Wednesday, 27 April 2011 15:36

The search for the best social service projects, teams and organisations showcasing innovation, excellence and dedication in Scotland is nearly completed as the finalists are announced today.

The Care Accolades 2011, organised by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) gives the chance for social service workers and teams to highlight and celebrate the life changing work that takes place every day that provides a better services for people who use them.

This year's 17 finalists are from social service providers across Scotland, and highlight diverse services and projects covering everything from supporting the early years workforce to a community based family support service which helps vulnerable children and families adapt to parents leaving prisons.

Each of these projects illustrates the need, more than ever, of providing excellent and effective social services in today's economic climate that address the challenges within our communities.

Garry Coutts, Chair of the Care Accolades 2011 judging panel said:

"This year we are delighted by the evidence which we've seen which shows the impact these projects are starting to have on the people that use them. Another key theme has been personalisation.

It is great to see that personalisation is really taking shape in the way services are being delivered and that people are really starting to think about the services they want rather than off shoot into the service they have."

The finalists and guests will find out who has won at the award-winning Care Accolades afternoon tea and award ceremony presented by Radio Scotland host Kaye Adams on the 3 June 2011 at Paisley Town Hall.

Judge's comments

Care Accolades judges speak about this year's finalist selection from Scottish Social Services Council on Vimeo.

The finalists

1. Investing In The Workforce, Developing Practice - leading the way on developing skills and practice.

• Management Qualification In Positive Behaviours - The Richmond Fellowship Scotland -
• Residential Child Care Services - Dundee City Council, Social Work Department
• Childhood Practice - Raising The Bar! - Stirling Council

2. Working Better, Working Together - how is collaboration and integration making a difference.

• Families Affected by Imprisonment - Circle with partners HMP Addiewell, HMP Cornton Vale and HMP Greenock
• Family Group Conference Centre - Children 1st with Dumfries and Galloway Council
• Social Work Carers Specific Services - Glasgow City Council with partners Glasgow Carers Support Project, North West Carers Project, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Carers Information Strategy Workers Team, Keep Well Carer Community Nurses, North and West Glasgow Community Health and Care Partnership, Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Alzheimer's Scotland and Glasgow Association for Mental Health

3. Involving Our Local Communities - delivering lasting improvement and changing things for the better.

• Same As You? Listen And I Will Tell You Just How Much... - South Lanarkshire Council
• Local Area Co-Ordination Team - East Ayrshire Council

4. Children And Young People - showing how teams have risen to the challenge.

• Multisystem Therapy Team - NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
• Intensive Support and Monitoring Services - Alternative to Remand - Glasgow City Council
• Family Support and Intervention Services - Kibble Education and Care Centre

5. Adults And Older People - making person centred care and improving outcomes a reality.

• Delivering on Dementia in Argyll and Bute - Argyll and Bute Council with Alzheimer Scotland and NHS Highland
• Persistent Offender Project - Glasgow City Council, Addiction Service
• Transformation of Older People's Services - Midlothian Council

6. Innovation Award - for teams, partnership or organisations that show innovative thinking and ways of working.

• 21st Century Telewear - Intergenerational and co-productive design of Telecare products - Moray Council
• Dates 'n' Mates - C-Change for Inclusion
• You First - Barnardo's Scotland

7. Outstanding Contribution To Care - giving employers, people who use services and their families the chance to nominate their social service worker.

• The winner will be announced at the award ceremony.

Chair's Award - a winner chosen from any of the finalists which the Chair feels demonstrates innovation and excellence. 

• The winner will be announced at the award ceremony.