Welcome to the second January blog. The nights are getting lighter which makes us feel that spring is on its way and we head towards another phase within the cycle of life.

In this edition I’m going to give you information about:

• Plans to celebrate our 30^th years
• SVQ level 3/ SCQF / level 7 qualification
• Launch of the Kenny Macliver award for excellence
• Connecting Neighbourhoods event

The plans to celebrate 30 years of Fair Deal are underway. We have received a substantial donation and we are currently looking to match this in order to achieve the plans. So what is happening?

We have agreed on a logo

We have listened to people and arranged three events to celebrate this milestone. These are:

• 28^th March – the Glencairn Club party night
• 25^th June – Fernhill fun day
• 24^th September – Organisational day with AGM at Fernhill

We are also looking at options for day trips, drama and music workshops

The members of the  planning group are: Pauline Martin, Suzanne Mulheron, Debbie Osmond, Amy Sutherland, John Cuthbertson, Tracey Black [Board member] and me.

More information to follow.

SVQ level 3 / SCQF level 7: I am very pleased to let you know that we have secured a grant to support 20 support staff to be put forward for this exciting opportunity. We will be in touch with the candidates over the next few weeks with information about the award and to confirm arrangements and expectations. If you have any questions speak to your line manager or drop me an e-mail on annmariedocherty@fair-deal.org

Kenny Macliver award for excellence: We will be launching the Kenny Macliver award for excellence in March following the quality assurance meeting. The quality assurance group will finalise the paperwork and launch the award.

The Quality Assurance Group involves a member of the dream team, Scott Green, Development worker, Jill Grace, Team Leader Business Support, Moira Nicholson, Donna Thompson & Sally Gallery, Board members, Anne Marie Borthwick, Quality and Development manager and myself. We would like to invite representatives from our support workers. You will be paid to attend and we would like to ensure that we hear your voice within this group. If this is of interest please speak with your line manager or e-mail me on: annmariedocherty@fair-deal.org

Connecting Neighbourhoods: Connecting Neighbourhoods is a collaboration between 7 local social care providers working in Castlemilk [ Fair Deal, ENABLE Scotland, Community Integrated Care, Carr Gomm, Leonard Cheshire, Key / Community Lifestyles and Living Ambitions] with SOL Connect and Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership. Fair Deal is involved in hosting a local event on February 4^th at the Birgidale Complex for staff working with each of the provider organisations, individuals receiving support and their families. At the event people will hear from:

• Katrina Phillips on behalf of the GCHSCP about the context to the proposals around night-time support / policy [1]
• Laura Doidge from SOL Connect
• Margaret Fenton & Pauline Martin from Fair Deal

There will also be an opportunity for questions at the end. Invitations are being sent out and for more information please contact either Margaret Fenton or Pauline Martin by phone on 0141 634 4996 or by e-mail:

margaretfenton@fair-deal.org – Paulinemartin@fair-deal.org

If you would like to hear more about the initiatives please e-mail.

Ann Marie Docherty

Chief Executive