This was the message at the heart of Turning Point Scotland’s Staff Conference 2025, where colleagues from across the country came together to connect and celebrate what compassion looks like in action.

This year’s theme, “Compassion in Action,” captured the essence of what drives Turning Point Scotland every day – kindness, empathy and a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives. The event was not only an opportunity for staff to learn and share ideas, but also to take time to pause, recharge and feel inspired about the work they do across Scotland’s communities.

A highlight of the day was a keynote session from Eilidh Doyle, Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete, who shared her powerful insights on the importance of mindset and resilience. Eilidh has earned 17 major international medals, including Olympic bronze at Rio 2016 and her message about perseverance and self-belief resonated with the audience.

Mindset isn’t just about performance. it’s about how we approach life. You can be the best at what you do and still face setbacks. What matters is how you respond, how you look after yourself and how you lift others along the way.

Her reflections on compassion and mindset were a perfect fit for the theme, encouraging colleagues to consider how empathy and resilience shape the way they support others and themselves.

The event also brought together stalls and partners including the People Matter Forum, Unite the Union, Hospital Saturday Fund and Pluxee each sharing opportunities and resources that support staff wellbeing and engagement.

Members of the Board of Trustees attended the conference, joining staff in celebrating what makes Turning Point Scotland a leader in compassionate, person-centred support.

“Our tagline, Because People Matter guides what we do and why we do it,” said Graeme Cook, Chair of the Board. “Commissioners, partners and families place their trust in Turning Point Scotland as even a short time spent supporting someone can leave a lasting impression.”

Turning Point Scotland’s Chief Executive, Neil Richardson, reflected on the value of the day and the importance of compassion across all areas of the organisation:

“You can be a professional, the best person at your job and still hit obstacles along the way. Events like this remind us that compassion, mindset and community are what carry us through. I’m incredibly proud of our colleagues and the difference they make every day.”

As the conference drew to a close, attendees were invited to reflect on one simple but powerful question:
“What am I going to do differently as a result of attending the conference?”

The reflection? Compassion is more than a value at Turning Point Scotland. It’s the foundation of how we work, how we lead and how we make a difference, every single day.