South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (SAHSCP) is delighted to announce that their Ageing Well programme has been named the winner of the Best Efficiency and Transformation Initiative at this year’s Association of Public Sector Excellence (APSE) Awards, held on Thursday 11 September.
This national award recognises the partnership’s proactive approach to meeting the challenges of South Ayrshire’s ageing population, through prevention, strong cross-sector partnerships and strategies that put communities at the heart of the solution. Competing against finalists from all over the UK, the SAHSCP’s work stood out for the meaningful difference it is making in supporting older people to live well, stay connected and remain active in their communities.
Tim Eltringham, Director of South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We are incredibly proud to have our Ageing Well work recognised at a national level. This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff, the strength of our partnerships and above all, the ongoing support and involvement of our communities within South Ayrshire.”
APSE is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to showcasing excellence in the delivery of frontline services for communities across the UK. The APSE Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible work of local Councils and their public sector partners, celebrating the dedication of frontline teams and the success of special projects that make a real difference in our communities.
Over the last year, the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA) have led on the development of this strategy, with support from the South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership. The journey began when South Ayrshire become one of Scotland’s first Age-Friendly Communities, a growing social movement led by the World Health Organisation. The Ageing Well movement aims to celebrate the contributions that older people make to their communities – often the unsung childcare providers, informal carers and volunteers.
Marie Oliver, CEO of VASA said: “What began as a response to the challenges of an ageing population has grown into something much broader, with prevention and timely support at its heart, helping people thrive in later life. One of the biggest steps we have made in our Ageing Well journey has been the introduction of our Ageing Well Champions Boards. These boards are an opportunity for local people to really have their say in shaping our communities going forward.”
This award is a proud moment for South Ayrshire and a clear example of the positive change that can be achieved when we work collaboratively in our communities. The Ageing Well Strategy, as well as other linked pieces of work, can now be viewed at https://hscp.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/ageingwell.