COSGROVE - A HISTORY
The Jewish Association for the Mentally Handicapped (JAMH) was set up in 1962, as a charity, to help those with learning disabilities and their families within the Jewish Community in Scotland. A home was bought in Pollokshields, the heart of the Jewish community at that time, where people came initially on a daily basis only. By 1972 it had become a full time residential home and in 1989 a semi-independent wing for four people was added. However, the organisation still remained on the same site. This home was managed by a Board of Trustees, a Management Executive and Committee, with a salaried part-time Manager, Care and Ancillary Staff.
In 1995 the organisational structure was changed. The Trustees role changed to that of Consultants and the Management Executive was charged with the running of the whole organisation, now renamed Cosgrove Care. The first Chief Executive was appointed and this was soon followed by the appointment of a new Residential Home Manager and Office Manager. The Management Executive, with the Chief Executive and Manager worked towards meeting the new policies contained in the Community Care legislation leading to the first supported Living service being commissioned in the same year.
In 1999 the Service in Pollockshields was decommissioned to be replaced by a newly commissioned service in Giffnock comprising of 4 x 3 person flats and 1 single person accommodation. Concurrently, within the new Walton Community Care Centre, a new Day Opportunities Centre and Head Offices were opened; all within five minutes walk of the new housing developments.
In the last five years, Cosgrove has developed from being an organisation offering residential support only to one offering Registered Care Home Services, Housing Support Services and Support Service – Care At Home, along with a range of Augmented Services, Outreach Services and Children's Services. We have also developed family groups, siblings groups and volunteer groups, as well as three charity shops, one of which houses our Supported Employment service set up at the beginning of 2007.
Cosgrove Care achieved Investors in People status in 2001 (re-assessment in 2003 and 2006) and a National Award for Management Excellence in 2003.
All Staff employed by Cosgrove Care are trained in mandatory areas such as First-Aid, Moving & Handling and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. Staff at support worker/Assistant level possess or will be supported to achieve Scottish Vocational Qualification (Care/Promoting Independence/Health and Social Care or equivalent) at level three. Support staff who undertake supervisory responsibilities are supported to achieve a relevant management qualification as are senior managers within the organisation.
Staff employed in non-direct support roles are also supported to undertake training and development activities relevant to their level and grade of post.
Cosgrove Care recognises that by offering staff a wide range of opportunities in training, thus adding to staff’s expertise, the service users will be the ultimate beneficiaries and our mission statement will be fulfilled.
