A UNIQUE and groundbreaking website which helps people find the best social care and community activities in North Ayrshire has scooped a top national award.

North Ayrshire Council created the independent careNA website last summer to help people find the right Care and Support in North Ayrshire.

The development of the site involved good partnership working with hundreds of service users and care providers.

Now, less than a year after it launched, the website has received national recognition, scooping the top Gold Award for Service Innovation and Improvement at the COSLA Excellence Awards on Thursday.

More than 30,000 people across North Ayrshire use care and support services each year, with many making important decisions on the type of care they receive for the first time.

The careNA website was launched to provide a helpful and comprehensive guide to the services available. People can access careNA using their PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

The success of the website is already evident, with 400,000 visits to the site already made. There is also a dedicated Facebook page.

North Ayrshire Council Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Councillor Anthea Dickson, said: “With the introduction of careNA people can find services which best serve their needs at the click of a mouse.

“The site provides individuals with clear and current information about which organisations are providing what services in their area, as well as what sort of leisure activities are taking place.

“Feedback, comment and discussion is invited through a contact us option and an associated Facebook page. Latest news and upcoming events provide an opportunity to raise the profile of key developments and events across North Ayrshire.” “North Ayrshire Council is the first local authority in the country to support the development of a site which showcases services and allows users to access that information easily, in a single place. It represents true partnership between service users, carers, providers and the Council.

“The benefits are not confined to those accessing care. The move towards personalisation has opened up many opportunities to those who provide different types of care.

“The careNA website gives them the chance to showcase their services to thousands of North Ayrshire residents absolutely free of charge. This is a fantastic opportunity to help the local economy, support local service providers while ensuring individuals receive the right type of care.

“Of course, while this is recognition of the hard work and innovation of our team, the Council continues to develop, implement and plan to improve the quality of people’s lives in North Ayrshire.”