John Scott MSP visited Quarriers Homelife project in Ayr on 23 January 2006 to meet with staff and residents who are part of the Ayrshire Alliance - a focus group that deals with issues affecting people supported by Quarriers, to see how a supported living initiative for adults with a disability works at grass roots.
Mr Scott was invited to Homelife by Caroline Gray, a member of the Ayrshire Alliance. He visited the office base for the project at 123 Prestwick Road, Ayr, to meet with the Ayrshire Alliance group as well as Quarriers inclusion officer Iain Cuthbertson and the project manager Lynn Angus. Caroline said: “The Ayrshire Alliance is part of a wider network of Self Advocacy groups in Quarrier’s Disability Services called the Discovery Group. Each of the local groups sends members to the Discovery Group to make sure that local issues are heard at meetings.”
The Discovery Group was set up in May 2001 by Quarriers to make sure that there was a forum for people who use services to have their views and opinions listened to.
Mr Scott said: “I am delighted to lend my support to the valuable work that Quarriers does in our community and I am a firm admirer of the way in which they support some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in society. Physical and learning disabilities must not be a barrier to individuals being able to live full and rewarding lives, and the work of Quarriers helps ensure that this is the case.”
Quarriers Homelife project supports 17 adults with disabilities, in their own homes, to live as independently as possible. Funded by South Ayrshire Council through Supporting People and Supported Living, the project has been up and running for the past 10 years.
Lynn Angus, project manager at Homelife, said: “Its great that Mr Scott visited us at Homelife, not only for the profile of the organisation but it helps our local audience understand the valuable work we do in the community.”
Quarriers provides support and care for adults and children with a physical or learning disability, 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.
The organisation has grown considerably since it was founded by 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 1600 and the charity has an expected turnover of £35 million this year.
ENDS
This information and further details can be obtained from Jane Smith at The Business:
T: 0131 718 6022
M: 07780-666136
E: janes@thebusinesspr.co.uk
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