Aberdeenshire Shared Lives win Scottish Social Services Award

Sue Mahony from the scheme shared their entry with us, and it’s clear to see why they were the obvious choice for the award.

“A third of the people we support live in rural locations with the remainder living in rural towns and villages, experiencing inequalities in access to support, isolation and limited public travel options, lockdown restrictions added to these inequalities.  Many people were wary of meeting indoors due to the risks associated with Covid increasing risk of isolation or mental ill health.  Shared Lives looks to provide support, friendship, citizenship and connection in a person’s community, and we had to look for innovative ways to foster this.

We set up two Walking Adventure Groups-one in North Aberdeenshire and another in the South, accessing the transport links which are limited in rural areas.  We researched buses, dial-a-bus services, taxis etc. and supported people to learn/ relearn or build confidence in using these.

Empowering and sharing of interests and strengths is paramount.

In the North they focused on the rural village of Maud.  The group began by exploring the old railway and made a connection with the Maud Railway Museum.  We were given a private tour by the volunteers.

We focused on nature and wellbeing when visiting the local community garden.   We took time to be mindful and learn coping strategies for our mental health.

We visited the local cafes and services, supported people to develop their local knowledge and think about how they could visit these places outwith an organised group.  One week we devised maps to orienteer using a tactile map, so all were involved.

We are currently working towards a John Muir Award which is a national conservation and environment award.  Discovering Strichen Community Park and Aden Country Park.  Connecting to learn about the history and the nature of the area.  The Aberdeenshire Ranger assists us to learn of the benefits of wildflowers for the environment whilst contributing to the local community.

The group in the South have focused on the rural towns of Stonehaven and Banchory.  Both offering a wealth of opportunities to learn about the history and the towns.  The group tried golf, ice cream tasting, exploring the local royal railway history, taking meals together.

Some of the achievements of the group include:

• Building confidence and skills using the transport options. This has led to one gentleman taking a taxi to the barber independently, another using a dial-a-bus service to access support with a Shared Lives Carer.
• One participant has applied to live in the area explored, enabled to make an informed real life choice.
• Navigating for a person with a visual impairment learning what the raised bumps on the pavement meant.
• Pride and an awareness of what the community can offer.
• The groups are recognised by the community and being invited to community events.
• A sense of citizenship and the feeling of wellbeing associated with making a difference to the community.
• New Shared Lives matches being fostered at the group. Empowering choices of services, together in partnership.
• Nurturing friendships.

Shared Lives is person centred and looks at what strengths and interests people have and matches them with someone who can help them achieve their goals.  A rural location can make this more difficult but in reality also creates exciting opportunities for discovery!   People’s eyes opened to the possibilities in their community for connections, friendship and support but also for developing skills, appreciating own surroundings and heritage with inclusive ownership.”

This is the second time Aberdeenshire Shared Lives have won a Scottish Social Services Award, and their fourth time as finalists. We just hope they have enough space on the shelf for all the trophies they are collecting!