On Thursday 14th May, TPS Connects hosted its first West Coast Social Event. People we support, alongside staff from South Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, Dumfries and Galloway, and North Lanarkshire Learning Disability services, came together for a day of socialising, activities and meaningful discussions about how Turning Point Scotland can continue to improve.

TPS Committee member Scott and Inclusion and Access Co-ordinator, Terri welcomed everyone and outlined the plans for the day. Terri explained that an arts and crafts room would be open throughout the event for drop-in sessions, giving people the chance to get creative and relax. Each table also featured a game of “People Bingo”, designed to encourage conversation and help participants get to know one another. Bingo prompts included “someone who has a pet” and “someone who likes video games”, helping people discover shared interests and build new friendships.

The first session of the day was led by Craig Winder, Director of Business Development and Improvement, and focused on “What is Strategy?”. Craig spoke about the organisation’s future plans and highlighted the importance of working together with the people we support to achieve continuous improvement. He also shared updates on changes that have been made since the session was last delivered, giving attendees the opportunity to share their thoughts on these developments and whether they felt the changes had been positive. During the discussion, people supported highlighted the importance of getting out more often and they valued opportunities to meet people from other services, as well as staff from head office.

 Craig said, “We couldn’t provide the great support we do without our staff. Our strategy is focused on making sure staff are well trained, supported and happy in their roles so they can continue to support people in the way they need. Events like this are important because they give us the opportunity to come together, share ideas about what makes the organisation better, and continue to grow and improve together.”

Following the Strategy session and lunch, Turning Point Scotland Chief Executive, Neil Richardson OBE QPM, took to the front of the room for the TPS Connects Assembly. The session gave members of TPS Connects the opportunity to ask Neil anything they wanted, leading to a wide range of questions about his school years, career journey and passions both inside and outside of work.

Throughout the discussion, Neil spoke about the importance of getting to know people, listening to their experiences and showing empathy and inclusion in everything we do. He shared that he is continually motivated by people and that his main focus is ensuring the organisation does everything possible to support both the people who use our services and our staff.

The high-energy afternoon continued with a lively quiz celebrating famous Scottish singers, actors and sports stars. The fun then carried on with a live performer playing traditional tunes, encouraging everyone to join in with singing and dancing.

Terri closed the event by thanking everyone for attending and embracing the day with such enthusiasm. Terri highlighted the importance of events like this in bringing people together and encouraged anyone who is not already involved with TPS Connects to join and have the opportunity to share what matters most to them and help shape improvements across the organisation.

Terri said: “This event has been well attended today which shows how powerful people can be when we come together and share input and feedback. The positive energy and enthusiasm has been incredible. Today showed the importance of connection, and we hope that TPS Connects events can be a place where people feel a sense of belonging, friendship and inclusion.”