Renfrewshire Council has won an award at the inaugural Scottish Social Services Awards for a pioneering programme aimed at reducing domestic abuse.
The council’s criminal justice team won the ‘Making Research & Evidence Real’ award for its programme ‘UP2U: Creating Healthy Relationships in Renfrewshire.’
The new awards were introduced by the Scottish Social Services Forum to celebrate the positive work carried out by one of the country’s largest sectors, which has almost 200,000 workers.
The categories have a fresh feel and honesty about them, and were designed to acknowledge innovation, joined up thinking and a willingness to speak up for vulnerable people.
Earlier this year 31 organisations, teams or individuals were shortlisted from 155 entries nationwide. Only ten entries were announced as the final winners.
The ‘Making Research & Evidence Real’ award recognises the use of research and evidence in social work practice.
The council’s UP2U programme aims to help victims and offenders of domestic abuse through cognitive behavioural therapy and engaging perpetrators in a programme of change, while safeguarding and supporting the victims.
The judges said it was a very powerful project which deserved to be extended throughout Scotland.
Allison Scott, criminal justice service manager at Renfrewshire Council commented: “It’s incredible to have won today, we are so proud of our staff team. We have done a lot of work and training to take this programme forward to protect women and men in Renfrewshire.”
Speaking at the awards, Scotland’s Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald said: “I’ve been immensely impressed by the calibre of the entries from across Scotland and the demonstration of dedication, compassion and resilience across the sector.
“The winning awards celebrate innovation, empowerment and the life changing work that is taking place across Scotland’s Social Services and our support for the people and communities we serve.”
The awards were held at Crieff Hydro on June 13 and were jointly compered by the Minister for Childcare and Early Years and Scottish Broadcaster Sally Magnusson.
Sally added: “It’s been an honour to be part of this special awards ceremony and to celebrate the invaluable work being carried out across the social services sector to support those in need. I congratulate everyone who has taken part and thank them for sharing their amazing stories.”
Full details of the winning entries can be found at www.sssa.scot/winners and short films of all the award entries, produced by film and media students from Edinburgh College and the City of Glasgow College can be viewed on the awards YouTube Channel.