Cabinet secretary recognises social care charity

Quarriers, a leading health and social care charity has been recognised by the Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf for its impact over the past 150 years. 

Quarriers is one of Scotland’s leading social care charities that provide practical support for vulnerable children, adults and families who face challenging circumstances.

Humza Yousaf met with staff from across Quarriers at the world-leading William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre in Govan and was given a tour of the centre, which is just part of the story for Quarriers, which was developed from a charity for orphaned children in 1871.

Yousaf went on to meet with Quarriers’ Excellence Award winners to help the charity provide the best level of care, including Chris Mathers of the Quarriers Epilepsy Community Outreach service who won the award in volunteering for his positive impact. Mathers was known for setting up Zoom meetings and fun virtual events for his epilepsy support group, with the meetings well attended by people supported by Quarriers.

Mr Yousaf said about the visit: ‘I’m delighted to be here to meet the winners of the Quarriers Excellence Awards and hear about their dedication, ingenuity and passion in delivering first-rate support to people during the past year.

‘I’d like to thank all Quarriers staff and volunteers for the commitment and energy they have shown in supporting people during the past 18 months – at times in very difficult circumstances. The care Quarriers provides transforms peoples’ lives, by enabling them to realise their potential.

‘I’m proud that the world-class Scottish Epilepsy Centre is situated within my constituency, and that its creation was supported by the Scottish Government, and I’m especially impressed by its collaborative model of third sector and NHS working to deliver care.

‘I am committed to continuing the strong relationship we have built with the charity, and to working together to achieve better outcomes for people across Scotland.”

Dr Ron Culley, CEO of Quarriers, commented: ‘As we mark our 150th anniversary, we’re delighted to welcome Mr Yousaf back to Quarriers. The charity has made a significant impact on Scotland’s care sector for the past 150 years, and with Mr Yousaf’s support, our continued hard work and dedication to transforming the lives of the people we support, the positive impact of Quarriers’ alongside the people who need it most, will go from strength to strength.

‘For many the support of our staff is vital and it helps them to realise their full potential and overcome challenges in their day to day lives and all our team should be proud of their work and the difference that it makes.’