The poem All that pulls us together was inspired by CrossReach residents during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and reflects on the shared experiences that helped people through this very difficult time.
It is a fitting end to our Inspiring Care Stories project which shared more than 60 stories from social services right across Scotland this summer and is a tribute to the commitment of people working in social care, social work and early years.
Impact of Inspiring Care Stories
Through gathering and sharing Inspiring Care Stories we aimed to:
- raise the profile of the social service sector and the amazing job workers do
- help the public recognise that workers are part of a registered, professional workforce with skills and qualifications and so they value social services
- encourage more people to consider a career in social services by letting them see just how rewarding a career in the sector can be.
Inspiring Care Stories gained 20 pieces of media coverage across Scotland, including a feature on BBC Radio Scotland’s Afternoon Show with SSSC Chief Executive Lorraine Gray and Trisha Swan, a care worker from Kingdom Care and Support.
The stories on the website were read more than 8,000 times and we reached more than 150,000 people on social media.
SSSC Chief Executive Lorraine Gray said:
‘Our aim was to celebrate and share stories to highlight the work during the pandemic and I’m pleased they have reached so many people in lots of different ways.
‘This has been an important step towards increasing awareness of the critical work that people working in social care, social work and early years do in our communities.’
Morag Waring, CrossReach, Head of Service, Older People Services West added:
‘Never more so than now is it essential to listen to the voices of residents and care staff. We are delighted to have the opportunity to be able to share in this creative way and are grateful to all who made it possible.’
Your feedback
We’ve also been delighted to get very positive feedback from services who shared their stories with us, here are some of their thoughts.
‘I liked that the staff team were given some recognition for being creative in delivering a service in difficult times.’
‘Just to say a thank you on behalf of my service user. He is beyond excited to have his story printed.’
‘We feel very grateful to be able to still work and support the people of our community, at this uncertain time of COVID-19.’
‘Want to thank you for the interest and understanding you have about the great work and commitment of social care staff.’
All the stories we’ve published are in our online Inspiring Care Stories resource www.sssc.uk.com/inspiringcarestories