Spring is on its way. The air is warmer, and the uncertainties of winter are all but gone. Snowdrops are out in churchyard gardens opposite our offices, and a lone daffodil felt warm enough to flower yesterday. There are a few blossoms on the cherry tree, and if you look closely, every living thing is budding.

When you see the bairns playin’ in the street
Does it remind you of a time when you knew
That the grass was deep green,
The sky fully blue,
And the meaning of time meant nothing to you?
Never let time prey
On your time or mine pray,
And the meaning of time will mean nothing to you.

This verse and others written by me were used several years ago as part of an academic study looking at similarities and/or changes in language and its usage over a period of time. My words were compared with those of Robert Burns, and whilst it was shown that the language I used had become almost completely anglicised, it was only ‘almost’. ScotsCare is often a link to a past that may help to create a brighter future for ‘bairns’ born in the London area to native Scots – “almost completely anglicised …only ‘almost’”.

Our work at ScotsCare is designed to compliment that of existing statutory bodies. Sadly, however, some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society come to us confounded because they are ineligible for statutory help. A common phrase used by some to describe this phenomenon is ‘they have fallen through the net’. I ask, “Could our support for fellow human beings be of a more solid nature?” ScotsCare has eligibility criteria, but it is a working document. It is flexible, open to change, and ready to meet the needs of our clients. Gaps in services are easily closed. Our willingness to help others creates the way, and ScotsCare is now more than 400 years along that way.

This time of the year is one of endings and new beginnings, and whether it is the passing of the shortest day or the revelries of Hogmanay, the old must go out and the new will come in.

Many of my clients have already made a start having decided to try to improve the quality of their lives; they may have moved into their first flat or perhaps  trying education and training as a way towards future or maybe better-paid employment.  Some simply wanted to be heard when they talked about changing their lives. It was a pleasure for me to be able to assist.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year.