A selection of stories from communities and voluntary organisations across Scotland
William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre celebrates five years
The William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre (WQSEC) celebrated its fifth anniversary this week. The world-class assessment and diagnosis facility in Glasgow has provided life-changing support to 500 people with epilepsy.
The WQSEC is the only residential assessment and treatment centre in Scotland for adults with epilepsy and the groundbreaking centre has received national and international recognition as a centre of excellence. It has also received special recognition for leading the way in diagnostic development thanks to its person-centred approach to medical treatment.
Eleanor Ferguson, mother of former patient Rachel Ferguson who was born with a learning disability, spoke at the event about the transformative effect the service had on her daughter. When Rachel was admitted she had very limited mobility. Following close observation, specialists at the WQSEC recommended introducing a new medication and significantly reducing another drug.
Eleanor said: “The improvement in Rachel’s condition is miraculous. She is now walking upright, her face is alert and animated again and the drooling and tremor in her arm has stopped. People who know Rachel can’t believe the difference.”
Gerard Gahagan, head of service, said: “It is a real joy to celebrate the William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre’s five year anniversary as it is a significant milestone. At this point in time we take stock of the future to ensure that the centre can continue to be a place that provides truly life-changing and transformational outcomes for so many.”
Don't miss your chance: Have your say
Campaigners fight to make sure other people’s voices get heard. Now it’s time for them to have their say in the annual Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) campaigners survey.
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation’s influential Campaigners Survey helps the organisation speak up more powerfully for change-makers – whether on gagging clauses, funding challenges, or the Lobbying Act. In the 2018 survey it is looking at the campaigning environment and support for campaigners.
The survey is open until 30 October and should only take 10 minutes to complete.
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation brings the campaign community together to share new ideas, knowledge and resources.
Join Sonic Bothy at Diagonal Joy concert
Sonic Bothy is holding a performance on Tuesday 6November 7.30pm, in Glasgow City Halls, where all three of their groups – Ensemble, Bothy Learning Space and Open Session – will come together to perform new and experimental music.
Sonic Bothyis an inclusive music organisation that provides a platform for musicians with additional support needs to explore, compose and perform contemporary music of all kinds. They work with musicians of all abilities to help extend their musical knowledge, composition and performance skills.
Tickets are £6 (£4 concession) and carers go free. They are available through the Glasgow Concert Halls box office.
The performance is a relaxed event and the City Halls venue is fully accessible. If you would like to attend but experience additional barriers, please get in touch with Riah at Sonic Bothy on 07916057504 or at [email protected] for help.
Gullane clubs together to raise funds for charity
One of the country’s top golf clubs has raised over £3,000 for charity in memory of a schoolgirl who tragically passed away. Jess Mackie, from Gullane in East Lothian, was just 14-years-old when she died earlier this year.
To raise money for the memorial fund set up in her name, Gullane Golf Club used their annual invitational event, with members from across the world playing to show their support.
David Morgan, secretary of Gullane Golf Club, said: “The loss of Jess was felt by the whole community so it’s great to show support in this way and the money raised will go to helping the lives of so many others.”
Scottish win could boost tourism and Gaelic by saving red squirrels
Scotland’s only entry in the Forests category of a leading international conservation competition could this week secure funding to create a lifeline for Scotland’s red squirrels, while boosting nature tourism and the Gaelic language in the northwest Highlands.
Trees for Life’s Reds Return initiative will receive more than £25,000 from the European Outdoor Conservation Association if it wins an online vote open to anyone until Sunday 21 October.
Red squirrels, relocated from thriving populations in Inverness-shire and Moray, will be reintroduced to four northwest Highland woodlands – so they can spread, safe from threats from grey squirrels.
Steve Micklewright, Tree for Life’s chief executive, said: “This is about breathing new life into the Highlands by helping to save red squirrels, helping hard-pressed rural economies through wildlife tourism, and helping to promote Gaelic. So we are urging everyone to vote for us in this competition”
The project also aims to benefit rural economies and to support the Gaelic language with new nature tourism opportunities such as guided walks, leaflets and events in the Caledonian Forest, as well as new teaching materials about red squirrels in Gaelic and English.
Fire service aims to make communities safer
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is engaging with people and organisations across Scotland on it proposals for transforming to make Scotland’s communities safer.
As a national service, with a very local presence, the service has said it knows how important it is for the people of Scotland to understand what SFRS transformation would mean for them and the communities in which they live.
A spokeswoman said: “We are very keen to engage with voluntary organisations so that voices from the third sector can be heard. SFRS is your service and this is an opportunity for us to hear your voice on the aspects of SFRS that matter most to you, your organisation, and the communities you represent.”
If you are based in the North East of Scotland and would like to attend a short engagement event that is planned to take place next week, contact SFRS by Monday 22 October providing your details and details of the organisation you represent in an email to: [email protected]
