsible drinking, go to www.alcoholawarenessweek.com

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Eddie Binnie leads the singing with Provost Stephanie Young, Katie Hawker of Alzheimer Scotland, EAC Chief Executive Fiona Lees, Alzheimer Scotland Chief Executive Henry Simmons and Councillor Tom Cook

Alzheimer Scotland, . . . → Read More: Singing Provost Launches Charity Appeal]]>

Eddie Binnie leads the singing with Provost Stephanie Young, Katie Hawker of Alzheimer Scotland, EAC Chief Executive Fiona Lees, Alzheimer Scotland Chief Executive Henry Simmons and Councillor Tom Cook

Alzheimer Scotland, Action on Dementia, is Provost Young’s chosen charity for this year, following in the footsteps of Combat Stress who benefitted from donations topping £50,000.00 thanks to the support of East Ayrshire elected members, employees, local businesses and public.

Provost Young said: “I’m delighted to be working with Alzheimer Scotland to raise funds and awareness this year. Our appeal hopes to achieve several aims. We’re supporting this “Musical Minds” initiative, a “Football Reminiscences“ project and are looking at establishing a drop in centre in Kilmarnock and a series of community cafes throughout East Ayrshire dedicated to helping those with dementia.

“I was inspired to support Alzheimer Scotland after listening to John Suchet’s story of living with Alzheimers since his wife Bonnie was diagnosed in 2006. Sadly it is a condition which touches many people. This charity does so much work to support people with dementia and their families.”

NHS Patient Services Manager Isabel Marr welcomed everyone to the Danny Coffey suite. “Musical Minds is an innovative project and we’re delighted to be working with East Ayrshire Council and Alzheimer Scotland to be launching the first such group in Scotland. While there is as yet no scientific proof that singing improves dementia we are hopeful that this project will enable us to research the real benefits which music can bring to service users and their families.”

Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland said:” We are deeply indebted to East Ayrshire Council for choosing to support our charity for the next year. In Scotland at the moment there are over 70,000 people living with dementia. As a charity we aim to support those people and their families through services such as music therapy, football reminiscence and lobbying for change, breaking down barriers to make life easier.
“The exciting thing about this project is the partnership between East Ayrshire Council, ourselves and the National Health Service. We’re working together to provide a level of care and assistance which is unique in Scotland. We hope the ground breaking East Ayrshire group will serve as an example which can eventually be rolled out across Scotland.”

“Provost Young’s decision to support us during this year is the start of many exciting opportunities to help us achieve our aim. We exist to ensure that no one needs to be alone with dementia and with East Ayrshire’s help we will move closer to that goal.”

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council was joined by Councillor Maureen McKay and Councillor Tom Cook to sign . . . → Read More: GIVING CHILDREN A CHANCE]]> East Ayrshire Council has signed a promise to commit to the aims of the Who Cares? Scotland Anti-Stigma campaign which sets out to give looked after children and young people a fair chance in life.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council was joined by Councillor Maureen McKay and Councillor Tom Cook to sign the promise to support the campaign at the recent Council meeting which also featured a drama presentation from young people called “One Big Family”. The messages from that presentation will form a key part of a training programme that elected members will undertake in respect of children and young people who are looked after in East Ayrshire.

Entitled “Give Me a Chance: Be Fair to a Child in our Care”, the national anti-stigma campaign was launched in January by the Minister for Children and Young People. By supporting the campaign, the Council is promising to listen to children and young people and work with them to increase opportunities for them to thrive. The Council will also try to combat the myths associated with children and young people in care and promote a positive message of their achievements. Educating communities and workforces on the reasons for children being accommodated is another task the Council will undertake, along with finding creative ways to include and support children and young people in their communities, including young people leaving the Council’s care.

Councillor Reid said: “Corporate Parenting is the responsibility that councils and their partners have for the children and young people they look after, and this is a role that we take very seriously. We will continue to make our children and young people’s needs a priority and to make sure that their views are not only heard, but listened to.

“A range of events have already taken place since 2009 to raise awareness of our roles and responsibilities which have involved elected members, staff and community planning partners. This work will continue and we will aim for our children and young people to have the same outcomes in life that any good parent would want for their own children.”

Councillor Maureen McKay, Leader of the Labour Main Opposition said: “Each young person is a unique individual, for whom we can make a difference, children and young people need the same from their corporate parents as they need from their birth parents, security, safety, positive regard, support and boundaries, it is both our responsibility to deliver and to ensure that our whole community across East Ayrshire has an awareness of the needs of our corporate young people.”

Councillor Tom Cook, Leader of the Conservative Opposition said: “As elected members we must take our role as corporate parents seriously and get the message across to people that the great majority of young people in care are there for their own protection. It is important that these young people are given the best possible chance in life, free from any stigma, and they should be provided with the opportunities and support that we would give our own children.”

Note to Editor: Who Cares? Scotland is a national voluntary organisation which works with and for children and young people in care.

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Teams of all ages and abilities competed together in bright sunshine with great enthusiasm. This was just one of a number of events held in East Ayrshire which celebrated the aims of Learning Disability Week . . . → Read More: LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK]]> Cumnock hosted a unique event recently when over 300 people enjoyed a football tournament to celebrate Learning Disability Week.

Teams of all ages and abilities competed together in bright sunshine with great enthusiasm. This was just one of a number of events held in East Ayrshire which celebrated the aims of Learning Disability Week – to celebrate the abilities of those involved and real integration of able bodied and disabled people.

Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Young People, who opened the tournament and joined in the fun, said: “It was my privilege to be present and see the enthusiasm and skill of the players and their supporters. Everyone involved deserves great credit for organising this day which showed the best side of our communities and young people.”

Councillor John MacKay, Spokesperson for Improving Community Health and Wellbeing, who is one of the main organisers of Learning Disability week, added: “We often see people with learning disabilities as requiring support and protection, this is true, but they also have much more to offer and can be role models for us all in terms of the effort and perseverance they display in achieving and maintaining their independence.”

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The event was a curtain raiser for Learning Disability Awareness Week which takes place from 20th June.

A wide range of organisations and agencies . . . → Read More: PARTNERSHIP IN PRACTICE]]> Successful ways of supporting people with learning disabilities to live ordinary lives was the focus of a ‘Partnership in Practice’ event held at St Kentigern’s Church in Kilmarnock last week.

The event was a curtain raiser for Learning Disability Awareness Week which takes place from 20th June.

A wide range of organisations and agencies involved in working with people with learning disabilities and their families in East Ayrshire met to discuss and learn more about important issues affecting this key section of our community. The event provided an opportunity for practitioners to share some of the excellent work that is going on locally and throughout the UK.

Guests heard inspiring presentations about the challenges young people with learning disabilities and their families can face when they leave school and move into adulthood. They also got to hear one young woman’s story about her experiences of leaving school and moving into her own home.

The event was hosted by Grant Barclay, Minister at St Kentigern’s, and the audience was addressed by the Minister for Children and Early Years, Adam Ingram; Lesslie Young, Chief Executive of Epilepsy Scotland and Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council and Chair of the Community Planning Partnership.

Adam Ingram said: “I was delighted to be able attend the East Ayrshire Partnership in Practice event and hear details of how the Partnership is working closely with local agencies and voluntary groups to deliver improved services and support for people with learning disabilities.

“I believe that the approach taken by the Partnership can and will make a real difference to the lives of local people with disabilities, their carers and their families.”

Councillor John MacKay, Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, added: “This was a great event that demonstrated that the partnership approach is working. The importance of all agencies and communities working together to protect and support the most vulnerable members of our community cannot be underestimated. People with learning disabilities have told us that they want the same life opportunities as everyone else – a home, friends and a job. By harnessing the knowledge and experience of social work staff, independent advocacy services, health services, housing providers, support providers, employers and most importantly family carers and people with learning disabilities themselves, we can achieve these outcomes.

“Seeing all these people join together to improve and develop how we do this in East Ayrshire was exciting and reassuring. On behalf of the Partnership who arranged this event, I would like to thank Mr Barclay and the volunteers of the church and community who made us all feel so welcome.”

Grant Barclay, Minister at St Kentigern’s, said: “As a church with our community at its heart we were delighted to be able to provide a meeting place for this conference of practitioners working with people who have learning disabilities. It was very encouraging to see people from many groups bring their diverse expertise and an enthusiasm to work together to benefit those in our communities who need particular support to live and learn well.”

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The CHP is hosting a multi-partnership event at the Burns Monument Centre, Kilmarnock from 10.30am to 3pm . . . → Read More: EAST AYRSHIRE CARERS FORUM]]> East Ayrshire Community Health Partnership (CHP) needs your help to establish a local Carers Forum which will represent the views of local carers and carers groups as key partners in the planning and delivery of care.

The CHP is hosting a multi-partnership event at the Burns Monument Centre, Kilmarnock from 10.30am to 3pm on Thursday 20 May. This event will outline the local context for the proposed Forum, consider all the issues and agree a way forward for its establishment.

Councillor Drew Filson, Chair of the East Ayrshire Community Health Partnership said: “The CHP has invited local carers groups and individuals who were involved in the development of the recently approved Carers Action Plan to this event. However we are looking for the views of all carers and carers groups from throughout the area.

“Carers carry out an incredibly important role in our communities and it is in recognition of their importance locally, that the CHP is supporting the establishment of a Carers Forum to ensure that their voice is heard. I know that with your support this will be a very positive day which will establish a clear path for the Forum.”

If you wish to attend the event please contact Cleo Cumisky at cleo.cumisky@east-ayrshire.gov.uk or 01563 576514 by Monday 17 May.

If you require assistance with respite or transport to support your attendance at the event please contact East Ayrshire Carers’ Centre on 01563 571533. If you require assistance with transport costs please bring taxi/ public transport receipts with you on the day.

Background

East Ayrshire’s Carers Action Plan was approved by the Council in December 2009 and subsequently endorsed by East Ayrshire Community Health Partnership (CHP).

The Carers Forum will be a carers’ representative body, formally linked to key partners within Community Planning and Community Health Partnership Structures and was identified within the Carers Action Plan. The Community Health Partnership will progress the Carers Forum and has agreed that the new local carers’ body will be formally linked to the CHP Forum which promotes and represents the interests of service users, patients, carers and communities.

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Conducted between October and November 2009, the inspection was led by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education and the final report was published today (11 March 2010). The inspection looked at . . . → Read More: “SERVICES ARE WORKING WELL TOGETHER TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE IN EAST AYRSHIRE”]]> A joint inspection of services to protect children in East Ayrshire has concluded that arrangements for helping to keep children safe are “very good”.

Conducted between October and November 2009, the inspection was led by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education and the final report was published today (11 March 2010). The inspection looked at services provided by NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Strathclyde Police, East Ayrshire Council and the Children’s Reporter. It also included services provided by voluntary and independent sector organisations.

The inspection highlighted particular strengths which made a difference to the lives of children and their families. These included: -

• Providing support early to prevent difficulties arising or increasing;

• Staff working well together to keep children safe;

• Trusting relationships with staff;

• Commitment by staff to reviewing their work to improve services;

• Strengthened leadership and management of children’s social work services.

The report also highlighted examples of good practice including supporting parents to develop confidence and skills in caring for pre-school aged children; services and opportunities for young carers affected by parental substance misuse, and improved wellbeing of young people living in residential children’s houses through taking part in leisure activities.

Overall the inspectors are satisfied with performance in East Ayrshire, and recognised that agencies are good at evaluating their own progress in making improvements.

Susan Taylor, Chair of the East Ayrshire Child Protection Committee said: “This inspection report confirms that our multi-agency partnerships in East Ayrshire are working well to prevent significant harm happening to children. Staff are responsive to concerns raised about children and are committed to keeping them safe and making their lives better. As highlighted in the report, agencies are not complacent. This is difficult work in challenging times, and we are already working together on our next improvement plan. We welcome this report and the feedback from inspectors, which will inform our work further.

“We are particularly grateful to members of the public across East Ayrshire who work with us in being vigilant and reporting concerns, therefore ensuring that help is provided to children and young people when necessary.”

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The Panel Members: Cathy Jamieson MSP; Fiona Lees Chief Executive East Ayrshire Council; Gerri Watt, Ayrshire Procurator Fiscal; Provost Stephanie Young; Sandra White Consultant Nurse NHS Ayrshire and Arran and Councillor Kathy . . . → Read More: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S WEEK LAUNCHES]]> A Question Time session organised by East Ayrshire Women’s Forum got International Women’s Week in East Ayrshire off to a flying start.

The Panel Members: Cathy Jamieson MSP; Fiona Lees Chief Executive East Ayrshire Council; Gerri Watt, Ayrshire Procurator Fiscal; Provost Stephanie Young; Sandra White Consultant Nurse NHS Ayrshire and Arran and Councillor Kathy Morrice were all open and candid with questions from the audience which made it a very positive event.

The session allowed local women to pose questions on aspirations, difficulties and work life balance. The relaxed atmosphere created by the panel members allowed the audience to interact in an informal yet meaningful manner.

Provost Stephanie Young said: “It was a pleasure to be a member of the panel to launch International Women’s Week. We were all really scared that we were going to be asked difficult questions but in fact there was nothing between us that we couldn’t handle although some were trickier than others. One of the most meaningful questions was asked by a member of the VIP Partnership Group regarding people with disabilities and her comments that some things are easier said than done brought home the realities of how difficult it is for people with disabilities to find work.”

Audience member felt that the session was:
• “Very informal but informative.”
• “This was an extremely positive event, with a very impressive panel.”
• “Always useful to hear successful women share experiences.”
• “Nice to have a panel prepared to share so freely.”

There is still a full week of activities ahead throughout East Ayrshire, to view the programme check out www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk

Please visit this page for more information 

http://eac.eu/corpres/admin/panel.asp

Guests were able to find out more about the service which provides free and confidential counselling and support to female survivors of rape and child sexual . . . → Read More: SUPPORT CENTRE MOVES TO NEW PREMISES]]> Provost Stephanie Young joined other guests recently at an Open Day held to show people around the new premises of the Rape Counselling and Resource Centre in Kilmarnock.

Guests were able to find out more about the service which provides free and confidential counselling and support to female survivors of rape and child sexual abuse; mothers whose children have been abused, or anyone supporting a survivor, such as friends, partners, parents and families.

On offer at the centre is a resource library; a range of complimentary therapies; assertiveness training and anger and stress management among other services.

The centre moved into the new premises in Kilmarnock in November 2009 to expand its service further.

Provost Young said: “It was a pleasure for me to visit the new premises for Rape Counselling and meet the dedicated staff who work from the Centre across the whole of East and South Ayrshire. The aura of calm in these new premises is palpable and obviously appreciated by those suffering from horrendous ordeals. I wish the centre all the best for the future.”

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Following extensive consultation with older people a clear strategy was agreed in 2006 to satisfy their needs. It became clear that . . . → Read More: Independence for older people moves forward as Nicola Sturgeon opens Rosebank Centre]]> Provision for the care of older people in East Ayrshire received a boost recently as the Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon MSP, visited the newly opened Rosebank Resource Centre in London Road, Kilmarnock.

Following extensive consultation with older people a clear strategy was agreed in 2006 to satisfy their needs. It became clear that older people wanted help to be more independent; to have choice and control over how they manage their own lives; and to be able to access the support necessary to stay in their own home whenever it is safe and practical. The Rosebank Centre has been developed in direct response to the consultation.

At that time, the Council unanimously agreed a clear strategy to support the shift in the balance of care from Care Homes and Hospital settings to supporting older people at home. A cornerstone of the strategy has been to replace former Residential Units with modern facilities, allowing the Council to support people at home and reduce the length of time older people spend in hospital, maintaining a figure of zero delayed discharges for many months. Rosebank fulfils part of this strategy.

Speaking during the visit, Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “We are delighted to say that at the end of 2009 this building was delivered on time, on budget and to a superb quality specification. We have real confidence that the staff, guided
by the service users, will make the best of this opportunity and deliver caring and innovative services. Already around many older people are benefitting from the support on offer”.

“ We clearly recognise the challenges of the present economic climate, but the Council has made provision to continue to ensure that East Ayrshire emerges from this downturn stronger and better able to deliver 21st century services to our communities.”

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said “Rosebank is a great example of the kind of care and support that helps people to remain in their own homes as long as possible. By investing in this kind of day centre, more older people here in Kilmarnock can benefit from greater choice.

“Up to forty people a day will be able to attend Rosebank, learning new skills and being helped to maintain their independence – which will in turn enable them to remain in their own homes and communities for a long time to come.”
Rosebank caters for thirty people per day, plus eight people in the evenings, giving them an opportunity to develop skills old and new. A lunch club is also available for 10 people each day. The support of the centre aims to help maintain their independence where possible.

The centre itself is modern in design and is spacious, bright and airy with rooms to accommodate all types of activities and social events. There is a cafe area, dining area and large multipurpose activity areas used for bowling, quizzes, snooker, photography, wii computer games, films and slide shows etc. A quiet room is also available for those who do not feel up to socialising. Meeting rooms are available, by appointment, for older people’s and community groups.

Outdoors there is an attractive, self contained garden which will enable service users to meet socially, for outdoor activities and gardening.

The lunch was a great success, with 120 guests attending the event despite the extremely inclement weather!

Guests were treated to a delicious lunch followed by a raffle which raised £470 for . . . → Read More: MS AYRSHIRE AND ARRAN LUNCH]]> Provost Stephanie Young was delighted to attend the Ayrshire Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society lunch at Gailes Lodge in Irvine recently.

The lunch was a great success, with 120 guests attending the event despite the extremely inclement weather!

Guests were treated to a delicious lunch followed by a raffle which raised £470 for the Society.

Provost Stephanie Young said: “This was a wonderful event, which along with South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan, I was delighted to attend. A fantastic amount of money was raised for such a worthwhile cause and I am pleased that it will all be used to benefit MS sufferers in Ayrshire.”

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For further information contact Caroline Gordon on 01563 576521