Dear all,
I hope everyone has been enjoying this wonderful weather – when the sun is shining you really do appreciate the wonderful natural environment here in East Dunbartonshire just that little bit more.
As ever it’s been a busy few weeks. We had our annual International Workers’ Memorial Day event and construction is now complete at Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre.
We’ve also launched our new online Bin tool and launched the EDLC strategy consultation which everyone is welcome to complete.
You may remember completing the employee survey last year, giving us feedback and information on various aspects of the organisation including Leadership and Communication. The feedback for each service area has now been collated and shared with your Executive Officers and Managers who will in turn share with your teams so everyone is aware of the outcome and any actions that will be taken as a result.
As ever, thank you for all your hard work and let’s hope the good weather continues!
Call for foster carers
We are supporting the Scottish Government’s first national fostering campaign which launched last week at the start of Foster Care Fortnight. The aim of the ‘ordinary can be extraordinary for a child in foster care’ is to raise awareness of what fostering involves and the ongoing support that local authorities can offer. There is currently a need for 400 more foster carers across Scotland.
If you or someone you know want to find out more you can contact our team by emailing fostering@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or by calling 0141 777 3003.
Alternatively, you can get more information on HSCP’s website and read about the experiences of people.
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make a difference?
East Dunbartonshire is full of people who volunteer, fundraise, organise and the Provost wants to once again recognise those that make an outstanding contribution locally. Provost Gillian Renwick launched the Provost’s Community Champion Awards in 2023 and now they are back for 2025 to acknowledge and thank people for the work they do.
The Awards acknowledge the inspiring work of local people who are nominated by friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues for the wonderful and invaluable work they do to support others and improve their local area. We’ve had some nominations already but are looking for more, especially in the Caring and Sustainability categories.
If you know of anyone that deserves some recognition please find out more on our website.
Monthly Wellbeing Focus
As usual, our Monthly Wellbeing Focus is updated each month with key campaigns and details of support all employees can access. You can find this information on the Employee Zone.
And Finally….
Connie Williamson, Health Improvement Lead and Macmillan Improving The Cancer Journey (ICJ) Programme Manager, experienced a truly memorable evening on 30 April when she attended a special reception at Buckingham Palace, hosted by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, to recognise contributions to cancer care across the UK.
Connie was honoured to represent the East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership and its partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. She had the unique opportunity to speak directly with His Majesty about the service, including the innovative work taking place in the community and notably within HMP Low Moss, to support people living with cancer.
During their conversation, Connie emphasised the importance of providing dignified, compassionate care in all settings, and the critical role of community health and social care partnerships in reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind.
Connie said, “The King showed a real interest in our work, particularly around reaching those who are often overlooked. He said, ‘We must not forget about those out of sight with cancer.’ That really resonated with me and reflects the ethos of our whole team.
“It’s not every day you get to shake hands with the King and talk about the work you’re passionate about, it was a proud and humbling moment, not just for me, but for our whole ICJ team in East Dunbartonshire.”
A big thank you to Connie and the ICJ team for their invaluable work and in representing East Dunbartonshire at Buckingham Palace.
Thanks,
Ann
