Bright Choices wins ‘Head above the Parapet’ Award.

Bright Choices wins ‘Head above the Parapet’ Award.

Earlier this year 31 organisations, teams or individuals were shortlisted from 155 entries nationwide for the Scottish Social Services Awards 2017. Our Bright Choices partnership project with Sacro and Edinburgh and Lothian Regions Equality Council (ELREC) was one of only ten winners, each of these representing a different award category.  The category won by Bright Choices, ‘Head above the Parapet’, is awarded to organizations or individuals who have “spoken out for the people they support, taken a risk by challenging what they believe is wrong and successfully campaigned for positive change”.

The awards, held at Crieff Hydro on June 13, were jointly compered by the Minister for Childcare and Early Years and Scottish Broadcaster Sally Magnusson. 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.” 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.”

Jana Ridegova, Bright Choices Project Worker at MCFB said:

“I could not be more excited tonight, this is such an amazing achievement for all of us - workers, partner organisations, volunteers but above all there are service users who we work with on a daily basis so this award is for them.  Without them we wouldn't be so motivated when it comes to challenging systems and dogmas that are harmful to people. What a privilege it is to be part of the team like this! Thank you all for having me as part of the Bright Choices at Multi-Cultural Family Base!”

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: https://youtu.be/untJJnmf1LE.