Shelter Scotland and CrossReach have been recognised for their commitment to supporting vulnerable people
Third sector organisations were amongst those recognised for their commitment to supporting vulnerable people.
Shelter Scotland and CrossReach are celebrating after winning at the annual Scottish Social Services Awards.
Shelter Scotland won in the A Different Approach category for its Time for Change initiative. TFC creates opportunities for individuals with experience of homelessness to become agents for change; volunteering, campaigning, advocating and working alongside others in the community who are facing similar issues.
CrossReach’s recruitment partnership team scooped the Making Change Happen award for its Get into Care with CrossReach programme, which supports less advantaged young people to get into the care sector as well as delivers a quality experience for the young people involved.
The charities were two of just 11 individuals, teams or organisations announced as this year’s winners. They triumphed over a record number of 155 nationwide entries from across the third sector, independent organisations, local authorities and the NHS.
Gillian Reid, national services manager at Shelter Scotland, said: “Time for Change is delighted at this recognition as it is a user-led, co-produced response to issues experienced by people facing homelessness in Glasgow every day. By harnessing the lived experience of individuals and creating opportunities for involvement, delivery and professional development, Time for Change in Glasgow has succeeded in delivering incredible outcomes for individuals, for trainees and across the sector.”
Marie Rennie, HR director at CrossReach, said: “We are delighted to win and this is a reflection of the great partnership we have formed. We couldn’t have done this without the whole team so this is testament to everyone’s hard work which has helped to give young people an opportunity to get into social care.”
Now in its third year, the Scottish Social Services Awards aim to cut across boundaries, celebrate excellence and bring one of the country’s largest sectors together.
Minister for Children and Young People, Maree Todd, said: “The calibre of entries this year from across Scotland was outstanding and it’s been wonderful to see the vital and life changing work being carried out by so many impressive people and initiatives.
“The winners have been awarded for their continual compassion and commitment to improving the lives of others. Everyone working in the sector is truly an asset to Scotland’s social services and I would like to applaud everyone involved for their incredibly admirable work.”
This year, a new special policy focus award was introduced to recognise excellence in mental health services.
The awards were held at Mansfield Traquair Centre in Edinburgh on Wednesday (5 June). They were hosted by Todd, and guest compere, Jo McFarlane, a poet and author motivated by social justice and an ambassador for the Scottish Association of Social Work.
