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Daily Record
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
South Lanarkshire is flying the flag for autism awareness
Autistic Pride Day was held this year on June 18. Two Hamilton pupils marked Autistic Pride Day by raising an awareness flag outside of South Lanarkshire Council's HQ. Five-year old Max and 12-year-old Caleb from St John's Primary School helped officials to raise the flag on Autistic Pride Day, which was held this year on June 18. Recognised annually, the day celebrates the importance and value of autistic people within society. And 2025 marks the seventh year that South Lanarkshire Council has flown the flag to honour Autistic Pride Day. Chair of the council's Social Work Resources Committee, Councillor Margaret Walker, said: 'The flag lets our entire autism and wider neurodivergent community know that South Lanarkshire Council is committed to raising awareness and understanding. 'It's important that people are treated with dignity, respect and listened to – and the work of the Autism Resources Co-ordination Hub (ARCH), is a great example of that.' Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer for health and social care, said: 'Autism Pride Day provides an important public opportunity for us to recognise the contributions of autistic members of our communities and celebrate the strength that comes from valuing diversity. 'My thanks to Max and Caleb for leading the way at the flag raising.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook?
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
South Lanarkshire's digital switchover of community alarms nearing completion
More than 6000 systems have already transferred. A vital support system designed to help people live independently and safely in their own homes where they otherwise might not be able to do so is being fully updated for the digital age. The digital switchover for community alarm users across South Lanarkshire is almost complete. Telephone providers across the UK are moving their customers from analogue landlines to digital hubs. The transition for community alarm users in South Lanarkshire is expected to be completed by August and things are now well underway, with more than 6000 systems already transferred. This only leaves around 400 to be completed in the coming months. South Lanarkshire Council's Analogue to Digital (A2D) programme has been running for a number of years in anticipation of the switchover. Councillor Margaret Walker, chair of the council's Social Work Resources Committee welcomed the switchover which she feels is much needed. She said: "Community alarms have been a comfort and a reassurance to many people across South Lanarkshire. 'I know that some people may have seen messages recently about the switchover, and I can reassure our service users that if they have not already had their upgrades, it will happen soon. 'It is vital that the technology underpinning those resources is fit for the future and so I am delighted at the progress made thanks to the dedication and expertise of our staff.' Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for Health and Social Care in South Lanarkshire, added: 'Engaging with our communities is at the core of what we do, and embracing digital technologies is increasingly vital to the way that care is accessed and provided. 'My thanks to our community alarm users and our wider communities for their ongoing support as we complete this important programme of work.'
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
South Lanarkshire Council marks Carers Week with raising of flag
Carers are being reminded that help is available. Carers Week is taking place, and South Lanarkshire Council is flying the flag for unpaid carers across the region. A new Carers Week flag has been raised at the local authority's headquarters in Hamilton. South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership raised the standard to show support for carers across the area with the special week taking place from June 9 to 15. Hoisting the flag was a group of young carers, who were joined by Councillor Kirsty Williams, depute chair of the council's Social Work Resources Committee, Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, Francine O'Donnell from Lanarkshire Carers, Ian Sloan from South Lanarkshire Young Carers Service, and Brian Murphy, Carers Representative on the South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board. Councillor Williams said: 'Many people do not think of themselves as being unpaid carers, and yet that is exactly what they are doing in their daily lives. 'Carers Week provides an important opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution that unpaid carers make to their families and our communities, acknowledge the challenges that many of them have to contend with and promote the supports available. 'If you are an unpaid carer, please know that you are not alone and that help is available.' Professor Sengupta said: 'More and more of us have unpaid carers in our families – and indeed will be providing a level of unpaid care ourselves. 'From talking with people for whom unpaid caring is a significant element of their lives, I know that they do this out of love and a deep sense of personal responsibility. 'This is especially true for young carers, as exemplified by the young people who joined with us to raise the flag. I was impressed by them all and they are a credit to our communities.' One young carer who helped to raise the flag added: 'It is good that Carers Week exists as it makes people aware that there are various types of carers, as well as helping us feel seen and appreciated, and realise we are not alone.' Mr Murphy said: 'It was a pleasure to be at the flag-raising. As a carer myself, it was heart-warming to see that the council is so invested in carers, and the flag will hopefully bring attention to Carers Week and raise the profile for all unpaid carers.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
