NORTH Ayrshire Council celebrated an unprecedented night of success when they landed four prizes at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Teams from a range of services helped the Council take centre stage – winning four of 13 of the prizes – at the Herald Society Awards. The Communications team triumphed in the Campaign of the Year category for their fantastic Keep it A to B Ferry campaign, while the DigiDabble programme – a scheme to get families to use technology for education - was winner in the Young People’s Project of the Year. The Money Matters team, from the Health and Social Care Partnership, landed the Team of Year award for their amazing work in supporting some of North Ayrshire’s most vulnerable residents. And there was individual glory for Youth Services Manager Angela Morrell, who was crowned Worker of the Year. North Ayrshire Council Chief Executive Elma Murray said: “This is an absolutely phenomenal achievement and a huge congratulations to all of our winners. We are all extremely proud of you. “Our finalists and winners were represented in a broad range of categories and that underlines the strength of the Council’s work that is being undertaken to support large numbers of people with different needs across North Ayrshire. “These are challenging times but our teams consistently look for positive ways to work with partners and communtiies to provide the most fantastic services to the people of North Ayrshire. Elma added: “Just look at our winners on Wednesday. The A to B Ferry Campaign was a phenomenal effort and created a wave of community support and strength that went a long way in ensuring that the vital Ardrossan to Brodick ferry route was maintained. The decision to keep it A to B was huge for our communities. “And then we have Digidabble which is just a great programme for families and is finding new ways for parents/carers to use our libraries and digital technology to play with their children while helping them to learn and develop. “The Money Matters team are doing some amazing work and generated £8.2m in financial gains to North Ayrshire residents as well as supporting large numbers of people through the appeal and tribunal system. That’s a staggering amount of money and support and is testament to their expertise and passion for helping North Ayrshire’s residents. “And, of course, I have to mention Angela Morrell. We don’t usually talk about individuals because we are very much all about the teams here at North Ayrshire Council. But Angela is an inspirational manager and leader for our Youth Services team. “The range of opportunities she has given North Ayrshire’s young people and the support she provides her staff has enabled everyone to flourish. She fully deserves the award and I’m sure everyone that works with her will agree. We are lucky to have her.” The wins at the Herald Society Awards comes just two months after the Council was awarded Council of the Year at the APSE awards. Herald Society Campaign of the Year #save our ferry The Communications team – working alongside a range of services – launched their ‘Keep it A to B’ campaign when it emerged ABP Ports had launched a rival bid to snatch the Ardrossan to Brodick Ferry Route and operate the service from Troon. The team coordinated a huge media and social media campaign and also engaged heavily with the local community – on both sides of the water – organising meetings and other events. Almost 5000 people also signed a letter that was sent to Transport Minister Humza Yousaf. The decision to retain the Ardrossan – Brodick was met with huge joy and relief by communities across North Ayrshire. Herald Society Young People’s Project of the Year DidiDabble This is an innovative digital initiative which has been rolled out in North Ayrshire’s libraries The DigiDabble events take place on Saturdays and provide a new twist to how we learn and read and have given everyone, particularly young people, a chance to embrace new and interesting technologies. During DigiDabble Days, a variety of software packages are introduced to help create new ways for young people to learn and interact. Herald Society Team of the Year Money Matters Money Matters provides a range of services to Health and Social Care Partnership service users / vulnerable clients. The team work tirelessly to ensure that people have access to a Welfare Right Appeals Representation Services and receive the benefits that they are entitled to do. Against a background of Welfare Reform, expanding caseloads and financial constraints, Money Matters continue to deliver amazing results and last year their commitment and dedication has helped North Ayrshire residents receive £8.2m in financial gains. Herald Society Worker of the Year Angela Morrell Angela is the beating heart of the team that is determined to work with and for young people across North Ayrshire. Her Youth Participation and Empowerment team - consisting of 11 full-time employees, eight youth work staff, nine active school coordinators, nine modern apprentices, five community support staff and over 80 sessional staff – work with 11-25 year olds across North Ayrshire. They provide a range of learning opportunities that give our young people more choices and, importantly, chances. Angela was nominated for inspiring her team and providing young people with the skills, confidence and a strong voice in local democracy.