EAST Ayrshire proves to be providing positive social progress, despite the hardships this year caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chief Social Work Officer’s (CSWO) Annual Report published showcased an overview of services throughout the area.

These include Children’s services, Social Work Justice services, Adult and Community Care services, and Ayrshire Urgent Care services within East Ayrshire.

The restrictions to social interactions caused by the COVID-19 have had a major impact on communities and the ways in which help can be offered and delivered.

However, despite difficulties, there have been triumphs. Highlights in the CSWO include the implementation of a new Social Work Management Information System called ‘LiquidLogic’. This system allows updating records and the transfer of information to approved people, leading to better care and allows care responses to be based on immediate information.

More people are also being supported to remain independent and safe at home for longer thanks to the redesign of Overnight Care Services and the use of technology supports such as Mind of My Own and the East Ayrshire Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Pathfinder Programme.

Councillor Iain Linton, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, said: “This report shows that not only have we delivered real benefits to our communities and our young people, but that they, in turn, have come together to look after each other.”