Today, on International Day of Care and Support, we take a moment to honour the remarkable efforts of our team at Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND) and the heart and dedication they bring to our community every single day. At A-ND, we believe in placing love at the very centre of our care and support — an ideal strongly upheld in the root-and-branch review of social care, known as The Promise. This vision calls for a world where everyone is not only supported but also deeply valued, loved, and respected, where every individual has a true sense of belonging.
Our Promise Pilot team, dedicated and unrelenting, have been working side by side with families for almost two years now, proving that the outcomes we aspire to achieve are possible. Through our Promise Pilot project, we have seen incredible progress and improved outcomes for children and their families. This success wouldn’t be possible without a holistic, family-focused approach to care. One our current system and commissioned services out with the pilot don’t allow for. Our model relies on having a supported workforce, one that feels valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of others. It is only with a team rooted in love, respect, and a sense of belonging that we can bring about meaningful change.
To realise The Promise, we need a workforce that is supported, uplifted, and feels they are part of a larger purpose. That’s why, at A-ND, we invest in quality training, create a culture of diversity and growth, and provide work environments that promote love, respect, and a sense of belonging. With the right leadership and collaboration, we are demonstrating that a supported workforce is not only achievable but is essential for improved outcomes. Just last week, we welcomed a new team in the Highlands, in partnership with Highland Council. This expansion has only strengthened our ability to deliver a level of care and support that is transformative for those we serve.
While today is a celebration of the care and support our team brings, it’s also a reminder of the challenges we continually face. Far too often, limitations in funding and restrictive thinking, planning of and commissioning prevent services from providing the full support that our workforce and communities deserve. These systemic barriers can hinder the very heart of what makes care and support meaningful: love, respect, and belonging. It’s time for change, for a system that aligns with the values we hold so dearly, and that are essential for plan 2024-30!
A heartfelt thank you to each and every member of the A-ND team, both past and present, on this International Day of Care and Support. You have and continue to lead with love and compassion, especially for those who think differently, and I am immensely proud of all we’ve achieved. Despite the broken systems we tirelessly face, your commitment to care shines brightly. Let’s keep pushing forward, ensuring that love remains at the centre of all we do.
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