Last year’s winner of the Herald Society Award for Older People’s Project of 2015 was Kintyre’s Shopper Aide.
As its name suggests, it helps older people with their groceries. But it goes further.
As well as ‘the messages’, local people can take advantage of prescription pick-ups, garden help, social clubs and befriending.
This year’s Herald Society Awards – the ninth – will also be looking to celebrate the impact great social initiatives are having all over Scotland. They can be run by charities, councils, health boards, or community groups. Past winners have included police forces, schools, social enterprises and parents’ groups as well as many, many dedicated individuals.
Today we are delighted to launch the 2016 Herald Society Awards in association with Social Work Scotland, which will highlight the best achievements and the most creative approaches across the public and voluntary sector throughout Scotland. The awards are also supported by evh, Legacy 2014, Glasgow Caledonian University, and Alliance.
Each year, an expert panel of judges helps us to assess the most innovative workers and teams, the projects with the biggest impact and the most imaginative ideas at work to tackle social problems, meet health needs and promote learning among young and old alike. With 13 categories to choose from – see panel- no other awards cover the full scope of Scotland’s public and voluntary sector in fields such as health, education, social services and charities. Now in its ninth year, we look forward to celebrating the Herald Society Awards once again.
This year’s awards will be presented at a gala celebration on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow. The awards are a great celebration of the hard work towards Scotland’s third and public sectors, as well as the chance to meet and mingle with the people responsible for Scotland’s most inspiring social initiatives.
Elaine Torrance, President at Social Work Scotland said “Social Work Scotland is delighted to be sponsoring this valued event celebrating the work, dedication and vital contribution that social work and social care staff make to people’s lives across Scotland. The event showcases and celebrates innovative best practice and opportunities for sharing”.
Eamonn Connolly, Director at EVH said his organisation supported not-for-profit groups across Scotland, where heroic volunteers work tirelessly to make a difference to peoples’ lives. “This is why we are delighted to again be involved in The Herald Society Awards in order that these inspirational people are properly recognised”, he said.
Aileen Campbell, Minister for Public Health and Sport, welcomed the category celebrating the legacy of Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games two years ago: “I’m delighted that Legacy 2014 has been able to sponsor this award again this year. It’s great to see this recognition for the many organisations who are working to guarantee a strong Commonwealth Games legacy across Scotland,” she said.
Ian Welsh, Chief Executive, the ALLIANCE added “The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) are pleased to be first time supporters of these awards which celebrate the vital role public and the third sector have in improving Scottish society.”
Meanwhile Vincent McKay, Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences, said “As the University for the Common Good, GCU is pleased to support the Herald Society Awards 2016 and to recognise and celebrate those who make a positive impact in the community.”
To enter please visit www.herald-events.com/societyawards. The entry deadline is Wednesday, September 14, 2016 and are free to enter any number of categories.
For more information on this event, please contact Cheryl Risk on 0141 302 7410 or email cheryl.risk@heraldandtimes.co.uk