download Annual Review 2009-2010 here - Sense Scotland

2007 – Huge service development in and around Inverness to support 37 people moving from a long stay hospital into their own homes.
Terry Wogan opens the Children in Need sponsored child and family resource at TouchBase.
Summer Fridays at TouchBase
During July and August there was something
for everyone each Friday at TouchBase over lunch.
A great success not just for the performers but
for the many people who got involved and joined
in with these sessions.
The events included ‘Summer Grooving’ with
Ghanaian rhythms and songs classical Indian
dance performances, workshops on hand
gestures, mime and use of instruments, creating
a Tussie Mussie and scented handmade paper.
The final piece titled ‘Passages’, was a musical
performance of improvised sound by Amir
Aznefzadeh, Sarah Dietch and an ensemble
of performers including Harry Mackie.
Service users take on canoe challenge
Service users from across the country took part
in a canoe day on Loch Tay and for most it was
the first time they had ever tried canoeing and
it was a great success. Those who participated
ended up spending a good hour out on the Loch
investigating the shoreline and racing each other
across the bay. The day was also a fundraiser,
with participants raising £2,000.
“Thanks to everyone who contributed to this
fantastic event. It’s always amazing to witness
the way the people we support embrace
new opportunities like the ones offered at
Abriachan,” said Gillian Morbey.
Service User Conference 5th anniversary
The Service User Consultation Group’s five year
anniversary was celebrated at their conference
in TouchBase last autumn. The conference was
said to have a great feel about it and featured
exhibitors including Guide Dogs, Energy Saving
Trust, and The Holiday File. Presentations were
given by group members, other service users,
and external speakers. The highpoint as usual
was the evening party, with the TouchBase
AllStars and the usual mix of karaoke and
traditional music. The weekend ended with
a stroll in Pollok Park.
Conference comments: “I’ve never seen service
users having such a good time”. “I was amazed
at what service users were doing, most staff
wouldn’t stand up at a conference and talk like
that”. “The party was really good, what talent!
And the accordion music was enjoyed so much.”
River City’s Libby launches exhibition
Our ‘Inspired’ exhibition, shown at TouchBase,
then later at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay building,
featured artwork by children supported by our
children and families’ services. Using themes
based on timelines and seasons throughout
the year, the artists created paintings, drawings
and sculptures exploring identity, expression,
movement and our place in the world. River City
actress Libby McArthur made sure the launch at
TouchBase was a lot of fun, spending plenty of
time with families after her launch.
Isabel McLachlan, Head of Children and Family
Services said: “Inspired has proven to be an
inspirational journey for those involved. The young
people have invested a lot of creativity into their
work and are very proud to see it displayed.
We’re also very grateful to Libby McArthur for
taking the time to launch the exhibition.”
18 Sense Scotland Annual Review 2009/2010