LEADING social care charity Cornerstone are extending an open invitation to anyone considering a career in social care by popping along to meet the team at a Hiring Event taking place between 1-7pm on Thursday April 27 in the Volunteer Hall, St John Street, Galashiels.
Cornerstone provide vital community support, day support and Shared Lives services to people with learning disabilities, autism and complex care needs across the Scottish Borders, and have a number of support practitioner and Shared Lives Carer opportunities available.
Andrew McInnes, Cornerstone’s Scottish Borders Branch Leader said “This is an exciting time for Cornerstone in the Scottish Borders as we look to expand the support we provide.
READ MORE: Sandy Thomson's grief after death of "wonderful gorgeous horse"
“I would encourage anyone interested in finding out more about a career in social care to come along to our Hiring Event on the 27th April.
“Even if you have no experience, or currently work in a completely different sector that doesn’t matter - we recruit first and foremost on values at Cornerstone! No experience or qualifications are required as full training is given.
“So, if you are a caring person that understands the importance of meeting the specific needs of each individual, and you pride yourself in being professional, resourceful and willing to try new ways of working then get in touch!”
The whole team in the Scottish Borders are already making a huge impact on the lives of people with additional support needs.
People like Isobel who is supported by Cornerstone’s community support team and who has been able to move house, into a property that is safer, cleaner and much better suited to her needs.
READ MORE: New Emergency Alerts system will be tested today
Ideally, Isobel wanted a ground floor flat with a walk-in shower and a garden full of flowers!
She’s involved in lots of different activities too, so it was important for her to be near the church where she helps out, the charity shop she volunteers in, her weekly Karaoke and her bingo hall.
Access to her bank and a local Tesco was also vital. Isobel’s support team at Cornerstone managed to find her a home with all of this and more and she has since spent time picking out the best colour scheme and carpets which are all now in place!
The new home allows Isobel to be more sociable and able to invite friends to sit comfortably and share a cuppa together.
Tracey Turnbull is a Service Lead with another of Cornerstone’s services, the Day Support Connects Hub. She said: “The Connects hub provides vital day support to individuals within the Eildon Locality from age 16 with physical and learning disabilities.
READ MORE: Dutch village honours memory of Galashiels soldier
“Our colleagues encourage and support individuals to reach their full potential through accessing their local communities and volunteering, as well as engaging in activities within the Connects Hub.
“Our priority is ensuring everyone is safe, happy, encouraged and involved in all aspects of their outcome focussed support.
“From promoting and maintaining life skills to maintaining physical health by means of supporting individuals with their physiotherapy, accessing local swimming and gym sessions, as well as Boccia.
“Making and maintaining friendships and accessing locally run groups are very important to the people we support like Faye, who enjoys attending Care to Create (C2C) every week and Abby who is participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme”.
Susan is Faye’s mum who says “Cornerstone colleagues have been absolutely fantastic; they take care to match the right people to support my daughter. I have got a very, very happy 23-year-old woman who is thriving’’.
Graeme, Abby’s dad says ‘’A huge thank you to the Cornerstone team. The efforts made to ensure Abby is happy and safe is greatly appreciated by all of us at home. Abby was so happy when she came home, absolutely buzzing from her morning. Thanks again for making this happen and all the work.”
READ MORE: Police Column from Detective Chief Inspector Bryan Burns
In addition to day support and community support recruitment opportunities, Marissa Speed, Family Placement Lead with Cornerstone’s Shared Lives service adds “Our Shared Lives scheme in thr Scottish Borders are also looking to recruit caring individuals who would be interested in becoming Shared Lives and Short Breaks Carers.
The service provides full time, short breaks and day opportunity arrangements to individuals from age 16 who require care and support because of their disability, condition, or support need.
As Shared Lives and Short Breaks Carers you will support the individual who has been appropriately match with you within your own home.
Shared Lives Carers are fully supported by the team, will receive a generous allowance to undertake this role and have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional development. You can find out lots more at our hiring event on the 27th April.”
If you think you have what it takes to support people like Isobel, Faye and Abby or would be in interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer, drop into Cornerstone’s hiring event between 1-7pm on 27th April and find out how you can make a big difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism, or complex care needs. If you can’t make that date, you can still get in touch with the team on 01896 808750 or by emailing sbbranchadmin@cornerstone.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here