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Scotsman
5 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Meet the Glasgow Care Worker brining pride to the care home
It may only be 38-year-old Brian Davies' first summer in Scotland, but the openly gay care worker has wasted no time embracing the country's vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Originally from Darlington, the Regional Admissions Coordinator at HC-One Scotland has dedicated his career to building positive connections between care homes and the wider community—particularly through engaging and uplifting the local LGBTQ+ community. This year, Brian has used his passion for supporting pride events and his work within the care sector to bring residents and the local gay community together to celebrate inclusivity and acceptance. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Working to arrange a wide variety of activities that bring the two communities together, Brian has helped to organise HC-One's presence at this year's Glasgow Pride and has been working closely with the LGBTQ+ community across Glasgow and Edinburgh to build a closer link with them and the home. Finley Milner, HC-One Scotland's Area Director, at last year's Glasgow Pride Brian Davies, Regional Admissions Coordinator at HC-One Scotland, said: 'I think it's important for our homes to be connected to the communities that surround them—not just so that our residents can be enriched by new and exciting activities, but so that we can foster an environment of acceptance and inclusion. There are a lot of misconceptions about the attitudes of older people. Most of our residents hold a 'live and let live' attitude and will have openly gay friends or family members. Whenever the two communities meet, it's always positive—and I actually think that the LGBTQ+ community comes away somewhat surprised by the inclusive nature of older people.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Brian came out as an openly gay man at 22, after finding connection and community in his hometown of Darlington. Surrounded by compassion and shared experience, Brian discovered the confidence to live openly, and he's been a passionate advocate for pride and inclusivity ever since. Brian with UK drag artist Christal Glitterbang at Blackpool Pride 'Pride and the message it entails is still as important as ever,' Brian continued. 'As a community, we still face prejudice and hostility. Around the world and even here in the Scotland, there are people like us who are judged for simply being ourselves. It's why I'm so passionate about ensuring that the care homes we operate are accepting spaces for both our residents and the colleagues who care for them.' This year, Brian is set to attend six Pride events across the UK, standing proudly with LGBTQ+ communities and raising awareness about the importance of visibility, compassion, and allyship. At Murrayfield House, one of the homes Brian supports, that message is already deeply embedded in the culture. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fiona Truesdale, Home Manager at HC-One Scotland's Murrayfield House Care Home said: 'At Murrayfield House, we strongly believe that integration is not only progress, but essential to creating a welcoming and supportive environment. Our residents generally embrace the philosophy of 'each to their own,' and many have family and loved ones who are openly gay. The Brian at Blackpool Pride future of care is evolving—especially when it comes to sexual orientation and thanks to progressive attitudes and the hard work of colleagues like Brian, we're seeing more older adults feel comfortable and safe to openly express their sexuality. That's a positive and necessary change that as a kind care company we should be embracing.' HC-One recognises the responsibility it has to lead by example, both for the people it cares for and the people who work across its services. As the largest health and social care employer outside of the NHS, the care provider boasts a proudly diverse workforce and ensures that inclusion and acceptance is factored into every aspect of the care home environment. It's this compassionate commitment that has supported Brian in his mission to bring homes and the gay community closer together alongside his own feelings of acceptance within the organisation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Brian concluded: 'I've never had to come out while at HC-One because I've never been made to feel like I need to. There is no judgement, just kindness and respect and that really does mean everything to me. I do think it's important that organisations like HC-One take a stand to champion the rights of everyone no matter their origin or orientation. There are still many areas in which my community is looked down on and having colleagues and an organisation that not only tolerates me but truly accepts me and champions who I am is incredible, it's exactly what makes HC-One feel like home.' As an organisation, HC-One's commitment to supporting colleagues and residents alike is a core value of the care provider. Following an inaugural presence at Glasgow Pride in 2024, the operator looks forward to seeing Brian, HC-One colleagues and the wider Glaswegian LGBTQ+ community at this year's pride celebrations. Finlay Milner, Area Director at HC-One Scotland said: 'We're really proud to be returning to Glasgow Pride this year after a brilliant first outing in 2024. Last year marked our very first presence at the event, where we were fortunate enough to hosted a stall that gave us fantastic visibility and opened up conversations about who we are, the care we provide, and how we're helping change perceptions highlighting that there truly is a career in care. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Care worker champions LGBTQ+ visibility in Glasgow homes
Brian Davies, 38, a regional admissions coordinator at HC-One Scotland who is originally from Darlington, has been working to create stronger links between care homes and the LGBTQ+ community in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Brian said: "I think it's important for our homes to be connected to the communities that surround them — not just so that our residents can be enriched by new and exciting activities, but so that we can foster an environment of acceptance and inclusion. Brian with UK drag artist Christal Glitterbang at Blackpool Pride (Image: Supplied) "There are a lot of misconceptions about the attitudes of older people. "Most of our residents hold a 'live and let live' attitude and will have openly gay friends or family members. Read more: Hundreds of homes water supply interrupted for hours "Whenever the two communities meet, it's always positive — and I actually think that the LGBTQ+ community comes away somewhat surprised by the inclusive nature of older people." This year, Brian helped organise HC-One's participation in Glasgow Pride. He said: "Pride and the message it entails is still as important as ever. "As a community, we still face prejudice and hostility. HC-One colleagues at last year's Glasgow Pride (Image: Supplied) "Around the world and even here in the Scotland, there are people like us who are judged for simply being ourselves. "It's why I'm so passionate about ensuring that the care homes we operate are accepting spaces for both our residents and the colleagues who care for them." HC-One has emphasised its responsibility to ensure inclusion and acceptance across its care environments. Brian said: "I've never had to come out while at HC-One because I've never been made to feel like I need to. "There is no judgement, just kindness and respect and that really does mean everything to me. "I do think it's important that organisations like HC-One take a stand to champion the rights of everyone no matter their origin or orientation." He is set to attend six Pride events across the UK this year to stand proudly with the community and raise awareness about the importance of visibility, compassion, and allyship. HC-One first took part in Glasgow Pride in 2024 and is looking forward to seeing Brian, HC-One colleagues, and the wider Glaswegian LGBTQ+ community at this year's pride celebrations. Finlay Milner, area director at HC-One Scotland, said: "This year, we're excited to be back with an even stronger presence. "We'll once again have a stall, but this time we'll also be joined by residents, their families, and colleagues as we celebrate Pride together. "It's about showing up with heart, championing inclusion, and making sure every voice across our care community is heard and celebrated.'
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Residents at Paisley care home enjoy visit from MSP
HC-One Scotland's Kyle Court Care Home in Paisley, Renfrewshire, was visited on Friday 27th June by MSP for Renfrewshire North and West & Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Residents and colleagues of the HC-One Scotland owned care home enjoyed meeting their MSP, Natalie Don-Innes, and chatting to her about what life is like at Kyle Court Care Home – which is an integral part of the local Paisley community. MSP Natalie Don-Innes enjoyed a tour round the 60 bedded nursing and nursing dementia care home, including the hair salon, nail bar, hobby room, kitchenette, memory room, pub, quiet room, sensory garden, lounge, ensuite and premier bedrooms and landscaped gardens. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Annmarie Speirs, Care Manager at HC-One Scotland's Kyle Court Care Home, commented: 'We were delighted to welcome MSP Natalie Don-Innes to our home. Everyone had a great time, chatting and discussing key issues they care about and what actions can be taken to overcome them.' MSP for Renfrewshire North and West & Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes and Annmarie Speirs, Care Manager at HC-One Scotland's Kyle Court Care Home MSP for Renfrewshire North and West & Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes, said: 'I was delighted to visit Kyle Court Care Home again as part of Care Home Open Week 2025. 'From the moment I walked in, it was clear just how much care and attention goes into everything the staff do. Annmarie, the Care Home Manager, leads a fantastic team who are clearly passionate about creating a welcoming and safe environment where residents feel at home. Their commitment to not only supporting residents, but also building strong relationships with their families and loved ones was evident throughout the visit. 'I particularly enjoyed hearing about the wide variety of activities available to residents – from mindfulness sessions and dancing, to arts and crafts, and even day trips on the minibus. There truly is something for everyone, and it's wonderful to see such a person-centred approach being embraced. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Social care workers are the backbone of our communities, playing an essential role in supporting older people with compassion and dignity. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the staff at Kyle Court, and to all carers across Renfrewshire, for their hard work, dedication and kindness.'
Scotsman
23-06-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Shettleston care home enjoys ‘The Big Summer Weekender' with local community and MSP
Eastbank Care Home, run by HC-One Scotland, located in Shettleston, welcomed visitors and guests from their local community to participate in this year's Care Home Open Week celebrations from June 16 to 22. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The homes main celebration events took place during Care Home Open welcomed residents, colleagues, friends, family and the wider community to a dominoes tournament alongside HC-One Scotland's Greenfield Park Care Home and also hosted a garden party. Care Home Open Week is a national event hosted by Championing Social Care, designed to connect care homes with their local week will offer care homes the opportunity to showcase their range of services, provide tours of their facilities, and highlight the activities that are offered to residents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The event is also a reminder to the homes' neighbours that they are there if they need the week, residents, colleagues, families, and friends enjoyed a variety of fun-filled activities culminating in an end-of-week celebration at the home. Residents at HC-One Scotland's Eastbank Care Home participating in dominoes tournament during Care Home Open Week 2025 The event also sought to connect the homes with their neighbours, highlighting the communal support that the home can provide. HC-One Scotland's chosen theme for this year's Care Home Open Week was 'The Big Summer Weekender' emulating the nostalgic feel of British summer holidays with a variety of fun-filled activities culminating in an end-of-week celebration at the home. On Friday, June 20, Eastbank Care Home welcomed in John Mason, Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Glasgow home and members of the local community came together to celebrate summertime memories, past and present, and hosted a fabulous Summer Weekender event. Residents and colleagues of the HC-One Scotland owned care home enjoyed meeting their MSP, John Mason, and chatting to him about what life is like at Eastbank Care Home – which is an integral part of the local Shettleston community. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Mason enjoyed a tour round the 65-bed nursing and nursing dementia care home, including the café, pub, lounge, quiet room, ensuite bedrooms and gardens. Residents at HC-One Scotland's Eastbank Care Home participating in dominoes tournament during Care Home Open Week 2025 Eastbank Care Home was adorned in a variety of summer themed decorations, emulating the nostalgic feel of British summer holidays past and present provided a perfect setting for everyone to come together as a community, and to learn more about life at the care home. As well as providing a space for existing relatives and residents to celebrate life at the home, visitors were encouraged to hear directly from colleagues in the home about what a rewarding career in care looks like as well as opportunities for community engagement and about the volunteering roles on offer within the home. Lee Binnie, Home Manager at HC-One Scotland's Eastbank Care Home, commented: "Care Home Open Week provided us with a wonderful opportunity to showcase the vibrant and supportive community we have here at Eastbank. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It was a chance for us to open our doors, celebrate the incredible work of our colleagues, and build lasting connections with our local community. We're proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where residents feel truly at home. Residents at HC-One Scotland's Eastbank Care Home participating in dominoes tournament during Care Home Open Week 2025 'It was great to welcome MSP John Mason to our home. Everyone had a great time, chatting and discussing key issues they care about and what actions can be taken to overcome them.'' John Mason, Member of Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Shettleston, said: 'It was great to visit Eastbank once again. As well as seeing around the facilities and meeting some residents and staff, it was especially good to have an extended chat with the new manager, Lee Binnie.
Scotsman
23-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Arbroath care home pays tribute to resident and Scots Guards veteran for Armed Forces Day
Colleagues and residents at HC-One's Lunan Court Care Home in Arbroath, proudly marked Armed Forces Day with a heartfelt celebration honouring the military service of resident, John Ure, aged 87, a proud veteran of the Scots Guards. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Armed Forces Day (June 28) is an annual opportunity for the nation to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets. Born on March 28, 1938, John served in the Scots Guards for nine years, a career that saw him take part in some of the most distinguished duties at home and abroad. His first official posting was the iconic Trooping the Colour, a proud moment in his early service. He later spent three years stationed in Nairobi, Kenya, where he welcomed the birth of his first son. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Following this, John was posted to Pirbright, Surrey, where his second son was born. His service also included an eight-week tour of Canada, and he later served as an official guard at the Royal Mint before leaving the Army. Resident John Ure from HC-One Scotland's Lunan Court Care Home's service medal, and plaque As part of Lunan Court's Armed Forces Day commemorations, John was honoured by fellow residents and colleagues. He proudly displayed his service medal, and a plaque presented to him by his friends was placed on display as a tribute to his years of dedication and loyalty. Honor Campbell, HC-One Scotland's Home Manager at Lunan Court Care Home, said:
