The housing and care charity Blackwood, which has enjoyed an exciting year under the stewardship of new Chief Executive, Fanchea Kelly formally opened their new office today. Although they have been there since May it was the first opportunity the team had to get down to celebrating their new surroundings.
It is an important showcase for the housing and care specialist, which believes in embracing technology to improve the lives of those with disabilities or impairments.
Among the guests were tenants who volunteer to work with Blackwood’s scrutiny panels, which were relaunched during the summer as Team Blackwood. They include wheelchair users who helped test and choose the new HQ building.
The Edinburgh Reporter was there to meet with two of the key members of staff who were able to explain what Blackwood is all about and also tell us about the effect of a new office on Dundee Street on their staff.
Colleen Robertson, Communications and Marketing Manager for Blackwood, said: “We are known across Scotland for the work we do in delivering a huge range of property adaptations that help people live independently.
“Even small changes which allow a disabled person to open windows for themselves or make a cup of tea without help can have a positive impact on quality of life.
“We’ve spent 40 years coming up with new ideas and new equipment, so it’s fitting that we are still at the forefront of work to find and use the best new technology to continue improving lives for thousands of people across Scotland.
Dr Blackwood was a renowned disability rights campaigner and founded the organisation which still bears her name in 1972. That name is now a byword for combining technology with care.
With 1600 properties all across Scotland, Blackwood’s experts are called in to implement innovative solutions such as rise and fall kitchens and specialist flooring which can sense when someone falls.
The Blackwood Foundation also recently celebrated expansion of its home grown social media platform, bespoken, which is now in 120 countries. Users include people with disabilities, relatives and carers as well as specialists who develop disability aids. Bespoken provides a forum where they share, showcase and discuss cutting edge technologies and designs that can help to improve the quality of life for those with disabilities or impairments.
An important part of the official opening day will be the chance for volunteers with Team Blackwood to see the new HQ for themselves and for the Board of directors to thank them for all of their work over the past year.
Blackwood Homes provides a range of accessible, modern, attractive and bespoke housing aimed at providing great value to people with a range of disabilities and housing needs.
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