sense scotland annual review 2013/14

“I can’t imagine our lives without Sense Scotland.”

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This publication is available in various formats on request.

mailto:%20info%40sensescotland.org.uk?subject=Sense%20Scotland

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32 Sense Scotland Annual Review 2013/2014 Sense Scotland Annual Review 2013/2014

Roy Cox, Chairman

I continue to be amazed by the fantastic work that Sense Scotland does for the people we support. At our Staff Awards I heard about the wonderful hard work and dedication of all our staff and volunteers.

From gardening projects encouraging people to get their hands dirty, to campaigns which brought the charity to new audiences and supporters, there is a wealth of talent and commitment from all our teams. And although there are still many challenges, including the ongoing welfare reforms, I believe that Sense Scotland still offers the best support and choices for the people we support and their families.

Our strategic priorities:

• Personalisation (Self Directed Support): Be the provider of choice. Be recognised for fitting

our service around the needs of the individual.

• Quality of Service: Working in partnership with

families, carers, services users, staff and other

stakeholders to develop and improve service

delivery and quality.

• Sustainability and Growth: Growing our services to the benefit

of the community by providing personalised,

affordable and efficient services.

Welcome to Sense Scotland

Andy Kerr, Chief Executive

This Annual Review shows just how good the last year has been for Sense Scotland.

As a social enterprise and charity, we have grown existing services while developing new services. We have grown our workforce and have invested in their skills and training. We have seen positive results from our Sense Scotland Quality Assurance Programme as well as our Care Inspection grades. And we have responded to the pressures our funding partners are experiencing.

Looking to the future we can be confident that Sense Scotland will continue to be in a strong position to welcome many more children, young people and adults into our services.

The development of our innovative TouchBase resources across the country will allow us to reach out with high quality services. And more young children will become involved through our Early Years and Advisory services across Scotland.

I can’t reflect on the past 12 months without mentioning how sad we were to lose our Family Advisor Pat Brown, who died earlier this year. He exemplified for many, the caring and human face of Sense Scotland. Pat, and all the other people we either lost or said goodbye to in the last year, both staff and the children and adults we support, were a very much loved part of the Sense Scotland family.


March 2014 saw professionals from across Scotland gather together for the official launch of our new Early Years project. The Early Years Team showcased their exciting programme for young children in Scotland who have communication support needs. It was attended by Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell MSP who said:

“Sense Scotland’s Early Years Showcase event is especially important in bringing together good practice and partnerships from a range of organisations committed to ensuring that all children have the best start in life.”

Funded by the Scottish Government, our Early Years team have developed a national programme of early intervention and support for young children.

Look out for more from the team at Twitter.

#makingsenseofearlyyears

The Best Possible Start in Life Music tutor Jo Jo Lander with Aileen Campbell


A mother we support talks about how we have supported her and her daughter in the last year.

My name is Catherine and I have a four year old daughter called Sara with additional needs. I first met our Sense Scotland support worker Rachael when Sara was about 4 months old. This lady was a breath of fresh air when we desperately needed it. She had been trained to work with families exactly like us, and she had so much experience.

She bonded instantly with Sara and was the first person we met, other than family or friends, who treated Sara like the little gorgeous baby she was. She listened, which was so important. I gained trust in this woman very quickly and we soon began ‘play therapy’ with Sara.

Sense Scotland’s worker taught me how to learn to play in Sara’s own unique way. It was like learning a new, very special language, and once

you get the hang of it it’s pretty straightforward and very rewarding. Equipped with the skills to play with Sara, the most ‘simple’ thing, that most other mums take for granted, I now had a definite way to enjoy my baby, and to give her some enjoyment too.

Sense Scotland continue to be a huge part of our lives. Their Children and Families service are fantastic and give Sara first class care, including, play therapy, baby massage, rebound therapy, and most of all, the love and full attention that Sara requires.

She also receives music and art lessons and I have seen a great improvement in her responses to music since she began these sessions. I can’t imagine our lives without Sense Scotland. They have truly been there every step of the way and have never let us down. We are incredibly lucky to have them!.

Playtime with Sara

“I can’t imagine our lives without Sense Scotland.”


Your Choice

We held the first of a series of Open Days for families and individuals seeking care under Self Directed Support and Personalisation. By showcasing the different services and activities we offer throughout the country, individuals and families were given a wealth of information as well as the opportunity to hear from families we already support.

Musical bananas which delivered piano tunes and drum rolls were presented by Art Tutor Ewan Sinclair. This proved to be a great hit, showing how we use new technologies as a tool for both play and communication. We also had our popular You’ve Been Framed photo sessions which proved to be a great way to get to know visitors.

Lynne Baxter on Facebook: “Wow...What a fantastic resource we had a great time and thanks everyone for making us so welcome.”


Learning and Development

Sense Scotland believes in giving the people we work with the tools with which to transform their lives. We have been working with the ASDAN learning scheme for over two years supporting people to develop and learn skills in the areas they are interested in. At the beginning of 2014 we were delighted to be able to celebrate students’ achievements at our first ASDAN awards ceremony. The group who achieved their awards, which included, admin and health and safety courses, celebrated with family, friends and the staff who support them.

Neil received his award at the ceremony. His Mum Karen said:

“Learning with ASDAN has been a very positive experience for Neil - he came home a happy man.”

To find out more about ASDAN and other learning opportunities with Sense Scotland email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Mapping the Nation

The Sensory Mapping project was part of Sense Scotland’s contribution to the Year of Natural Scotland, 2013. Three groups met for weekly sessions to investigate their local environment, collect natural materials and create temporary works at three locations across the country, Ardess Lodge, by Loch Lomond; Templeton Woods in Dundee; and Haddo Country Park in Aberdeenshire. They then developed artistic interpretations and responses to these environments.

The groups created permanent public sculptures at their mapping location leaving a visual and tactile legacy for return visits by artists from the group and the general public. During the projects our Outdoor and Physical Activities Co-ordinator Joe Gibson worked alongside the groups and Art Tutors Imelda, Dawn, Julie and Jemima. The project was funded by Creative Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, with support from Aberdeenshire Council, Haddo Country Park, the National Trust for Scotland, and Dundee City Council Ranger Service.

Templeton Wood Mosaic Benches. Ardess Fired Stone Wall. Haddo House Sensory Circle.


We Couldn’t Do Without Your Support

We’ve had another fantastic year of support from across the country. With sell out comedy nights in Aberdeen, cycle challenges from Fort William to Glasgow and major corporate support, including being chosen by the St Enoch Centre in Glasgow as their Charity of the Year. All of these partnerships raise vital funds to support our work with children, young people and adults.

The official launch of our year-long St Enoch Centre partnership saw inspirational support from folk musician Karine Polwart and comedian and broadcaster Des Clarke. Karine played with Sense Scotland’s TouchBeats group and said:

“The event was a great opportunity to showcase, not only the musical talent of the TouchBeats, but also the enormous difference that Sense Scotland makes to people’s lives.”

While Des added: “Sense Scotland does a brilliant job of supporting disabled people across Scotland. But like any charity, it needs donations to continue its valuable work.”

To find out how to get involved with Sense Scotland follow us on Twitter @sensescotland or go to: facebook.com/sensescotlandcharity

http://twitter.com/search?q=%40sensescotland&src=typd

https://www.facebook.com/sensescotlandcharity


The Bigger Picture

Brian, who we support to live in his own flat was the focus of our ‘Bigger Picture’ campaign. Inspired by a short film about his love of drawing, people from across the world shared their creativity and generosity resulting in over a 1,000 images being submitted. We created a mosaic poster of Brian which features the fantastic artworks people shared.

And what about Brian, the inspiration for this fantastic chain of creativity? He has been busy as part of a number of projects including the Outdoor Network where he camped outside and learned new outdoor skills. Brian and fellow residents at his home, celebrated the 10th anniversary of moving to their flats in Forfar, a significant milestone in having greater independence.

The Bigger Picture was a fantastic way to celebrate the lives of people like Brian who make Sense Scotland what it is. We would also like to give a big thanks to everyone who sent in their own Bigger Pictures, including celebrities Susan Boyle, Simple Mind’s Jim Kerr, artist Alasdair Gray and actors Gregor Fisher and Gary Lewis.

Andy Kerr, Chief Executive:

I’ve now been with Sense Scotland for three years and in that time I’ve seen the organisation grow in confidence and ambition. This would not be possible without the professionalism, passion and care of our staff teams across Scotland. I know from speaking to the people we support and their families that Sense Scotland have some of the best support staff in the country; people who put the individual at the centre of their work and help them achieve their personal goals. As we approach our 30th anniversary year I’m confident together, we can go from strength to strength.”


He’s the Greatest Dancer

Ian Johnston is supported in our adult services and is part of our performance group.

He had a hit show on his hands in a collaboration with performers Gary Gardiner and Adrian Howells. He’s The Greatest Dancer, a choreographed and improvised performance, was premiered as part of the Arches Live programme. Adrian said of Ian’s performance:

“Ian is not a professional dancer…he is simply being in the moment, unselfconscious and improvising. Professional dancers would have to un-train themselves to reach this level of authenticity. Gary and I feel Ian’s already there, as a performer who’s truthful and not self-conscious.”

Scotsman review by Joyce McMillan: “…a tentative yet complex and sometimes beautiful show, in which Gardiner’s dominance of the show’s verbal exchanges is deconstructed and interrogated, while Johnston takes centre stage in the dance sequences.”

The Herald review by Mary Brennan:

“…a tender yet intense collaboration by Ian Johnston, Gary Gardiner and Adrian Howells, that challenges our assumption that words are how we best express ourselves.”

Sadly this year Adrian, an inspirational part of our arts team through a residency in association with The Arches, died. He will be missed greatly by the people we support and staff who knew him.

Photo credit: Niall Walker

22 Sense Scotland Annual Review 2013/2014

On the High Street

Our presence on the high street through

our many charity shops is a vital part

of fundraising, raising our profile and

most importantly getting involved with

communities in towns and cities across

Scotland. Shop staff and volunteers

provide a brilliant service to our many

loyal customers and ensue that people

keep coming back with donations and

to find a bargain. So we were delighted

to add new shops in Perth and

Dunfermline this year.

Our Perth shop launch included Sandy, who we support to live in his own home. He met staff and helped launch the store. We have been supporting 69 year old Sandy to live in his home in Bridge of Earn for over 10 years.

His life has been transformed through our communication led approaches and he has a strong bond with the three other men he shares his home with. Sandy has had new opportunities including, walking groups, a gardening project including an introduction to growing vegetables. Projects like these rely on the income and support from all our shops.

Jan Chebrika, our Senior Shop Manager for the East

of Scotland said:

“Sense Scotland is delighted to open our shop in Perth, especially

as we provide support services locally.

By shopping or donating items people can make

a huge difference to the people Sense Scotland

works with.”


In the Frame

In the summer of 2013 David Frame, an artist who we support to live independently in Coatbridge, had his first solo exhibition at TouchBase Glasgow. Arts intern Ellie Barrett helped curate the exhibition and explained David’s process.

David’s work derives from the process of collecting and cataloguing the items that compose his environment. Recurring subjects include food and drink, art materials, pens and stationary. David is one of the many talented artists supported by our Arts Tutors, who work across music, visual arts, drama, new media and woodcraft.

To find out more about Sense Scotland arts email: [email protected] or follow @sensescotarts


http://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40sensescotarts

The right place for Danielle


Danielle, had been a part of Sense Scotland’s Children and Families Service and is now part of adult day services and One Giant Leap, a lottery funded project supporting young people in transition. Mum Marie talked about the last year and how important this support is for her.

“She comes four and a half days a week and she absolutely loves it. Mixing with kids her own age, she just fitted in, they just accept each other and she loved it.”

Marie has seen Danielle’s confidence and skills grow through Sense Scotland. “Danielle was spending too much time with adults and couldn’t go out and play with any kids on her own. Her social skills have developed by coming to One Giant Leap and her speech has really come on as well. When she comes in here she’s quite relaxed. She’s safe, she’s happy and as a family we don’t have to worry because I know she’s having a good time.”

Sense Scotland support worker Jasmine provides one to one support for Danielle.

“With Jasmine, Danielle goes out into the community and to the sports centre. I’m really quite amazed, she does the treadmill and the bikes…she loves it. It’s just the two of them, and it’s nice to see that, they’ve got a lot to give to each other.”

Marie is clear that it’s the social life which is what’s most important for Danielle.

“I remember I came in here and watched Danielle and she flits about, she talks to people. Even if she just says hi and she gets a response, that makes her day. I want her to be happy, and to make and keep friends that she’ll see as she’s older. She says ‘…I’m going to see my friends in Sense…’ it’s lovely. I’m so glad that she got in here because I knew that this was the right place for Danielle.”


April 2013: Fort William to Glasgow cycle, sponsored by Ellmoll Builders Limited and led by Chief Executive Andy Kerr raised nearly £10,000.

May 2013: Thanks to staff and customers of Dobbies Milngavie who donated £1600 over a year.

June 2013: Dundee Bank of Scotland staff made a difference in a day at our Tullidepph flats working their socks off in the garden and donating plants and trees creating a lovely new garden.

July 2013: Take the Lead charity dog walk at Glasgow Green raised nearly £1000. World renowned Contact Improvisation practitioner Itay Yatuv, presented a masterclass at TouchBase Glasgow and delivered special sessions for children and parents.

August 2013: Forfar staff helped residents, families and friends celebrate 10 years of living in their flats. The group had a garden party and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the anniversary.

September 2013: Outdoor network week in Norway. Three people we support, took part along with participants from two other countries and support workers. They explored and enjoyed the Norwegian mountains together, rowing, fishing, picking potatoes, cooking at the fireplace and falling asleep on reindeer skins next to the fire.

A year with Sense Scotland


October 2013: Ross, who is supported by our Enabler service in Fife helped launch new charity shop in his hometown of Dunfermline, with support from John who volunteers in our shops.

November 2013: Aberdeen’s Inchgarth Community Centre hosted a sell out comedy night with Patrice and McRuvie and served up Stovies and Macaroni Cheese to the crowd.

December 2013: Our Christmas Concert at the Glasgow City Chambers featured schools, our own TouchBeats and families and friends in a night celebrating music and the festive spirit.

January 2014: Sense Scotland, as part of the ALLIANCE, joined the Concert for Carers which paid tribute to Scotland’s carers, professionals and volunteers.

Performers included Admiral Fallow, Eddi Reader, Emma Pollock, Horse McDonald, Hue and Cry, Kassidy, Little Fire and Siobhan Wilson.

February 2014: Sense Scotland ceremony celebrated the achievements of a group of people we support who attained ASDAN Awards to develop key life skills.

March 2014: Staff and Volunteer Award winners chosen, then presented at a red carpet event.

Volunteer Award - Bernadette Welan, shops Inspiration Award - Rachael Tonge, PEP Shop of the Year – Dunfermline Big Idea Award – Bigger Picture campaign Special Recognition - Bette Dunn, shops Team of the Year - Dundee Housing Support Services, with Runner up Award for Alford Housing Support.

A Year with Sense Scotland


Lori, who lives in Dundee said:

“I don’t know where I’d be today without Sense Scotland. It’s like nothing’s ever too much trouble for them. If they can’t help you then they’ll try and find someone who can. In the past there’s just been so many doors slammed shut in my face. I’ve always had doors open for me with Sense Scotland.”


Thanks

A M Pilkington’s Charitable Trust

Alexander Moncur Trust

Anderson Construction

Anderston Primary School

Andrew Paton’s Charitable Trust

Ann Jane Green Trust

Ardagh Glass

BBC Children in Need Scotland

Bellahouston Bequest Fund

Belmont House School

BIG - Investing in Communities

BIG 2014 Communities

BIG Awards for All

Bonnetmakers and Dyers Guild

Borders Friends Group

BP Foundation

Callendar Charitable Trust

Carmyle Primary School

Cash for Kids - Clyde Action

Celtic Charity Fund

Children’s Aid (Scotland) Ltd

Commonweal Fund

Creative Scotland

Devro Scotland Ltd

Eastwood Rotary Club

Ecton Charitable Trust

Edinburgh City Council

Ellmoll Builders Limited

Esmee Fairbairn Foundation

Forestry Commission Scotland

Foster Wheeler Energy Limited

Gannochy Trust

Gemmell Bequest Fund

Glasgow Life

Grand Lodge of Scotland

Grundtvig Programme

Harold Merton Adams Charitable Trust

Hazelwood School - The Fridays

Highgate Charitable Trust

Highland Group

Hugh Fraser Foundation

Inchgarth Community Centre

James & Jessie Shaw Charitable Trust

James Wood Bequest Fund

Jennie S Gordon Memorial Foundation

John M Archer Charitable Trust

John Napier’s Trust

JTH Charitable Trust

Leng Charitable Trust

Maidenwell Charitable Trust

Margaret Murdoch Charitable Trust

Martin Connell Charitable Trust

Mary Andrew Charitable Trust

MEB Charitable Trust

Merchant’s House of Glasgow

Miller Foundation

Miss Agnes H Hunter’s Trust

Miss E C Hendry’s Charitable Trust

Mr DF Stirling

Mrs JT Isles - Denny’s Charitable Trust

Mugdock Children’s Trust

Nexen Petroleum Ltd

NHS Section 16B Core Grant

NHS Tayside

Paterson Logan Charitable Trust

Paths for All

Paul Charitable Trust

Peter Brough Bequest Fund

PF Charitable Trust

Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow

R J Larg Family Trust

Radio Clyde Cash for Kids

Robertson Trust

Ronald Miller Foundation

Rotary Club of Hunterston

Russell Trust

Saints & Sinners Club of Scotland

Scottish Government

Scottish Government Asia Development Programme

Scottish Government Equality Fund

Scottish Government Malawi Development Programme

Scottish Government Short Breaks

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Widows - Investment Patnership

Shared Care Scotland

Sir James Miller Edinburgh Trust

Spifox Too

St Andrews Links Trust

St Enoch Centre

St Katharine’s Fund

St Ninian’s Christmas Church Fayre

Stitch and Bitch

Strathclyde Harmonia

Sylvia Aitken CharitableTrust

Think Money

The Highgate Charitable Trust

Total E & P UK Plc

Trades House of Glasgow

Trinafour Trust

Turnbull High School

Underwood Trust

WA Cargill Fund

William Crann & Son Ltd

William Grant and Sons

William S Phillips Fund

Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation

How can we support you?

• Information and Advice• Early Years support• Support for children and young people• Support for adults• Support to live in your own home• Taking a short break• Parent Enabler Project• TouchBase• Arts Programme• One Giant Leap Project• Outdoor Activities• Partners in Communication.

How can you get involved?

• Support our fundraising across Scotland• Join us as a staff member or volunteer• Use Glasgow’s TouchBase Business Centre

for meetings, events and office spaces• Visit one of our many shops across Scotland.

http://www.sensescotland.org.uk/what-we-do/support/support-for-children-and-families












http://www.sensescotland.org.uk/fundraising




Sense Scotland North East Region:The Gatehouse Quarry Road Northfield Industrial Estate Aberdeen AB16 5UU

Phone: 01224 695510 Fax: 01224 789945

Sense Scotland East Region:Office 7 Castleblair Business Centre Fullerton Road Queensway Industrial Estate Glenrothes KY7 5QR

Phone/text: 01592 752005 Fax: 01592 751121

Sense Scotland Head Office, Central Region and West Region TouchBase Centre Glasgow:Sense Scotland 43 Middlesex Street Glasgow G41 1EE

Phone: 0141 429 0294 Fax: 0141 429 0295 Text: 0141 418 7170

Design by strutdesign.co.uk | Photography by Sense Scotland

This publication is available in various formats on request.

Sense Scotland is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in Scotland No: 147570 and a registered Scottish Charity No: SC022097. Patron: The Duchess of Sutherland. Honorary Patron: Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore LLD DL.

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To find out more about Sense Scotland: Phone: 0300 330 9292

email: [email protected] or visit: sensescotland.org.uk

@SenseScotland

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sense scotland annual review 2013/14

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