Here is a quick look back on 2020 and a brief look forward to 2021, which you will hopefully find interesting.

Post update: 19 January 2021

An updated guidance is available for you to read and implement.

Stay safe, Ruth [Chief Executive]

Post update: 19 January 2021

Since April 2019 all care services and social work services must, by law, produce a short annual report showing the learning from their duty of candour incidents.

Post Update 19 January 2021

To keep up to date with what is going on with organisation's like our own take a look at the latest 'Ownership Matters' newsletter sent out by Ownership Associates (OA) UK. 

Post update: 11 January 2021

Click 'read more' to see our talented Regional Manager Laura Wrights poem - 'The Year That Has Been'.  'Happy New Year everyone!

Post update: 31 December 2020

Amazing festive contributions by our fabulous staff and volunteers. 

Highlights:

• Two socially distanced Christmas Dinner sittings.
• 576 gift bags distributed internally to Aspire supported individuals as well as to external organisations.
• Contributions by staff and volunteers over the festive period.

Post update: 31 December 2020

A beautiful fitting sentiment written by a Supported Individual to her Aspire Support Worker.  Click 'read more' to display the poem.

Post update: 31 December 2020

Please take time to read the following update from Professor Marion Bain, Interim Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Scottish Government.

Post update: 30 December 2020

To keep up to date with what is going on with organisation's like our own take a look at the latest 'Ownership Matters' newsletter sent out by Ownership Associates (OA) UK. 

Post update: 08 December 2020

The Glasgow Alliance to End Homelessness (GAEH) is looking for an Alliance Director to play a key part in this city wide movement for change which will re-shape Glasgow’s services to overcome the issues which cause homelessness.

Click read more.

Post update: 01 December 2020

More information to re-iterate previous guidance re PPE and general update.

We know this has been, and continues to be, a difficult time but wanted to thank everyone again for all of the selflessness, dedication, care and support we see and hear about every day. 

Your work is genuinely impressive.

Ruth McIntyre
Chief Executive

Post update: 1 December 2020

If you haven’t had the flu vaccine, please read the attached.

Post update: 24 November 2020

I am sure you have all seen the latest information that Glasgow and surrounding councils are going into lockdown from 6pm Friday 20th November for 3 weeks.

I know we’ve sent a lot of guidance out previously and I’m adding to that again today. 

Please read the attached document and implement the guidance it contains. 

Please, please take this guidance seriously.  We send it out to protect you, your loved ones and those people we’re here to support. 

Ruth, Chief Executive

Post update: 18 November 2020

The National Wellbeing Helpline is available to listen, offer advice and provide support.  The telephone number is 0800 111 4191, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

To keep up to date with what is going on with organisation's like our own take a look at the latest 'Ownership Matters' newsletter sent out by Ownership Associates (OA) UK. 

Post update: 11 November 2020

Remember to like our Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram pages to keep up to date with what's going on around our different services.  

Post update: 8 November 2020

Gary Andrews, Aspire, East Renfrewshire Service announced as winner at Scottish Care Awards 2020.

Anne Hamilton from Aspire Garscube Resettlement Service, Announced as Winner at Scottish Care Awards 2020.

Following on from the COVID-19 guidance news item of 7th October 2020, please read the following additional communication from Scottish Care.

Thank you for your continued diligence in protecting the people you support, yourself, your family and your colleagues.

Margaret Robertson
Quality Development Manager

Post update: 12 October 2020

A huge shout out to Gary Andrews (Supported Individual), Anne Hamilton (Support Coordinator) and Tracey Watt (Support Coordinator).  Well done again, super proud.   Laura Wright, Regional Manager.

Really pleased for Tracey, Anne and Gary on Friday. Their hard work, care and tenacity really shone through against really strong competition.  The ceremony was very different this year – online but the stories of support from so many different people and companies was genuinely impressive to hear.  Well done all. Ruth McIntyre, Chief Executive.

Post update: 12 October 2020

To keep up to date with what is going on with organisation's like our own take a look at the latest 'Ownership Matters' newsletter sent out by Ownership Associates (OA) UK. 

https://mcusercontent.com/b77a354ddab4037e05e55b058/files/da300fba-dab8-448d-bd5e-bc42604d99d0/OA_October_Newsletter_7.pdf

Post update: 12 October 2020

We have 3 finalists shortlisted for an award at the Scottish Care Awards Ceremony.  They are:

• Tracey Watt - Carer of the Year Award            
• Anne Hamilton - Care Services Co-ordination / Administration Award        
• Gary Andrews - Positive Impact Award

Post Update: 7 October 2020

Given we are now in a second wave of Covid-19, we have reviewed information to help refresh people’s minds.  Please click 'Read more' to read the update. 

Hope you and your families stay safe.

Ruth (Chief Executive)

Post update: 07 October 2020

To keep up to date with what is going on with organisation's like our own take a look at the latest 'Ownership Matters' newsletter sent out by Ownership Associates (OA) UK. Click 'read more'.

Post update: 14 September 2020

NHSGGC’s Public Health team has made an appeal, following a rapid rise in requests for Covid-19 tests.

Since schools went back recently there has been a sharp spike in testing requests, particularly from parents concerned for their children.

Dr Linda de Caestecker said: “In order to ensure we do everything we can to prevent a rise in cases, we need to remind people how the testing system works.

“Firstly, only people who are symptomatic need a test unless you are explicitly asked to get a test by public health as part of the management of an outbreak. The symptoms are the onset of a persistent cough, or a temperature/fever or a loss of taste or smell. You only need one of these to be tested. This can be done by calling 0800 028 2816 or visiting the NHS Inform website – www.nhsinform.scot.  You do not need to call NHS 24 to organise a test.

“I also want to stress that while family members need to self-isolate if someone in their household develops symptoms, they do not need to be tested unless they themselves go on to develop symptoms.  If you are contacted by Test and Protect to tell you that you are a close contact of somebody with Covid-19, you do not require a test but you must isolate for 14 days.  A test will not change the need to self-isolate.

“Another important point is if you do develop Covid symptoms and are ill and are worried about your health, you should call NHS 24 on 111. Please do not call NHS 24 unless you feel you need medical advice to deal with your illness.

Post update: 26 August 2020

Dear All

Please click 'Read more' to read the Covid-19 updated guidance and ensure you are keeping up to date with the latest situation to keep yourself, the people you support, your families and communities safe.

Thank you for your continued professionalism, hard work and dedication. Your contribution to fighting this virus is vital.

Keep an eye on the Aspire website and twitter for more updates on the very positive impact Aspire staff are making, compliments received and the much needed good news stories.

Thank you again and take care

Ruth (Chief Executive), Debbie (HR Manager) and Margaret (Quality Development Manager)

Post update: 07 August 2020

Click 'Read more' to view the lovely letter of thanks received from the CEO of Ypeople.

Remember you can also read this and other compliments we have received by visiting the contacts page https://www.aspireinc.co.uk/contact

Post update: 06 August 2020

After a very long period in isolation and medical shielding supported person, Roselyn L, has returned to increased support.  Part of the reintroduction with the support staff was a planned day away by train to Helensburgh, with their packed lunches.  Roselyn chose her destination and the staff worked with her to plan a route, ensuring social distancing and restrictions upon them at this time could be maintained.

As you can see from the picture (click read more), Roselyn was one very happy person. 

This is a perfect example of the hard work from the support staff and their dedication.  Thanks to all of you.

Post update: 31 July 2020

Many thanks to Charlene McKellar for her generous and thoughtful donation of £701.99. 

Charlene currently works within the Travelodge Facility supported by Aspire, having previously been a sessional worker after staying at one of our accommodation services.

Click below to read more about this donation.

Post update: 24 July 2020

Another week, and more various updates.

Please click Read More below.

Hope you all have a happy, healthy weekend and thanks again for all of your hard work.

Ruth McIntyre
Chief Executive

Post update: 16 July 2020

Yesterday the chancellor set out a number of new initiatives and tax changes, which you can read fully at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rishis-plan-for-jobs-will-help-britain-bounce-back. Some of the announcements may not be applied to Scotland depending on Scottish Government decision making.

However, one that you will get to benefit from is the Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme, which will provide a 50% reduction (to maximum £10) for sit-down meals in cafes, restaurants and pubs across the UK from Monday to Wednesday throughout August 2020. 

Post update: 10 July 2020

Welcome to Aspire Housing and Personal Development Services Ltd.  Aspire has just passed it’s first anniversary as an employee owned company, an important reason for me joining Aspire nearly 3 years ago. 

We have this opportunity from Peter Millar as the previous owner and CEO to further develop Aspire. 

We are passionate about providing the highest level of support to those we are asked to help in many different spaces and to have employees at all levels of the organisation working as a team.  This will help us realise the full benefits an employee organisation can achieve.

We’re still at the beginning of our employee owned journey. 

We hope to further develop our organisation for staff, their family and supported individuals that is seen as an exemplar in social care and hope you will be part of our story.

Kindest regards

Ruth McIntyre
Chief Executive

Colleagues,

Please find attached Public Protection Bulletin No.14 in relation to COVID-19 and safeguarding adults and children.

Post update: 30 June 2020

As usual there’s a lot going on within Aspire.  Below is an update on where we are with a number of things, but please note, these are just a small example of the wide and varied things taking place across the organisation.  Click read more.

Hope you all have a great weekend and continue to stay safe.

Ruth McIntyre
Chief Executive

Post update: 26 June 2020

Click Read More to read a message from Rachael McCulloch, COVID-19 Health Communications, Office of the Chief Executive NHSScotland, Scottish Government, Covid-19.healthcomms@gov.scot and to access the stakeholder toolkit that has been provided for your use.

Post update: 8 June 2020

Great work and effort by the Covid-19 Response team. 

So far they have

• distributed 13675 meal across 18 services.
• delivered 803 food parcels to the local community.
• distributed weekly fruit and water provisions to Gartnavel Royal.
• this week distributed 40 kids goodie and also educational bags to disadvantaged families in the community

They have also answered many other requests in the local community some really heartfelt and some extremely random, including transporting fish for an individual who had been homeless but had now been accommodated in a flat. This put a smile on the team's faces and was a successful journey.

Thanks to everyone from Help The Homeless Glasgow, Maryhill Tesco and our team at Aspire for their support and thanks to our management for the support during this time it is truly appreciated. Thanks

Please click read more for the response from Ruth McIntyre, Aspire Chief Executive.

Post Update: 5 June 2020

Great news stories every day from Aspire staff.

Inspirational stories about partnership working and about team and individual hard work, dedication, professionalism and commitment

Super proud to have you all in our team, well done. #lightuplockdown

Laura Wright
Regional Manager

Post update: 5 June 2020

Dear Colleague

This is a You Tube video explaining the NHS Attend Anywhere process for LD service users. You may find it helpful and it also may assist in supporting service users at this difficult time

The video link can be viewed directly in YouTube

https://youtu.be/R_0cDigr8_4

Post update: 2 June 2020

NHS inform has a significant amount of information on COVID-19 in English and in alternative formats, as well as a self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next.

This is being regularly updated with the latest clinically approved guidance in partnership with Public Health Scotland. Visit www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus.

NHS have also developed brand new communication channels to help as many people as possible access the COVID-19 information they are providing.

Please raise awareness of the new resources and tools with the people you support,  your community, and your networks. 

Let's make sure people with communication differences know about the different ways they can get quality information about COVID-19.

Post update: 27 May 2020

To keep up to date with what is going on with organisation's like our own take a look at the May 2020 'Ownership Matters' newsletter sent out by Ownership Associates (OA) UK. Click 'read more'.

Post update: 21 May 2020

This week is mental health week. Promoting mental health week are Mental Health organisations across the board including the Mental Health Foundation.

If you’re not on their newsletter mailing list, we recommend you add yourself to it. You'll be sent very useful information on training and learning opportunities about promoting good mental health and working with poor mental health.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week

This years mental health week is built around the theme of kindness.

While you’re at it, why not take a look at their twitter, when you have the time. It’s full of very interesting and uplifting things about kindness and mental wellness.

Post update: 18 May 2020

Another update on some of the things that have happened in the past couple of weeks.  'Read more' to find out about

• Staff bravery
• Compliments
• Finance Manager changes
• COVID-19

Hope you all have a great weekend and continue to stay safe.  Take care.

Ruth McIntyre
Chief Executive

Post update: 8 May 2020

Lovely cards from Gartnavel Royal Hospital full of thanks for the work Helen, John and Amanda have been doing organising the cooking and distribution of hot meals and food parcels. 

Well deserved. You should be so proud of your achievements.

For more information take a look at Great News Stories https://www.aspireinc.co.uk/news/great-new-stories-from-aspire-staff---lighting-up-lockdown. 

And

Click 'read more' to be able to read the cards received.

Post update: 6 May 2020

Thank you for the tremendous effort and resilience shown whilst faced with the current issues.  We really have seen some brilliant team working across Aspire examples of which you can see in service; shared via Ruth's regular emails, the Aspire Website and Twitter to mention a few. It has been fantastic to see the great work and goodwill of colleagues and volunteers in assisting as many people as we can, in as flexible a way as possible during this time.

Debbie Elrick
HR Manager

Post update: 4 May 2020

Dear Colleagues

Please click 'read more' to find a joint letter from Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Jeane Freeman and COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson Councillor Stuart Currie paying tribute to key workers on this day.

Today has been marked as International Workers’ Memorial Day in honour of our colleagues who have sadly lost their lives to COVID-19. Across Scotland, we are being asked to participate in a minute’s silence today at 11am.

I am sure, where possible you will all be keen to observe this minutes silence.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued commitment, flexibility and hard work during these challenging times.

Laura Wright
Regional Manager

Post update: 28 April 2020

Begg & Company sought nominations for a deserving frontline worker from anywhere to thank them for all the work and support they are providing during these difficult times. They had 3 cashmere blankets to give away and we are delighted that Helen McMillan has been chosen as one of the worthy winners. 

'Read more' to see why. 

Helen is truly deserving of this beautiful gift. She has truly made a positive impact during this very challenging and unsettling time and we are all proud and grateful for what she does.

Whilst Helen has won this particular award, we are aware that so many of you are working above and beyond to help people across the board.  We see and hear of these acts of compassion and kindness each day. 

This is what Aspire is about -  compassion, kindness, honesty, support, taking responsibility and feeling proud of what you do.

Post update: 25 April 2020

Another week has passed and again a lot has happened.

Click on the 'read more' option for a summary of just some of the activity

Have a lovely weekend all.

Ruth McIntyre
Chief Executive

Post update: 25 April 2020

A massive shout out to NHS staff at AMRU/HDU ward at Glasgow Royal Infirmary for their amazing donation of £550 worth of Tesco vouchers to assist us with our campaign of delivering food parcels and hot food to the services for vulnerable people of Glasgow. Cannot find words to express our gratitude to you all, especially at this incredibly challenging time for your own colleagues.

Post update: 21 April 2020

John Hamilton [Aspire] has been instrumental with his continued commitment to help others during this challenging time.

Special thanks also to Tesco Queen Street, 1051 Great Western Road Bar and Grill and Greencore Group for all their donations. We salute you all.

Post update: 22 April 2020

Click on the 'read more' option to access a really helpful document that’s easy to read and should be used by everyone as a reference tool.

Please stay safe and have a lovely weekend.

Ruth McIntyre
Chief Executive

Post update:18 April 2020

Last night we were clapping for our own team currently on shift in Aspire Central Intensive Service and all other essential key workers keeping the country going.  We appreciate you. You are our heroes.

Thank you.

Click read more to take you to photos

Post update: 17 April 2020

On behalf of Aspire, I really want to thank each of you for the work you do every day and hope you, your family and friends have a lovely, happy, safe Easter.

Ruth McIntyre
Chief Executive

Post update: 10 April 2020

In the past week we have been really focused on getting the right level and type of PPE to the right place for staff.  We want every member of staff to have their own visor and have facemasks to use whenever they feel they are needed. 

'Read more' to find out about some of the things sourced this week.

Post update: 10 April 2020

Thanks to Jim @ Russell Paints for his amazing generosity in providing 150 high spec masks for our staff.

This is a really lovely thing to do and we can’t tell you how much we appreciate this.  

Thank you!

Post update: 10 April 2020

On behalf of the Directors, I want to thank each and every one of you for everything you do.  This is your organisation.  You should be proud of yourselves.

So much is happening across the organisation, and although it's not possible to capture everything on one list, you can click Read More to see some examples of what Aspire staff have done this week.

Ruth McIntyre
Chief Executive

Post update: 4 April 2020

A huge thanks from all our front line key workers for the generosity from The Loch Lomond Group for the much needed hand sanitisers.  Our kind volunteer @HTH_Glasgow distributed these across our services. It's so appreciated.  

Click read more.

Post update: 2 April 2020

Following our previous communication on 17th March 2020 we are providing this latest update on the evolving situation within social care. 

Post Update: 1 April 2020

Cleaning Tips

Please read the attached document about cleaning tips.  It gives tips and hints on how to stay safe via cleaning. - very important for your health, your family and the people we’re here to support.

Hand sanitisers

Last week we contacted The Loch Lomond Group who we had been advised were planning to change their production from making whisky to responding to the call for hand sanitiser for frontline staff in the NHS, charities, medical practitioners, nursing homes, the Police and Ambulance Services and many other organisations. 

Read more about their response and feedback to the staff in Aspire.

Post update: 30 March 2020        

Thank you Robyn (Aspire Employee), for your lovely poem and the thoughtful words.  Another thing to smile about!

Post update: 30 March 2020

In these challenging times its good to reflect on happy events and things to make us smile.

Post update: 27 March 2020

Thank you JH for your messages.  We love them!

Post update: 25 March 2020

Information/Protocols for All Staff.

Post update: 25 March 2020

Update: 26 March 2020   Staff have expressed their thanks to Ruth [Ruth McIntyre, Chief Executive] and to other members of the Senior Management Team for the up to date information, as it is really appreciated at this difficult time. 

This news item provides a list of benefits employees working in a care setting are entitled to.  It will be updated as new freebie or discount offers become known.

You must present your ID badge in stores.

Post update: 25 March 2020

Information/Protocols for All Staff.

Post update: 20 March 2020

This update is intended to help individuals and their families prepare for and manage the considerable challenges we are likely to be faced with (due to staff sickness/isolation requirements) over the coming weeks.

Countries across the world are facing a virus for which there is no current cure.  The impact this has had so far on many countries has been extensive.  The most important thing we can do to counteract this is to follow advice, work together and to support each other in these very difficult (and for many, scary) times.

Post Update: 17 March 2020

Aspire is proud to be part of a multi-organisation group that has been successful in winning the tender to aim to eradicate homelessness in Glasgow within 10 years.

Post Update: 16 March 2020

The health, welfare and safety of our staff, interview candidates and the people we support is paramount to us.  We are closely monitoring the guidance of the World Health Organisation and the UK/Scottish Governments.

Post Update: 16 March 2020, amended 18 March 2020

We are very proud of the quality of the personalised support provided by our highly talented team.  Read on to find out more......

Post Update: 27 February 2020

Post Update: 14 January 2020

Thanks to everyone who took part in the sleepout; peer mentors and staff. You were a true inspiration and a huge credit to Aspire.

A total of £3171.82 was raised. This money will be distributed evenly throughout Aspire Services, including our growing Outreach service.

Post Update: 19 December 2019

Our Aspire West Service recently held our annual Halloween event on Friday 1st November 2019, within Old Monklands Community Centre, Coatbridge, with all profits being donated to Make a Wish Foundation.

We are happy to share that a fabulous £300.00 was raised for Make A Wish Foundation.

Well done to everyone involved.

Post Update: 8 November 2019

'Tis is the season of goodwill and we at Aspire Housing & Personal Development Services would welcome any help or donations / gifts you are able to provide.  All will go towards  Christmas gifts for the people we support.

Post Update: 8 November 2019

We are delighted to announce the transfer of 100 per cent of Aspire shares into an Employee Ownership Trust. This means that Aspire’s 186 eligible employees across the organisation have become the owners of Aspire via the Trust and, regardless of their position within the organisation, will be equal beneficiaries of the Trust.

Post Update: 02 July 2019

In 2019 Aspire had 3 finalists in the Scottish Care Awards and were delighted to win 1 award.

Post Update: 17 May 2019

We were delighted to welcome Nicola Sturgeon to our Belleisle Service today to meet staff and occupants.  Everyone had a great day and enjoyed the very interesting and informative exchange of information.  Thanks to everyone involved.

Post Update: 10 August 2018

In line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), with effect from 25th May 2018, we are updating our Privacy Notice.

The changes reaffirm Aspire’s commitment to safeguarding the personal data of all job applicants.   We encourage you to take the time to review our revised Privacy Notice.

Post Update: 24 July 2018

We are looking for staff to work in areas across Central Scotland.