A north-east charity has kicked off its 40th anniversary celebrations by travelling “back in time” to 1980 with Doctor Who.
Cornerstone, which began in Aberdeen, delivers vital services to people with a variety of physical and learning disabilities across Grampian and, since being first established by Nick Baxter in 1980, has grown to become one of the largest care providers across the country.
During 2018–2019, Cornerstone worked with 19 health and social care partnerships across Scotland, and 117 residential services to deliver high quality care and support.
The charity recently opened the Cornerstone Tardis Coffee Box at their Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire branch of the charity.
And to celebrate their 40th year, members of the team met a Tom Baker-lookalike.
The Coffee Box raises money by selling teas and coffee, but also raises awareness of the conditions, disabilities and challenges that many of the people Cornerstone support face in Scotland.
Scott Baxter, the charity’s branch leader for north Aberdeenshire, said: “The pioneering work of Cornerstone has been fundamental in changing the face of the care sector over the last 40 years.
“By adopting and promoting a person-centred, creative approach to care we have replaced traditional, institutional establishments with amazing housing support services based across the shire in New Deer, Ellon, Peterhead and Maud.
“We are able to support people in their own homes and communities by offering a wide range of vital services that have been developed in response local, identified need and demand. It is this unique offering that is allowing us to transform lives.”
Interim chief executive Hazel Brown, added: “Our founder Nick Baxter was at the forefront of providing a solution to the 1970s hospital closure programme, believing that people with learning disabilities, should not simply be able to live, but thrive, within their local communities like north Aberdeenshire.
“Guided by that vision, we continue to strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to play an active part in their own community.”
