On Saturday 14 September Streets Ahead, a Borders-based charity that supports people with learning disabilities, received its Bronze Employer Recognition Scheme Award.
The presentation took place at Southfield Community Centre in Duns, where Streets Ahead hosted a coffee morning for the community.
Streets Ahead has been supporting people in the Borders for over thirty years. The charity was set up to enable people with learning disabilities to be supported in their homes, and offers support, guidance and practical help to individuals, as well as their families and carers.
Earlier this year, Streets Ahead decided to affirm its commitment to being a Forces-friendly employer by signing the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC). The AFC is a pledge from organisations to treat members of the Armed Forces, and their families, with fairness and respect. The AFC includes Regulars, Reservists and Veterans and seeks to honour them in their communities and workplaces.
Upon signing the AFC, Streets Ahead has been working alongside Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) to further its commitment to Defence. This resulted in Lowland RFCA presenting Streets Ahead with its Bronze Employer Recognition Scheme Award during the morning.
The Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme thanks and honours organisations for their support to those in the Forces community. There are three tiers to the scheme: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Lowland RFCA helps organisations like Streets Ahead on their Employer Recognition Scheme journey.
Heather Boyce, Chief Executive Officer of Streets Ahead said: ‘As a charity that has worked in the Borders providing supported living, social care and connections for people with learning disabilities for over three decades, we are part of the community and want to find ways of giving back. We are delighted to be showing support for the Armed Forces by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant and hope that other charities and social care providers will consider doing the same. In so doing we have been awarded Bronze in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.’
Attending the event on behalf of Lowland RFCA was Duncan Evans, a Regional Employer Engagement Director. Reflecting on the success of the event, he commented: ‘I am delighted that Streets Ahead have made this public demonstration of support for the Armed Forces Community. Presentation of the Bronze Award is the start of their journey towards Gold and I look forward to supporting them on that journey.’
As well as presenting the Bronze Award, Streets Ahead took the opportunity to invite Duns’ local Army Cadet Force and the Army Engagement Team from 51 Brigade (Regional HQ). Both the Cadets and the visiting soldiers greatly enjoyed getting to speak to those from the local community about their roles and opportunities. Evans said: ‘I must thank the local Army Cadets from Duns as well as the Army Engagement Team who have showcased their activities demonstrating to employers the benefits of both being and employing a Cadet.’
Money raised throughout the coffee morning will go towards a new Streets Ahead Project, a Sensory Garden and Room for the people of Duns that will help people with learning disabilities.
