Individuals and organisations are encouraged to get in touch with ideas and referrals
At a showcase event before our AGM recently, Ecas looked back at our 100+ year history, celebrated the many talents and achievements of the people we support, and announced a new service to support physically disabled young adults to achieve their life goals.
“Our research shows that younger disabled adults face multiple barriers when accessing services,” says Ally Irvine, Chief Executive of Ecas. “The new service will offer one-to-one support to assist people aged between 18-30 with achieving their personal goals whilst taking account of their own unique circumstances.”
An Outreach Officer is in post to take this forward, initially focussing on reaching out to potential beneficiaries of the service and mapping existing service provision.
“We know we can’t do it alone,” says Irvine. “We’re keen to work alongside young people as well as other organisations in both the voluntary and statutory sector. Together we will be better able to deliver on individual outcomes and identify suitable pathways for people to realise their ambitions and aspirations.”
Disabled people’s perception of themselves is often shaped by life experiences around what they cannot achieve due to their impairments. A key aim of this service is to shift focus toward what they can achieve with appropriate support. One-to-one support in drawing up a personal action plan that takes account of an individual’s capacities, skills and interests, and focusses on their strengths, can lead to positive changes in their lives.
With the support of other organisations and young disabled people themselves, Ecas aims to provide a service that has the potential to transform lives in a sustainable and meaningful way.
Ecas is a registered charity offering friendly and practical help for people with a physical disability in Edinburgh and Lothian. We’ve done so for over 100 years: promoting equality, choice and participation through our activities, befriending service, grants fund and youth services.