After more than 20 years SPAEN is to cease operations supporting those with disabilities and long-term conditions. 

A charity supporting disabled people to access personal care has announced it will be forced to wind up later this year. 

The Scottish Personal Assistant Employers Network (SPAEN) works across the whole of Scotland but has announced it will have to end operations on September 30, 2022. 

The charity was first set up in 1999 to help people to take active control over their care and support packages. 

SPAEN supports people with disabilities, long-term conditions or impairments to use a Direct Payment to employ Personal Assistants.

However, the group will now cease operations, with its CEO moving on. 

In a statement posted on social media platform LinkedIn, SPAEN CEO Colin Millar said work is ongoing to support its service users beyond September. 

He wrote: “Today was a tough day.  After nearly 11 years serving SPAEN and its incredible members, we announced that the charity will wind up on 30th September 2022.

“It has been a privilege serving on and then chairing the Board of Directors & Trustees before taking up the role of CEO.  

“I’ve met some incredible people during that time and have learned so much, especially from those I was lucky to work with and the members I served.

“My first priority remains ensuring we secure alternative arrangements and support for all SPAEN’s members before we close for one last time.

“But it’s also time to start writing the next chapter in my career, so if any of my connections and friends know of any opportunities, I’d really appreciate if you could let me know. Thanks.”