The housing and care specialist organised a Zoom video conference to bring together 17 members and board members from across Scotland for the AGM on September 15, to discuss key future issues.

Those in attendance heard about the efforts being made to transform the sector and services for disabled people of all ages in Scotland and how the charity looks to continue helping customers to live their life to the full.

Max Brown, board chair at Blackwood, said: “It was great to bring the Blackwood team together for our Annual General Meeting, albeit, it was online, so we didn’t get to have as much interaction or fun as we normally have in person.

“Engagement with customers is vital to us to ensure we continue to develop innovative ideas that support independent living, so it was important that everyone was still able to have a voice.”

The housing and care specialists have a reputation for creative AGMs - last year’s event saw Scottish star Michelle McManus host a music festival in the grounds of their Glasgow Care Home, Belses Gardens and the previous year’s AGM included a stand-up routine from Britain’s Got Talent winner Lee Ridley, the Lost Voice Guy after a Blackwood Escape Room challenge at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.

Blackwood aims to help people live their life to the full, by providing services which support individuals to live independently. It specialises in technology and design innovation to support the role of its housing and care staff across Scotland.

Chief executive Fanchea Kelly said: “The past few months have been extremely challenging for the housing and care sector and we are so proud of the Blackwood team who have risen to the challenge.

“Despite the current circumstances, our AGM went smoothly so wouldn’t rule it out for future meetings as it was a relatively easy process for all involved.

“I have no doubt that we will continue to rise to every challenge we are faced with and take our services to new levels. 

“We look forward to bringing everyone together again at some point in the future as and when it is safe to do so.”

Blackwood’s commitment to staff has been evident throughout the pandemic. The charity launched a new campaign, #ImInAwe, to showcase its appreciation for the vital work of front-line social care workers, which can often go unnoticed.