EFFORTS to create a safer community throughout East Lothian have been recognised at a national awards ceremony.

East Lothian Council’s justice social work service was named a finalist in the Scottish Social Service Awards last Wednesday, where Midlothian Council’s community justice team claimed the Excellence in Justice Services award.

The department was recognised for its use of the Caledonian System, which is focused on improving the lives of men, women and children who have been involved in cases of domestic abuse, across the county.

Ciara Webb, justice social work team leader, said: “Caledonian is an important part of our service provision.

“From April 2021 to March 2022, the justice social work service has supported 19 men to effect change in their lives.

“Additionally, 15 women accepted support from our women’s worker service, and three children worked with our children’s worker.

“The Caledonian System supports behavioural change and puts an emphasis on information sharing to create safer relationships and thereby safer communities.”

The Scottish Social Services Awards has been running since 2017. Applications are assessed and scored by a judging panel comprising of Scottish Government policy officials and key sector stakeholders.

This year, the panel was blown away by the high calibre talent and success rate of justice social work services teams.

East Lothian’s justice social work services serves the community by supporting people convicted of offences to change their behaviour in order to reintegrate and become valuable members of their communities.

The Caledonian System is based on a risk and needs assessment, with a risk management approach designed to deal with possible harm to women and children.

The programme enables men to make positive changes in their approach to intimate relationships by attending a carefully planned programme over 24-30 months, which includes one-to-one work with social workers, a 26-week group work programme, and post-group follow up to support men to better their lives through positive motivation and lifelong change.

At the same time, the initiative provides information, advice and emotional support to female partners and ex-partners and their children.

The system additionally ensures that women and children receive appropriate support and gain access to local services where required.

Fiona Wilson, chief officer of East Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP), said: “We are thrilled that the justice social work team have been nominated for this incredible award.

“Across the ELHSCP, we strive to deliver the best health, best care and best value for our communities.

“Our teams are not shy about innovating and implementing new services, to provide enhanced support for individuals and their families. This nomination is a testament of the team’s continuous efforts to help enrich the lives of individuals within our communities.”