“We’re finding joy in the ordinary and focusing on the power of human connection”

I’m really pleased to be asked to contribute to CCPS’ Member Spotlight series. Our organisation takes part in many of the groups that CCPS facilitates, including the Communications Member Advisory Group, of which I’m a member. I wanted to share some of the work we’re doing at SOL and how we are striving to make our organisation the best it can be.

Appreciation Badges

At SOL our teams are empowered to innovate and work in partnership to provide high quality care and support. We are intentional about fostering a culture of appreciation and peer support that is driven by our values. In the last year our employees handed out more than 500 appreciation badges to each other, recognising the contribution they make to the lives of the people we work for. Through our HR system, we introduced appreciation badges to encourage recognition among staff. Each badge represents one of our core values:

• Do the right thing
• Make a difference
• Take responsibility
• Challenge the status quo
• Look at the world from different perspectives
• Find joy in the ordinary.

Staff can award these badges to colleagues along with a personal message. We can then see staff interactions in a social media style feed. This initiative has received positive feedback, making employees feel valued. Each month, one exemplary staff member is chosen as the “SOL Star,” recognising their contributions and values that embody SOL’s mission.

The Quality Checkers

Our Quality Checkers group, comprising people we work for and their staff, recently delivered feedback to SOL managers. The group gathers information from four audiences: the people we work for, SOL staff, friends and family, and external stakeholders. They previously gathered this feedback through paper questionnaires, but after receiving training based on the Care Experience Improvement Model, they now conduct face-to-face interviews. Their findings are then analysed, documented, and presented in video format, allowing managers to hear directly from the people who receive support. This powerful feedback session has led to the formation of an improvement group, with Quality Checkers playing a pivotal role in driving positive change.

SOL Connect

Our SOL Connect team continues to explore new and creative ways for people to use their support budgets. With a new office in Glasgow and our work across eight local authorities in Scotland’s central belt, it’s been a busy few months for the team. SOL Connect operates around the clock, 365 days a year. Support is provided through touchscreen hubs with a simple interface that users can tap to connect with our team. Those with dexterity issues can use a green button or SOL Connect watch pendant.

Our team assists with daily routines, medication reminders, social interactions, and connects users with emergency responder services if needed. When SOL Connect began 12 years ago, it served a small group with social support needs; today, it serves numerous people with diverse needs. Usage surged during the pandemic, especially for social interaction, prompting us to form the UPTAE? friendship group. Additionally, more people with mental health needs have started using the service.

SOL Connect succeeds because our team members come from care, not tech, backgrounds, ensuring they prioritise human connection. The technology we develop serves as a bridge between users and our trained staff, as well as friends and family. As the SOL Connect slogan says, “Connecting the things that matter.” We envision technology-enabled care becoming integral to Scotland’s social care landscape, balancing innovation with face-to-face support.

Watch a Scottish Learning Disability Week 2024 video about SOL Connect

UPTAE?

During the pandemic, we launched UPTAE? (as in “whit are you up tae?”) to foster connection amidst social restrictions. With funding from North Lanarkshire Council and the Lottery Community Fund, we created an online events group through SOL Connect hubs. Activities include dance, mindfulness, arts and crafts, Makaton, music, karaoke, and bingo. We provide participants with necessary materials, delivered to their homes.

The group’s success led to daily online events and in-person gatherings like “UPTAE Nae Good,” a Friday social with music, karaoke, and games. Initially a small online group, attendance has since tripled, including members outside of SOL who purchase memberships to join. Another highlight is “UPTAE Animation,” where participants collaborate with Nemo Arts to create stop-motion films, from writing the script to producing music. The project culminates in a premiere event where everyone can watch the final film and a behind-the-scenes documentary. We’re currently working on a second animation with a new group of creatives.

Watch a short animation about UPTAE?

The Future

Recent years have posed challenges for social care, but our team’s dedication and creativity have enabled us to continue supporting people in building the lives they want. However, the social care recruitment crisis makes it hard to attract and retain like-minded, innovative staff. While we focus on staff wellbeing through initiatives like mental health support packs, proper terms and conditions are essential.

If we had one Christmas wish, it would be for better staff conditions and investment in Scotland’s social care system. Resolving the staffing crisis would help us reach more people, relieve the health system, and ensure those in need receive proper support within their own homes and communities.

Find out more about SOL