The social enterprise that replaced home helps for 600 elderly and vulnerable Angus residents has been formally launched.
Angus Council’s 62 home helps were made redundant in a £755,000 cost-cutting move on October 30 last year, which was described by unions as “a black day”.
Care About Angus was registered as a community interest company as a means of filling the void for residents, and some former employees.
The service, administered by Voluntary Action Angus, was launched by Scottish Government Health Secretary Shona Robison at its base in Forfar.
She said the organisation showed the “real potential of partnership to deliver new models of care and support.”
Ms Robison added: “Care About Angus is an example of the vital role that the voluntary sector will play as we press ahead with the integration of health and social care the biggest reform to the service since the creation of the NHS in 1948.”
Angus will see one of 31 health and care integrated joint boards (IJB) come into force in April, with responsibility for the provision of community and preventative health services.
The Scottish Government expects integration to save £138-£157 million a year under IJBs, which are designed to ensure people are cared for at home wherever possible.
Charles Goodall, director of Care About Angus, believes those who use the new home help service have been happy with the transition, and demand is growing.
“Much has been made of the challenges facing service delivery, given financial pressures,” he said.
“But here we have an excellent example of redefining and improving care where the third sector and social enterprise sector play a crucial and valuable role.
“This new community interest company replaced the council’s home help service in November last year.
“Since then the demands on its service have increased by more than 25%.”
Employee Ashley McGregor said her colleagues were initially faced with “anxieties” from staff and service users.
“My role was to meet staff and customers to find out what they wanted and to help redesign something that was effective and sustainable,” she said.
Those who would like to find out more about the social enterprise model in Angus can email ashley@voluntaryactionangus.org.uk or call 01241 439555 or 01307 466113.