Loch Park celebrates Dignity Action Day with an open day

Company news

Feb 01, 2013

Local Banffshire residents are being invited to join in celebrations for national Dignity Action Day and see a centre that helps people with learning difficulties gain valuable life skills.

Dignity Action Day, on Friday 1st February, is an annual opportunity for members of the public to join with health and social care workers to uphold people's rights to dignity. This year, the team at Care UK’s Loch Park near Keith decided that they wanted to celebrate by inviting members of the public to visit their exceptional centre.

Visitors will be able to take part in guided tours around the centre’s extensive grounds, talk to the team and see the work they carry out in estate conservation, woodwork and farming. There will also be a chance to enjoy some of the scones and soup prepared by the team using their own-grown produce.

James Baird, who runs the centre on the Drummuir Castle Estate, said: “We provide work and support for people with learning difficulties and for people who have acquired brain injuries or mental health issues. We are also beginning to support people on the autistic spectrum.

“The team, who are mainly able-bodied, love their time here because it gives them a purpose and it increases their abilities to take on new tasks which, of course, makes anyone feel more confident and in control.

“The centre is open to the public and the team likes to show people around. They are rightly proud of the conservation work they have carried out clearing paths and making fences and benches so that people can enjoy the fantastic scenery.”

The work experience gained at the centre has enabled some service users to secure employment at local companies such as the Glenfiddich Distillery, Quickfit and Walker Biscuits – but James says they enjoy their day sessions at the centre.

He said: “Meeting members of the public, giving tours, taking care of the chicken ranch and working with the village hall committee on renovation projects all helps team members to learn invaluable life skills that they can take with them wherever they go and that is what true dignity is all about.”

The open day runs between 10am and 2.30pm and visitors are asked to report to the main entrance on arrival.