All applicants are interviewed by a senior staff member with the assistance of a SU advocate.  In the absence of an advocate then a set question requested by the advocate is asked of the applicant.

Martin continues to be involved in the recruitment of new staff, providing a unique perspective and genuine insight into peoples’ needs. 

See: My Journey as a Service User and Disability Advocate at Social Care Alba

Martin continues to be involved in the recruitment of new staff, providing a unique perspective and genuine insight into peoples’ needs for which we are very grateful.

Martin continues to be involved in the recruitment of new staff, providing a unique perspective and genuine insight into peoples’ needs for which we are very grateful.

SCA policy SCR02 “Advocacy” underlines the principles of what advocacy is and how it should be encouraged. We have agreed that outwith this guidance, SU should be referred to the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, or their Social Worker.

SCA continues to use Key Workers to listen to and communicate the needs and wishes of those we support.  If you have no next of kin and are unable or uncomfortable voicing your needs, SCA can request Social Work to discuss the use of external advocacy with you.

SCA continues to use Key Workers to listen to and communicate the needs and wishes of those we support.  If you have no next of kin and are unable or uncomfortable voicing your needs, SCA can request Social Work to discuss the use of external advocacy with you.  This is an ongoing process and no further updates are required.

We will publish links to local advocacy organisations on our websites and make contact with them to access any resources which are available including training. Any SU who does not have a representative and wishes representation will be referred to a local advocate or back to their Social Worker.

Edinburgh Carers Council, VOCAL (Voices of Carers Across Lothian), and ENABLE Scotland are available to provide additional advocacy support for service users.

Our Shared Management Meeting (SMM), is held every quarter and is open to SU, families, staff and advocates. The dates of the next meeting will be published in advance on the staff, SU and family websites. Outside of these meetings SU or their families can give feedback through the website, phone, email, OpenPASS or via letter. In person feedback can be made during staff visits, spot checks, staff appraisals, training workshops open days or formal service reviews.

Feedback collected at spot checks, and reviews is listened to, and where it is within our remit acted upon.  Some things remain outside of our remit, such as the amount of support provided.  These requests are passed onto Social Care Direct who decide if they will increase the package of support you receive.

Feedback collected at spot checks, and reviews were listened to, and where it was within our remit acted upon. Some things remain outside of our remit, such as the amount of support provided. These requests are passed onto Social Care Direct who decide if they will increase the package of support you receive. Stephen Wilson, Director of SCA raised his concerns with EHSCP over their delays in responding to these requests.

Feedback collected at spot checks, and reviews were listened to, and where it was within our remit acted upon. Some things remain outside of our remit, such as the amount of support provided. These requests are passed onto Social Care Direct who decide if they will increase the package of support you receive. Stephen Wilson, Director of SCA raised his concerns with EHSCP over their delays in responding to these requests. A noticeable improvement in responding to requests from EHSCP has been noted int he last 2 months, with requests up to 9 September having now been responded to by the council.

The office and management team will undertake advocacy training in April 2025, where we explore what we can do to achieve the plan’s goals.

After further consideration and feedback from service users and families it was decided that further training was not required.

We will share details of how advocacy has impacted the lives of people whom we support in February 2025.

Published Martin Abernethy’s advocacy story: My Journey as a Service User and Disability Advocate at Social Care Alba

We will share details of how we plan to combat loneliness in April 2025.  Areas under consideration are:

Encourage Social Programmes

• Set up or promote local clubs, online meetups, or community events that target people living at home.
• Promote local befriending schemes, where volunteers regularly call or visit.

Facilitate Access to Technology

• Provide training for people who are unsure of technology, or how to use devices for video calls and social media.
• Promote apps or platforms designed for social connection.

Regular Communication

• Friends, family, and neighbours can regularly check in with a call or visit.
• Organise group chats or virtual hangouts.

Promote Local Engagement

• Link people with local services, faith groups, or volunteer opportunities.
• Encourage participation in neighbourhood events like coffee mornings or walking groups.

Mental Health Support

• Promote counselling or mental health resources that are available.
• Run awareness campaigns about the impacts of loneliness and the help available.

Pets and Nature

• Consider pet adoption for companionship or encourage activities like gardening to connect with nature.

Intergenerational Programmes

• Foster relationships between different age groups, such as pairing older adults with young people for mutual learning and friendship.

By fostering an environment where individuals living alone feel valued and connected, we can significantly improve their quality of life and create stronger, more inclusive communities.

Godson has been working with service users to encourage engagement within the buildings in which they live. Although in its infancy we can see the benefit of our efforts. If you would like to know more about activities within the buildings in which you live more information is available from building managers or wardens. Alternatively please contact the office who will be happy to help.

With cuts in social care there is little additional time for staff to spend with service users outside of the allocated visit. However, service users and their families do access activities locally and SCA has been able to make visits to galleries and museums, as well celebrating special occasions such as birthdays with those we support.