Today, 3rd June 2005, Hugh Henry MSP the deputy Minister for Justice, will visit Quarriers Renfrewshire Supported Living Initiative in Paisley.
Hugh Henry will first visit the office base for the initiative, to meet with the Phil Robinson, Quarriers chief executive and Catriona Frame, project manager, and then will visit Caroline Tumath (a service user) in her flat in Espedair Street, close by. The flat has been specially modified for Caroline, who uses a wheelchair, and includes over-head hoists and electronically operated doors which are operated from Caroline's wheelchair controls.
Quarriers Renfrewshire Supported Living Initiative has been commissioned by Renfrewshire Council to provide intensive support to a number of people who need that support in order to live in their own homes in ordinary communities. When it started three years ago, in a funding partnership with Renfrewshire Council, the aim was to give new opportunities to people who had been living either in long term hospital or residential care. Caroline is looking forward to meeting with Hugh Henry and talking about the difference the initiative has made to her life.
Catriona Frame, project manager, said: "This is a great opportunity for Hugh Henry to see how a supported living initiative really works and to illustrate how we care for individuals who were discharged from long stay care homes as a result of changes in the community care laws."
Quarriers provides support and care for adults and children with a physical or learning disability disabilities, for children and families facing poverty, family breakdown, exclusion and disadvantage and for young people with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties, or who are homeless. Quarriers also offers support to carers of all ages who need respite, advice or just a friend to listen, it also has the only residential epilepsy assessment centre in Scotland.
Quarriers has grown considerably since it was founded William Quarrier during the 1870s, expanding to meet the needs of children, adults and families all over Scotland - and beyond. Staff numbers are now in excess of 1500 and the charity has an expected turnover of £35 million for 2005.
ENDS
This information and further details from Jane Smith, The Business
T: 0131 718 6022 M: 0131 718 6145 E: janes@thebusinesspr.co.uk
