Recognition for care charity's work with families in Greater Easterhouse
June 17, 2002
Bridge of Weir-based care charity Quarriers received a Royal invitation to take part in Her Majesty The Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations in Glasgow on Thursday 23 May.
The invitation to meet The Queen during a Walkabout in the city's George Square recognised the charity's commitment and innovative work with children and their parents throughout Glasgow and the west of Scotland.
Robin Wilson, Quarriers Chairman, introduced The Queen to staff and parents involved with Quarriers Family Resource Centre, the charity's ground breaking project in Ruchazie which was set up with work with families to improve parenting skills.
Quarriers Family Resource Centre which has recently expanded into £1.2 million purpose-built premises in Avondale Street, was one of the first initiatives to offer support to men in the role of the principal carer. One year on from its launch, the male parenting project is attracting an increasing number of men seeking support, advice and guidance. This month the centre will strengthen its links with the local community by opening a nursery for babies and children age 0-3 which will provide a vital lifeline for many young families.
Phil Robinson, chief executive of Quarriers, which has grown to become the country's third largest care charity, said: "We were delighted to attend this prestigious occasion. We were one of only three high profile voluntary organisations present to represent children's issues in the west of Scotland. In addition to children, we care for young people, families and adults with a disability in over 70 projects at nearly 100 sites throughout west-central, south-west and north-east Scotland."
Quarriers Family Resource Project was set up by a partnership of several agencies in response to concerns about the increasing numbers of children requiring support from the Social Work Department in Greater Easterhouse. It focuses on providing support for very young children and their families, and its running costs are supported by Quarriers, Glasgow City Council, Greater Glasgow Health Board and Children in Need. The project offers a range of services to families including individual support, home visiting, groupwork, family work, financial advice, access to childcare, equipment loan and drop-in facilities.
Mary Glasgow, Quarriers Family Resource Centre project manager, said: "Many local children are brought up by lone parents and there is a huge need for support of this kind. We are helping parents develop parenting skills, greater confidence and a more positive attitude to the care of their children. Our ultimate aim is to reduce the numbers of children having to be accommodated by the Local Authority or requiring formal Child Protection measures.
"We are also involved with a whole range of issues affecting very young children and their families from health to emotional and behavioural difficulties. We hope, in the longer term, to improve the health of children and families and create a family environment that will encourage children to do better at school."
Capital funding for the Quarriers Family Resource Project's new premises has been provided by Quarriers, Glasgow City Council, Greater Easterhouse Social Inclusion Partnership, Scottish Homes, Glasgow Development Agency, The Big Step (formerly Young Care Leavers Social Inclusion Partnership), charitable trusts, and company sponsorship.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Quarriers is Scotland's third largest care charity, number SC001960. Established in 1871, it provides a wide range of care services for children, families, young people and adults with a disability from around 70 projects at around 100 sites in west-central, south-west and north-east Scotland.
The multi-disciplinary approach of Quarriers Family Resource Centre is innovative because it involves a range of professionals including Quarriers' social care staff, Health Visitors and Education workers, working in partnership within a single project. The philosophy of the project is to work in partnership with parents and other agencies, bringing out the strengths in families and in the local community, and to work in an open and honest way with parents.
Quarriers Family Resource Project accepts referrals from Social Work, GPs, midwives, Health Visitors and, most importantly, by families themselves. The 12 staff are committed to community development and empowerment, and have specialist knowledge about the parenting needs of children, as well as the effects of alcohol and drug misuse on parenting.
This information from Shona O'Donnell of The Business, public relations support to Quarriers. For more information please contact: Tel: 0131 718 6022 Fax: 0131 718 6145 Mobile: 07879 842527
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