Celebrating those who care

On Sunday 10 September we took part in Concert for Caring, an event organised by the ALLIANCE Scotland at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.

Hosted by comedian Des Clarke and featuring headline acts Callum Beattie and Altered Images, the evening was dedicated to honouring Scotland's carers and people working in third-sector organisations and health and social care.

The concert, which was attended by 2,000 people including Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Woman`s Health, and Professor Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director at the Scottish Government, was also attended by colleagues from Social Security Scotland who shared information on all of our benefits with the audience.

We also took part in an online story called Humans of Scotland, where people shared their experiences of receiving or giving care.

Our colleague Martin, a single father whose daughter, Harper, has learning difficulties, shared his experience of receiving Child Disability Payment.

“It completely changed things for us. It meant I could do things to support her learning difficulties.”

Zoe, 19, has been looking after mum who has multiple sclerosis since she was 7. She shared her experience of receiving Young Carer Grant, which she was able to put towards buying a car.

“The money was obviously really helpful but it was really good to just be sort of recognised, and realise that you are doing something which has a real value.”

Supporting the concert highlighted our commitment to a Carer Positive Exemplary employer. We received this award from Carers Scotland in January 2023 in recognition of our commitment to ensuring colleagues who are carers are valued and supported.

Our initiatives include the Carers Café, a safe space where colleagues with caring responsibilities can get support from in a similar situation and our Carer Passport which ensures colleagues can balance their caring responsibilities with work.

One of our colleagues, Natalie, who attended the concert, has volunteered with Barnardo’s for 17 years, taking children with additional supporting needs on befriending sessions to give their parents respite. Prior to joining us as a Service Manager, she worked in social care for ten years.

“The fact that we make a point of marking Carer’s Week, we have innovative things like the Carer’s Café and offer Carer’s Leave, all that contributes to people feeling they are supported. I believe we are leading in how we support carers and bringing caring into the spotlight.”