Group members decided that one of the most effective ways to overcome these barriers was to offer training to the providers of those services. The impact of this unique form of training (through the use of Forum Theatre) is borne out by the growing number of organisations across Scotland approaching the Group for training.
The success of the group and the confidence in their effectiveness for change led to the group producing their own DVD, which has helped to raise awareness of the group as a vibrant campaigning force.
Sally Swadel, Group Facilitator said: “Everyone connected to the Group is absolutely thrilled at being awarded the Chairman’s award. The combination of Forum Theatre and the design and delivery by the service users themselves is a unique form of training and as far as I’m aware, no other local authority delivers training in this way.”
She added: “This Group offers people with a learning disability a platform to drive change - not only are they speaking out about the problems they face daily, they are also seizing the opportunity to overcome them.”
Cllr Jonathan McColl, Convenor of Social Work and Health said: “More and more I find myself praising excellence across Social Work in West Dunbartonshire, and I am delighted that the work of the Good Life Group has been recognised with such a prestigious award.”
Cllr McColl continued: “Not only is the group's innovative approach to training improving lives in West Dunbartonshire, but their help is sought after by people across Scotland. They make excellent ambassadors for West Dunbartonshire and we should all be very proud of the image they project.”
The COSLA Chairman’s award is open to all entries and is awarded to the entry which shows exceptional standards and achievements above the stipulated judging criteria.
COSLA Vice President Councillor Neil Fletcher, who chaired the judging panel, described the entries for the awards this year as truly inspiring:
"The COSLA Excellence Awards showcase and celebrate the very best of Scottish Local Government. These awards are the Scottish Local Government Oscars, and year after year we see projects which continue to live up to this billing."
Councillor Fletcher continued: "Every one of our finalists have set new standards for excellence, and demonstrated real innovation and creativity in delivering important services in an increasingly challenging environment. Their incredible results speak for themselves, but above all else, I have been struck by the commitment, enthusiasm and utter passion that council workers and our partners have for delivering better outcomes for their communities."
