A leading provider of care and support services for people with disabilities and other support needs is holding a special celebration today to mark a landmark birthday.
This year marks the mass 21st birthday for the majority of Cornerstone services in Moray, and they are marking the occasion with a cake, music, song and dance at the Laichmoray Hotel this evening.
The Cornerstone concept came to fruition in the Aberdeen kitchen of founder, Nick Baxter, in 1981.
Since, it has blossomed into a national user-centred social care charity, with service locations all over Scotland, including three care homes, eight housing support sites and a range of children’s services in Moray alone.
Christine Petrie, Lorraine McAuslan and Bernie Palmer have been working with Cornerstone at the housing support unit at 28 Hay Street in Elgin since the charity came to Moray in March 1993 and have seen the service evolve over the past 21 years.
Ms Petrie, Joint Hay Street service manager, said: “Our goal for the last 21 years has been to support individuals to integrate into the community to live as normal a life as possible. In 2003, Hay Street closed as a car home and we reregistered it as a housing support service along with the Slioch site in Fochabers in 2003.
Ms Petrie’s Service Manager colleague, Lorraine McAuslan, added: “The aim for us for the past 21 years has been for all the people across all the services to enjoy a valued life.”
Hay Street Team Leader Bernie Palmer said: “We are just one big family, which is lovely, and tonight is one last, big celebration for everyone.”