Opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in 1985, the ARC is one of six such facilities in the region delivering day services to adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. The ARC service provides a range of opportunities to promote inclusion, develop skills and enhance independence. Activities and support are planned around the needs, skills and aspirations of each service user.
The event was opened by service users John Kirkpatrick and Stuart McHarg, before Beth Bleasdale, Team Manager, outlined some of the history and achievements of the ARC over the years, describing the ARC as a "trailblazer" from the outset. The event also featured the distribution of certificates in recognition of skills, achievements and long-service, and a musical sign-along from service users.
Two staff members, Rosalind Thomson, Bus Escort and David Hannah, bus driver, were presented with long-service awards for their incredible commitment to supporting service users to travel over the years. Travelling often on remote roads and long journeys, Rosalind and David work to ensure service users are safe, comfortable and are administered with rescue medication when needed.
Service users also received long-service awards, with Stuart McHarg, Rosemarie Lenaghan and Mark Conlan gaining recognition for having attended the ARC since it opened in 1985.
Speaking about the event, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Social Work Services Committee Cllr. Pauline Drysdale said:
“I am delighted to congratulate Newton Stewart ARC in celebrating 40 years of fantastic service to their local community. Staff across our local ARCs do a brilliant job supporting adults with additional needs, and my thanks are especially with those members of staff receiving recognition for their contributions over nearly the whole 40 years since the ARC opened in 1985. The dedication and commitment shown by staff across our Social Work service never ceases to amaze, and I know that service users are immeasurably grateful for your contributions.”
Vice-Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Social Work Services Committee Cllr. Chrissie Hill said:
“40 years is a brilliant milestone to achieve and everyone involved in the delivery of Newton Stewart ARC, both now and across the last 40 years, should be very proud. It is hugely inspiring to see that service users who have been part of the ARC since it opened in 1985 are still attending the service regularly. My thanks are with all the staff who make this service possible, and the service users who show such incredible support.”