LOTHIAN list MSP Foysul Choudhury visited Tiphereth Camphill last week.
The Labour MSP said: “I really enjoyed my visit to Tiphereth Camphill in Edinburgh, where I saw how they bring together diverse communities to work and grow together.
“They support those with learning difficulties to gain opportunities and skills, all within a beautiful and serene landscape that encourages members to find purpose and belonging.
“Tiphereth is a place where fun, work and care go hand-in-hand. I was encouraged to see a model of care that promotes creativity, flexibility, understanding, learning and adapting, which is of great benefit to the community members. Tiphereth Camphill gives members with learning difficulties the chance to engage in skilled work, such as woodwork, and has given many an opportunity to uncover their hidden talents and sense of purpose.
“I was interested to see how such a model, which promotes inclusive relationships and autonomy, could be replicated in the design of the new National Care Service. Tiphereth Camphill wants to ensure that a new National Care Service does not impose standard templates of care but instead gives those with learning difficulties opportunities such as skilled work.
“However, I learnt that there is a problem with a decline in volunteers. I also learnt of problems they are facing with energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis, which could be influencing volunteers to give up the role and find paid work, out of necessity.
“I intend to raise this with my colleagues and the Cross-Party Group on Volunteering, which I co-convene, to try to find a solution which could support this sector during this difficult time.
“I will also raise some of the issues faced by those with learning disabilities with the Social Justice and Social Security Committee.”
