Edinburgh-based housing and care provider Blackwood is putting a fun and engaging twist on its annual general meeting with an escape room.

The association will launch its customer engagement plan called ‘Making the Connection’ at the fun-filled day today.

Blackwood has a reputation for creative and fun AGMs and this year’s event, being held in the capital’s Assembly Rooms, builds on the success of the 2017 sporting themed day held at the National Sports Centre in Largs, North Ayrshire.

Much of the day’s activities are being kept under wraps, however, Britain’s Got Talent winner, The Lost Voice Guy Lee Ridley, will be the headline act, performing to Blackwood customers in attendance.

Blackwood chief executive, Fanchea Kelly, said: “It’s our aim to think a little outside the box with our AGMs and to give our customers a day they’ll remember.

“We have over 100 customers attending every year and it’s a testament to our ethos of engagement that so many turn up and have a great time year after year.

“And that’s what this year’s AGM is all about. We want to demonstrate the power of communication to engage with each other and what better way than an escape room, where teamwork is essential.

“We put communication with customers at the top of our agenda to ensure they can live as independently as possible.

“We’ve had fantastic success over the past four years, with interactive events featuring everything from virtual reality and sports, to replicas of our successful Blackwood House.

“It’s a brilliant day and one I always look forward to in the calendar, with everyone trying new things and making new friends.”

‘Making the Connection’ was developed by a cross regional panel made up of Blackwood staff and customers.

Last year’s sporting themed AGM allowed people to try their hand at everything from wheelchair basketball to archery.

There was an inspirational speech from Scotland’s wheelchair Rugby League captain Graeme Stewart as well as the opportunity to experience the incredible Dundee Blackwood House site through virtual reality with Google cardboard.

Since it was founded by Dr Margaret Blackwood in 1972, Blackwood has been a pioneer in both housing and care, constantly innovating in ways large and small that transform the lives of its customers, helping them to live as independently as possible.