RESPITE BUREAU PROJECT MOVES FORWARD

A groundbreaking proposal to set up a Respite Bureau for carers will take another step forward later this month.

An Information Day has been organised by Argyll and Bute Council and Argyll and Bute Social Enterprise Network (ABSEN) – the two partners in the plan – at which all interested parties can find out more about the scheme.

Individuals, groups and organisations are all welcome to attend the free event at Inveraray’s Argyll Hotel on Wednesday, February 17 from 1.30pm to 5pm.

It is anticipated that social enterprises, voluntary organisations, carer’s centres, charities and individual carers will be among those who attend.

The move comes after the Council and ABSEN achieved Pilot status from the Scottish Government to create a Public Social Partnership (PSP) to design and implement a Respite Bureau for carers.

This Bureau would be staffed and run by a third sector organisation - either a new social enterprise, an existing social enterprise or by a consortium of social enterprises - and would have the authority to commission flexible and more personalised respite provision for carers in Argyll and Bute.

The Information Day will be the first part of the selection process to find an appropriate third sector partner. Organisations will receive an Information Pack and will be asked to complete the bid forms to be submitted by the mid-March closing date.

Speakers at the event will include ABSEN, Argyll and Bute Council, PriceWaterhouse Coopers LLP and a representative from Falkirk Council Respite Bureau (who set up a very successful Respite Bureau in 2001 which has gone from strength to strength).

The facility is scheduled to be launched in April 2011. It is anticipated that a pilot will be trialled in one area within Argyll and Bute and - if successful – later rolled out across the entire area.

Councillor John Semple, Argyll and Bute Council’s spokesperson for the Third Sector, said: “This is a very exciting proposal, and one which I am sure will be of great interest to many people in Argyll and Bute.

“The Information Day has been organised to allow all interested parties to come along and see what’s planned, and ask questions if they wish. Attendance is a must for anyone interested in the development of a new and unique way of delivering public services, so I hope that as many people as possible take this chance to find out more about what we’re proposing.”

Attendance is free. To register, please contact Colin Bromley, Special Projects Officer, Argyll and Bute Council on 01546 604430 or by e-mail to colin.bromley@argyll-bute.gov.uk .