NEWTON Stewart Activity and Resource Centre (ARC) marked its 40th anniversary last month.
To commemorate the impressive milestone, long-standing service users, their families and ARC staff members gathered to celebrate. 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.
Last Friday’s event was opened by service users John Kirkpatrick and Stuart McHarg, before team manager Beth Bleasdale outlined some of the history and achievements of the ARC over the years, describing it 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, bus escort Rosalind Thomson and bus driver David Hannah, were presented with long-service awards for their incredible commitment to supporting service users to travel over the years.
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.”
