“In the midst of struggle, let’s take time to see the rainbows”

Launching our new Member Spotlight series celebrating the work of provider organisations in our membership, Cornerstone’s Chief Executive Hazel Brown reflects on success in the face of sector-wide challenges

Launching our new Member Spotlight series of blogs and videos celebrating the work of provider organisations in our membership, Cornerstone’s Chief Executive Hazel Brown reflects on success in the face of sector-wide challenges

I am delighted to be invited to provide the inaugural blog for CCPS’ new Members’ Spotlight series, and to have the opportunity to share some updates from Cornerstone, including some of our recent celebrations and achievements.

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting our annual Star Awards in Dundee; a national event designed to recognise the exceptional work of colleagues and supporters, as well as celebrate the amazing achievements of the people we support. Eighty-five colleagues from across the country were recognised for various long service awards, representing a cumulative 1,235 years of dedication and commitment to Cornerstone and the social care sector!

Presentations were also made for Colleague of the Year, Team of the Year, Learner of the Year and Fundraiser of the Year, and a number of very special Mary Williamson Awards were also presented to people we support across our 11 Branches, by the Lord Provost of the City of Dundee, Bill Campbell.

It was truly uplifting event with some very special stories shared. It also served as a great reminder of the impact of the care we provide and the difference it makes to the lives of the people we support and their families.

The theme of the event was ‘Cornerstone at the Movies’, with many guests choosing to dress up as their favourite film character. We also took the opportunity to première our very own Cornerstone movie, which you can view here.

I was delighted that Rachel Cackett, CEO of CCPS, was able to join us on the day and got to hear first-hand just some of the amazing work that is happening across the country.

Watch a short video message from Rachel, recorded at Cornerstone’s Star Awards

During the course of the afternoon I also shared news of a significant Cornerstone milestone, with the recent opening of our new Cornerstone Connects Hub in Galashiels. What an amazing facility it is! The hub is fully adapted to meet the needs of adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, complex care needs and autism and offers access to a wide range of outcome-based activities and learning opportunities.

Activities and opportunities include everything from early morning, evening, and weekend clubs, trips out and ‘Cuppa & Catch Up’ events to doors open days and hosted visits from a range of NHS Borders healthcare professionals. There is also a fully accessible sensory room, Changing Space, activity kitchen, physio and therapy room, tech and multi-media room, bookable meeting space, a common room and sensory garden.

It has been a long and hard road to get the hub open but it just shows you what sheer determination, an ambitious team and a truly collaborative working approach can achieve. I know the facility is already making a huge difference to the people we support, their families and our colleagues in our Support Service, Care at Home and Housing Support and Shared Lives.

Last month we also celebrated being awarded a Highly Commended at the UK final of the 2024 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards in London. A pretty big deal for us, especially given the stiff competition from the likes of BAE Systems, Leicestershire County Council, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Specsavers and Thames Valley Police! It is a significant achievement and true testament to the hard work and dedication of our colleagues and their efforts to bring about long-term, sustainable change and fostering a supportive and inclusive menopause friendly culture. The project was made possible through a generous grant from The Workplace Equality Fund and our skilled project partners The People Portfolio. If you would be interested in finding out more please contact menopauseawarenessproject@cornerstone.org.uk

And hot off the press… we’ve just heard that we are finalists in the Herald’s Top Employer Awards in the ‘Best Training and Skills Development Initiative’ category.  This recognises our investment and roll out of a new Professional Practitioner Programme, driven by our Training Academy.

So lots of great stuff happening at Cornerstone. But of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. We still face the same sector-wide funding, pay and recruitment challenges. We still struggle to keep social care in the spotlight and to influence meaningful policy change. But for our part, we remain committed to joining forces with other care providers and CCPS to influence change at both local and national government level. We look forward to working together and increasing our participation in profile-raising and influencing over the next year.

But for now, I urge all members to take some time and look for the sunshine and rainbows. It is undoubtedly a difficult time for social care, but it’s so important that we spotlight success and remind ourselves of the meaningful difference the great care and support we all deliver makes to people and communities across Scotland.

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