The Collaboration Award aimed to reward forward-looking collaborative work which can really demonstrate the benefits of such an approach for communities or service users.
As part of its commitment to widening access to and participation in education, Aberdeen College struck up a partnership with GFRS to offer learning opportunities to local people closer to home. The partnership sees the college delivering courses in the training rooms of GFRS stations in areas where there is a high demand for community-based courses. It began in August 2008 with the college operating in five fire stations; a further two stations were added in August 2009 and 469 people have now taken part. The project has been particularly successful in communities adversely affected by the economic downturn.
Colin Mair, chief executive of the Improvement Service, said: "'Particularly impressive examples of working together create practical opportunities for communities that have suffered due to recession. We talk a lot about outcomes and best value: this project delivers both in spades."
The Herald Society Awards recognise the efforts and achievements of the public and voluntary sectors in Scotland. Awards were made over 12 categories. In addition to the Collaboration Award, honours were given for educational, environmental and equality initiatives, community projects, health providers, service providers, campaigns, public service workers and teams, and an ‘unsung hero'.
A full list of 2009 winners and finalists is on The Herald website. A copy of the Aberdeen College and Grampian Fire & Rescue Service award entry, which gives more information about the project, is in our Library.
