In collaboration with Perth & Kinross HSCP WMTY Project Team and Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland, Capability Scotland hosted the What Matters To You movement day earlier this month.

The event featured four workshops led by Tommy Whitelaw, the National Lead of Person Centred Voices, a project dedicated to promoting people-focused practices in public sector organisations.

Held at Upper Springland, the workshops attracted 47 staff members from Capability Scotland and nine participants from external organisations across the Perth and Kinross area.

During these workshops, Tommy delivered an inspiring talk, sharing his journey as a carer and emphasising the importance of intelligent kindness, civility, compassion, and active listening – all of which resonated deeply with the attendees.

He said: “I had the most wonderful day spending time with, meeting colleagues, learning about the incredible people at Upper Springland, and left feeling inspired, we are excited to follow and support a case study celebrating what matters to all at Upper Springland.”

One staff member who shared their experience was Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, Helen Johnston.

She said: “I found Tommy’s story very heartwarming, and on reflection, his 121 thank yous to the staff in the room really struck a chord with me. Being thanked obviously matters, and it’s not something we hear often.

“I’ve realised it’s also something I don’t often say enough either. If I take one thing from his story, it’s to remember to thank those around me doing this job day in and day out, it really does make a difference.”

The success of the event has led to Upper Springland being asked to feature as a case study for the movement.

Jacquie Pepper, chief officer Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The ethos of What Matters To You has been embraced by colleagues within Perth and Kinross HSCP and has helped to foster connections and drive actions that put person-centred care at the heart of all we do.

“Thank you to all those who have contributed to the activities for What Matters To You. Together, the power of kindness, leadership, and collective action will inspire hope for a brighter future across all our communities in Perth and Kinross.”

Naomi Smith, co‑production leader at Capability Scotland, highlighted the significance of hosting such events.

She said: “It’s about recognising the value of a care or support worker and understanding what matters to the person you’re supporting. It’s not about seeing someone as a condition, it’s about seeing them as an individual—finding out what matters to them.

“As an organisation, we will continue to reflect on the workshop and use a What Matters To You approach to engage with staff, the people we support and their families.

“Staff from Upper Springland have signed up to be ambassadors for the movement and we will continue to share our What Matters To You journey with Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership.”

The Upper Springland campus currently has four registered services and offers residential and respite care to 60 adults with physical disabilities and learning disabilities.

As part of achieving its mission of delivering the highest quality services tailored to the individual needs of disabled people, Capability Scotland is planning the development of a new purpose-built facility at Bertha Park, designed to set new standards in inclusive living, known as Our Inclusive Community Project.

Capability Scotland has been delivering exemplary care, support, and education for disabled children and adults with complex needs across Scotland for over 75 years.