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Coronavirus COVID-19
Here at Hansel much has been done over recent weeks to prepare for the anticipated spread of COVID-19. As we provide care and support for many people who are vulnerable to this coronavirus, it is most important that we err on the side of caution in the measures we are taking while making our contribution towards containing the rate of spread. Read moreReaching out
We're proud to share a Vlog of our creative team exploring ways to meaningfully reach out to people in Ayrshire during these really challenging times Read more
Love is in the air at the Hansel Laundry!
We had some wonderful news recently!It was just a normal Friday morning in the Hansel Laundry until Charles proposed to Heather!💍 Read more
Annual Hansel Charity Curling Bonspiel 2020 - 27th January 2020
A huge thank you to Douglas, Janice and John who organised the 31st Annual Hansel Charity Curling Bonspiel at Greenacres Curling on Monday 27th January 2020.Read more
Duty of Candour Report
Our first annual Duty of Candour Report can be downloaded from the link below. Read more
Quality Of Life Survey
If you have a learning disability and live in Scotland, The Scottish Commission for Learning Disability want to hear what you think! Read more
January Supper Club 2019
We certainly had a "Wee Bit O' Burns" on Tuesday 29th January 2019 at The Ellisland House Hotel in Ayr! Read more
Ifound Drama Group Cheque Presentation 21st December 2018
The Ifound Drama Group Students sang their way to success for Hansel with a cheque for £200!Read more
Christmas by Candlelight - 11th December 2018
It certainly was "Christmas by Candlelight" when our annual festive event took place on Tuesday 11th December 2018 at Lochgreen House Hotel & Spa. Read more
Rowallan Christmas Fayre 9th December 2018
Hansel’s fundraising team were delighted to receive a fantastic donation from proceeds raised at a recent Christmas Winter Fayre hosted by Rowallan Castle. Read more
Ladies Lunch Week - 21st to 25th October 2018
Our annual Ladies Lunches at Lochgreen House Hotel came to an end on Thursday 25th October 2018 after five tremendous days! Read more
The Hansel Ball - Saturday 3rd November 2018
This year's annual Hansel Ball was another spectacular success! Read more
Hi Street's "Spooktacular" Window - 27th October 2017
Look who paid Hi Street a visit recently! Read more
We Need Your Vote – Aviva Community Fund
We are delighted that Hansel’s Kickstart drama initiative has been short-listed for the Aviva Community Fund - but we need your vote!! Read more
On sale now!
Four very talented individuals from Connect's Photography Group have produced a 2019 calendar featuring photographs from around Ayrshire. Read more
Lindy's Gets A Makeover!
And The Winner Is.........!Lindy's asked for your help and got it! Hansel were very fortunate to have been approached recently by the Royal Bank of Scotland, who have lots of willing volunteers and who wanted to help us transform the exterior of Lindy’s! Read more
Big Vern 'N' The Shootahs - Friday 7th September 2018
Friday the 7th of September saw over 75 people join us at the Carlton Hotel, Prestwick to dance the night away to our annual Big Vern n the Shootahs event. Read more
Marathon Effort By Local Runner
Prestwick's very own Bobby Miller presented a cheque for £2,553 to Hansel recently. Read more
Farewell To Sheila McLean - Thursday 31st May
On Thursday 31st May 2018 we said goodbye to our friend and colleague, Fundraising Manager, Sheila, who had been a huge part of Hansel for the last 15 years!Read more
Killer Heels & Lunch To Die For - Thursday 14th June 2018
Crime writers Caro Ramsay and Karen Campbell gave an insight into the trials and tribulations of being best-selling authors at a special fundraising lunch for Hansel at Lochgreen House Hotel in Troon on Thursday 14th June 2018 raising an amazing £2,633! Read more
Hansel Day At The Races - Wednesday 23rd May 2018
It was sunshine and smiles all day long at the recent annual Hansel Race Day at Ayr Racecourse, which raised over £21,000 for the charity. Read more
Lowmac Golf Day -Friday 11th May 2018
Kind-hearted customers of Lowmac Waste and Recycling took part in a company golf tournament in aid of Hansel at Dundonald Links in Irvine recently, raising over £5000! Read more
Drone Footage Of Hansel
Watch this amazing film of the Broadmeadows Estate in Symington, where Hansel started all those years ago Read more
Elvis Rocks Lindy's
It's Now Or Never ...... Are You Lonesome Tonight ...... Hound Dog! Just a few of the songs that the big man himself, the one and only ELVIS impersonator, John Reid, played to a packed audience at Lindy's Tearoom recently! Read more
Little Paintings Help Hansel Grow 2018
The weather may have been cold outside, but we had some hot little paintings for sale at our 10th Little Paintings Art Exhibition, held on Thursday 1st until Sunday 4th March 2018 at Murdoch House on the Hansel estate. Read more
Little Paintings Preview Night
Due to the adverse weather conditions we have taken the decision to postpone tonight's Preview until tomorrow morning (Thursday) doors open at 10.00 am with the sale commencing at 10.30 am. Read more
ALIVE @ Hansel
Promoting the new National Health and Social Care Standards – My support, my life Read more
Steven Brown Art - Leading Artist In The Frame For Hansel
We are delighted to announce that Steven Brown Art is very kindly sponsoring this event for the second year running and we are so indebted to him for all his support. Read more
Entertaining New Venue For The Cabin
Home technology specialists, Lairds of Troon, have helped to create a new entertainment room for customers visiting The Cabin. Read more
Tick Tock At Hansel!
Wednesday 24th January saw The Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce hold one of its Tick Tock Networking events at Hansel! Read more
Get On Your Bike Guys!
Kind hearted Frances Findlay from Loans in Troon has donated a three wheeled bike to The Cabin! Read more
Partnership with Ayrshire Housing
We are delighted to announce the transfer of ownership of six properties into Ayrshire Housing Association’s portfolio. Seven tenants will now benefit from the experience and expertise of a major social landlord with greater capacity to service properties and attend to housing matters while we concentrate on the provision of personal care and lifestyle supports. Read more
The 25th Anniversary Hansel Ball
The 25th Anniversary Hansel Ball was a spectacular success! Read more
Living Wage for Sleepovers
We are members of the CCPS and share their concerns about Living Wage for sleepover supports. Read more
Congratualtions Jenny!
Congratulations to everyone involved with Jenny’s Diary which won the Alliance Awards ‘Best Self Management Resource of the Year’. Read more
Donate To Win
We are delighted to be part of Donate To Win, the fantastic new fundraising initiative in conjunction with The Clutha Trust and Spirit Aid! Read more
Big Vern 'N' The Shootahs - Friday 1st September 2017
Friday the 1st of September saw over 100 people join us at the Carlton Hotel, Prestwick to dance the night away to our annual Big Vern n the Shootahs event. Read more
New webpage name
You may be aware we’ve been working towards a new section in our website especially for, and by, customers. Read more
Hansel's Day At The Races
Lady Luck Shines On Hansel's Race Day on Wednesday 24th May 2017 Read more
Hansel Day - Friday 28th April 2017
Who needs the Great British Bake Off when we have our very own Mary Berry's here at Hansel! Read more
Golf Day - 4th May 2017
The sun made a special appearance at our 23rd Golf Spectacular on Thursday 4th May 2017. Read more
Live and Loud at Lindy's
AYRSHIRE’S GOT TALENTSome of Ayrshire’s rising stars gave performances to rival the best on The Voice and Let It Shine on Sunday 26th March at Live and Loud at Lindy’s. Read more
Community Led Support - Effective Conversations training programme
As part of South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Community Led Support programme, a significant training programme focused on ‘Effective Conversations’ (EC) has been developed. Read more
Autism Seminar - Transitions
The National Autistic Society are holding a seminar for parents and carers of young people aged between 14 and 25. Read more
On Line Gallery
For those who missed out and were not able to visit our recent Little Paintings Help Hansel Grow Art Event, we have the perfect answer! Read more
Little Paintings Help Hansel Grow 2017
After 3 great days at Murdoch House, our Little Paintings exhibition has come to an end, raising over £11,200! Read more
Community Superhero Award
There are people all over Ayrshire who work tirelessly to make their local community a better place whether by helping their neighbours, volunteering, give up their free time to coach sports teams, befriending older people, raising money for charity or going above and beyond in their working day to help others. Read more
Christmas by Candlelight
It was certainly beginning to look a lot like Christmas on Tuesday 13th December 2016 at the stunning Lochgreen House Hotel in Troon. Read more
The 'Sparkling' Hansel Ball
Revellers celebrated Guy Fawkes Night in style at Hansel’s annual ball at Brig O’Doon House Hotel, Alloway and helped raise just over £42,000! Read more
Ladies Lunch Week
Our annual Ladies Lunches at Lochgreen House Hotel came to an end on Thursday 27th October 2016 after 5 tremendous days! Read more
Blanche Nicolson, MBE
It was a very proud day at Hansel as old friends and supporters gather to see Blanche Nicolson receive her well-deserved MBE from Lord-Lieutenant Mr John Duncan.Blanche chose to have the ceremony here at Broadmeadows so that more of us could share it with her – a typically generous gesture.
Read more
MacMillan Coffee Morning at Hansel
Who needs the Great British Bake Off when we have Hansel! Read more
Blooming marvellous!
Hansel’s Ground Maintenance Team is celebrating a hat trick after being selected to look after the floral displays at Kilwinning railway station following their successful work at Prestwick and Stewarton as part of ScotRail’s ‘Adopt a Station’ initiative. Read more
Big Vern 'N' The Shootas 2016
Friday the 12th August saw the Carlton Hotel, Prestwick play host once again to our annual Big Vern n the Shootahs event. Read more
Good luck...but not good bye
On the 10th of August 2016 Hansel celebrated with Blanche Nicolson as she retired from her working life with Hansel. Read more
Charity Fun Day Success!
Local people, family and friends had a fantastic day out at the Shawburn Fun Day, which was held in the Baird Centre at Hansel’s headquarters in Symington on Thursday (7th of July) raising a massive £1,260! Read more
More Than 7,000 Reasons To Say Thank You
Hansel said a massive thank you to big-hearted Sainsbury's in Prestwick staff and shoppers this week after receiving a donation of £7,316! Read more
Community Superhero Award Winner
We are pleased to announce that Prestwick's very own Scott Nicol won the very first Community Superhero Award 2016. Read more
A Day At The Races
The sun may not have shone, but it didn't stop everyone from having a wonderful time at Ayr Racecourse on Wednesday 18th May 2016. Read more
Jenny’s Diary shortlisted for a Herald Higher Education award!
Jenny’s Diary is a unique resource to support conversations about dementia with people who have a learning disability. The resource focuses on three areas: why Jenny is behaving differently and how she can be supported to live as well as possible with dementia; how to have a conversation with Jenny about her diagnosis of dementia, and guidance on talking about dementia with George, Jenny’s partner. Read more
Community Superhero Awards
There are people all over Ayrshire who work tirelessly to make their local community a better place whether by helping their neighbours, volunteering, give up their free time to coach sports teams, befriending older people, raising money for charity or going above and beyond in their working day to help others. Read more
Little Paintings Art Exhibition 2016
After 3 great days at Murdoch House, our Little Paintings exhibition has come to an end, raising over £8,000! A huge thank you to all the artists who took part, to Bill & Cath Costley for providing the delicious canapes and to Majestic Wine for sponsoring our drinks reception. Read more
Disability Hate Crime
Our North Ayrshire Supported Living service is now a disability hate crime third party reporting centre. This means we can better help and support people to report hate crime if they have been subjected to it or witnessed it. Eight people, 5 team members and 3 people with learning disabilities attended training provided by Police Scotland. Read more
Blanche Nicolson, MBE
Our very own Blanche Nicolson was awarded and MBE in the New Year Honours list! We are delighted (and very proud!) that her lifelong commitment to people with learning difficulties and their families has been recognised in this way. Read more
First Minister meets inspirational young man
In June this year, one of our young customers at Connect, Calvin Neilson visited the Scottish Parliament and met with First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. Read more
Health Survey
Learning Disability Alliance Scotland are asking people living with learning disabilities to share their experiences of health care. Read more
A BIG Thank You to UPM Caledonian!
The visitors and staff at Taigh Mor Respite Service would like to thank everyone at UPM Caledonian Paper Mill for their very kind and generous donation. This will be used to update the sensory room, a much loved area for visitors who come to Taigh Mor for a holiday. We’ll post more pictures as soon as possible – in the meantime, thanks again!
Join the Conversation
The Scottish Government are holding a national conversation on health and social care services – Creating a Healthier Scotland: What Matters to You? Read more
Enterprising Minds make the finals!
Enterprising Minds is one of two finalists in the Best Charity – Business Partnership category of the Association of Scottish Businesswomen Awards. Read more
Work Activity Agreement
Building on the success of the Schools Project, which offers pupils a week-long work placement, the Work Activity Agreement was delivered for the first time this year. Read more
Hot Off the Press!
Keep up to date with all the news from Hansel. (Well as much as we could squeeze into 8 pages!)http://issuu.com/hanselorg/docs/summer2015
What a week!
Last week’s Learning Disability Week was a huge success. Across the whole country organisations and individuals worked hard to raise awareness, share resources and celebrate achievements. Here at Hansel we had a week of activities at Broadmeadows and the annual Festival of Living at the Sir Alexander Fleming Centre in Kilmarnock. Read more
Enterprising Minds - One Year On
On the 26th May we celebrated the hugely successful first year of Enterprising Minds. Read more
Hot Off the Press!
Our latest eNewsletter is now available. Click here to read all about it:http://www.inthe-loop.co.uk/hanselNews-may15/Read more
Goodbye to Day Services
There’s been a lot of work going on behind the scenes in Day Services recently. We are busy with a process of modernisation, restructuring the service to meet the needs changing needs and expectations of customers. Read more
Rabbit Rescue
Those of you who know Broadmeadows will be aware of the hard work our Grounds Maintenance team put in to keep the gardens beautiful. You might also have noticed the effects of rabbits in undoing this! Our garden squad are not generally big fans of rabbits! Read more
Connect at Trade School Ayrshire
We are delighted to be hosting Connect at Trade School Ayrshire in the Baird Centre, a series of sessions aimed at offering young people and their support networks an opportunity to explore the ways that the four options of Self-Directed Support can be used to design alternative support choices. Read more
Schools Programme 2015
Last month saw another successful schools work placement programme being delivered at Hansel in conjunction with East Ayrshire Council Education Department. Read more
The Sun might not have his hat on… but he is smiling!
Around 100 people gathered at the Baird Centre to watch the eclipse this morning. Read more
Care Opinion
Hansel has registered with Care Opinion which is currently being piloted in parts of Scotland. Read more
The Charter for Involvement
Members of Hansel’s Compass Network recently attended the launch of the revised Charter for Involvement Read more
Hansel Bonspeil 2015
Last week Greenacres Curling Centre in Howwood played host to the 26th annual Charity Bonspeil in aid of Hansel, raising a fantastic £4,200! Read more
Lookin' Good!
M & Co in Ayr held a fashion show in aid of Hansel recently (well not that recently – we’re a little tardy in posting this news!). Read more
Launch of Baird Centre Activities
The Baird Centre had a real buzz about it yesterday. A choir of our customers lead the carol singing which was a prelude to Chris Colvin, the Baird Centre Facilitator, filling us all in on the activities which will be launched in January. Read more
Mission Christmas
Wednesday 10th December was Christmas Jumper Day at Hansel even through to the Foundation Board meeting in the evening! Team members, customers and Directors were invited to done their festive woollies and donate a pound or two to West FM’s Cash for Kids appeal. Read more
The Kindness of Strangers
This is a tale of serendipity, generosity and the kindness of strangers. Read more
Hansel Ball 2014 - Photos added!
What a great night we had at the Hansel Ball on Saturday Night at Brig O'Doon House Hotel, raising an amazing £29,621! Read more
Sunflower Competition
Now that it's clear that winter is just around the corner we thought we'd remind you of hazy days of summer and our sunflower competition. Read more
Big Vern 'n' The Shootahs 2014
Friday the 29th August saw the Carlton Hotel, Prestwick play host once again to our annual Big Vern n the Shootahs event. Now in its 11th year we are delighted to report that this year raised the most to date with an amazing £12,169! Read more
Hansel Makes A Splash!
What a fantastic day we had on Sunday 28th September at the Hansel White Water Raft Race on the River Tay, Aberfeldy. Read more
Hansel is the Toast of Ayrshire!
Hansel was delighted to receive West Sound's Toast of Ayrshire Award last night. Gerry Lindsay, our Managing Director, accepted the award on behalf of all our customers, team members and supporters at a glittering ceremony at the Brig O Doon House Hotel. Read more
Enterprising Minds Newsletter
The first newsletter from Enterprising Minds can be downloaded here. Read more
Provost Todd visits Hansel
We were delighted to welcome East Ayrshire's Provost to Broadmeadows last month. Read more
Schools project
Employment support has always been central to Hansel's ethos, from the sheltered workshops of our early days to today's vibrant and dynamic Employment Services which supports over 200 people each year to explore employment as a lifestyle choice. Read more
Sunflower Competition
One of the attractions at the official opening of the Baird Centre was the Our Space sunflower competition. Read more
Enterprising Minds Launch (photos added)
Tuesday the 17th of June saw the launch of Enterprising Minds our ground breaking project, in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and Ayrshire and Arran NHS, which will support people living with learning disabilities or autism to explore their gifts, talents and ideas for designing creative new meaningful community activities through enterprise. Read more
Games on the Green 2014
What a great day we all had last week at Hansel’s very own Games on the Green and Bands at the Baird. Read more
Short Story Winner 2014
Well done to Amy Louise Richardson from Kilmarnock Academy who won the Hansel short story competition and took home a Kindle Fire! Read more
A Day At The Races 2014
The odds were definitely in Hansel’s favour yesterday, raising a fantastic £12,984 at our annual Day at The Races at Ayr Racecourse! Read more
Park School kicks off this year's Schools Programme
Seven pupils from Kilmarnock's Park School participated in week long work experience placements in our supported businesses. This gave them valuable experience in the workplace to help ready them for the world of work. Read more
Calling All Artists
We are inviting leading Scottish artists to take part in Hansel’s next Little Paintings Art Event. Read more
Golf Day 2014
Sadly the sun didn’t make an appearance at our 20th Golf Spectacular on Thursday 1st May, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of our keen golfers who all had a great day! Read more
Lots of Muddy Fun in Aid of Hansel!
Wow! What a day we had on Saturday 3rd May at the Mud Run Mayhem with more than 240 people coming along to show their support and raise a fantastic £6500!Read more
Hansel / Ayrshire Hospice exchange visits.
Tracey and Marion were the first to take part in a series of exchange visits between Hansel and the Ayrshire Hospice. This exciting development brings two established local charities together to the benefit of both organisations and the people they support: partnership working at its best! Read more
The Baird Centre is open!
What a fantastic day we had today! The last Friday in April has been designated as Hansel Day and this year it was marked with the official opening of our Space at the Baird Centre. Michael Baird, whose family's generosity planted the seed which grew into this fantastic new community resource, joined our Practice Development Director, Blanche Nicolson, to cut the ribbon. Read more
Hansel Psychic Night
What a great night we had on Thursday at the Hansel Psychic Night at Prestwick Indoor Bowling Club raising £1060! Read more
Step Into Spring 2014
What a great 2 days we had at Lochgreen for our annual Ladies event Step Into Spring, raising a fabulous £3,839! Read more
Supper Club Easter Creations
Supper Club members Norma Prince and Sandra David were on hand last night, at our bi-monthly Supper Club to impress the ladies with their sugar craft creations made from a simple cream egg! Read more
Kingcase Players Coffee Morning
On Saturday 8th March, the Kingcase Players of Kingcase Church in Prestwick held a coffee morning in aid of Hansel, raising an amazing £581! Read moreCarers Legislation Consultation Events
As you may be aware, the Scottish Government is currently consulting on proposed new Carers Legislation which aims to ‘accelerate the pace of change’ so that more carers across Scotland receive the support they need to safely carry out their caring role, and to have a life outside of caring. Read more
J P McLaughlin Art Donation
Established artist J P McLaughlin has furthered his support of Hansel by generously donating 35% of the sale price of one original work of art every month. Read more
Adam Ingram Visit
We were delighted to welcome local MSP, Adam Ingram, back to Hansel last month. He came to find out about our Employment Services activities and about our enterprising plans to sustain Ayrshire’s only recognised supported businesses through the anticipated withdrawal of DWP funding in October 2015. Read more
She's Gotta Have It
Cocktails, canapés and couture - what a night we all had at Elliot's last week! Read more
Our Space at the Baird Centre - Album Updated Again!
Things are moving on apace! Everything is coming together for the launch on Hansel Day, 25th April. Read more
East Ayrshire Employment Fair
Cathy Jamieson (MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun) hosted an Employment Fair organised in partnership with the Department for Work & Pensions, Skills Development Scotland, East Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council of Voluntary Organisations and Ayrshire College on the 20th February 2014. Read more
Our Space at the Baird Centre - Album Updated
Apologies for being so very remiss in not keeping you up to date with developments at the Baird Centre. The album has now been updated but watch this space for further photos as we run headlong towards the grand opening! Read more
Bridgend Group Ladies Night
It was a great night at the Bridgend Groups Ladies Night in aid of Hansel last week. Everyone had a fabulous time, raising a fantastic £299 for Hansel. Read more
Get Away!
Our short break brochure is winging its way to all local authorities in Scotland marking a significant expansion in the availability of these unique supported holidays. Read more
Short Story Competition 2014
We held our first short story competition last year, as part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations. We were overwhelmed by the level of enthusiasm and the standard of the entries received, and have decided to make it an annual event. Read more
We have a winner!
Congratulations to Blanche Nicolson, our Practice Development Director, on winning the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2014! Read more
Gordon Cree Goes Down A Treat!
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon lunch with the multi-talented Gordon Cree this week, he truly is an amazing all round entertainer!Read more
Hazel's Sponsored Slim
Our very own Hazel Hunter, Acting Service Manager of our Lifestyle Supports service is doing a sponsored slim to raise money for Hansel! Read more
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award
Blanche Nicolson, our Practice Development Director, has been shortlisted for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award. This award recognises those who have saved, improved or enriched the lives of others or society as a whole through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service or 'hands-ons' charitable work. We certainly think Blanche fits the bill! Read more
Our 50th Year Draws to a Close
It has been a whirlwind year of celebration events across Hansel. Read more
Trellis comes to Broadmeadows
We were proud to welcome Trellis, Scotland's Therapeutic Gardening Network on the 6th of December. Read more
Thanksgiving
To mark 50th anniversary our Central Services held a Thanksgiving celebration Hansel-style. Read more
Provost Honours Hansel
On the 22nd November we were honoured by a Civic Reception hosted by Provost Helen Moonie to mark our 50th anniversary. Around 90 guests were entertained and enlightened over the lunch time event. Read more
Great Scottish Run
Last week we were visited by Sean Andreucci-Bryden and Angela Andreucci who took part in the Great Scottish Run for Hansel on the 6th October, raising an incredible £364 between them. Read more
Hansel Ball
What a great night we had at the annual Hansel Ball at Brig o' Doon House Hotel in this our special 50th anniversary year. We raised an impressive £22,129.33! Read more
Ladies Lunches
Our annual Ladies Lunches at Lochgreen House Hotel came to an end on Friday 1st November after 6 tremendous days raising an incredible £12,143.51! Read more
New Chairman for Hansel Foundation
Tom McClements is the new Chairman of Hansel Foundation. Tom, who has been a Non-Executive Director since 2004, is well known in the Ayrshire community and is a Trustee of Seagate Evangelical Church, Captain and secretary of Troon Merchants Golf Club and a director of the Junior Golf Plus, a Troon Churches Together initiative. He also runs Tuesdays at Ten, a club for the over fifties based at Seagate Church. Read more
50th celebration went off with a bang!
Hansel's short break services hosted a fantastic evening for more than 200 guests, team members and their families. Read more
50th Anniversary Concert
The 5th of October saw over 200 of Hansel's people entertained by some of Ayrshire's finest musical youth. Read more
Wear It Pink
We were proud to support the Wear It Pink campaign last Friday - having fun and raising awareness of Breast Cancer. Staff and customers wore pink and enjoyed the pinkest bake sale imaginable. Thanks to the HR team who did most of the organising, to everyone who baked and to everyone who joined in the fun and the fundraising. Read more
Putting his best paw forward for Hansel.
Our annual sponsored walk took place on Sunday 22nd September this year. 15 ladies, 1 lucky man and 3 dogs followed the Smugglers Trail from Dundonald to Troon. Read more
Live and Loud At Lindy's
Sunday afternoons at Lindy's are generally very pleasant affairs involving sandwiches, scones and speciality teas. But every once in a while something extra special happens. The 15th of September was one of those occasions.Read more
The Steamie
On Wednesday 11th September the Hansel Laundry turned back time with their take on the Glasgow Steamie! Read more
Is Gemma the Cream of Ayrshire?
We would like to wish Gemma Stevenson the very best of luck in West Sound's Cream of Ayrshire Awards. Gemma was nominated in the Unsung Hero category by her mum who is obviously proud of the way her daughter is overcoming the challenges of her disability and health issues. Read more
Doors Open Days
We had a fabulous turn out for Doors Open Days on the 7th and 8th of September. Read more
Big Support At Big Vern
Friday 30th of August saw the Carlton Hotel in Prestwick jumping to the sounds of the fabulous Big Vern 'N The Shootahs! Read more
Recognised for excellence!
All care services in Scotland are regulated by The Care Inspectorate who carry out regular inspections and award grades based on their findings. All Hansel services routinely achieve grades of 5 (very good) but we were all delighted when our North Ayrshire Supported Living Service recently achieved grade 6 (excellent) for both Quality of Care and Support and Quality of Management and Leadership. Read more
We found the Write Stuff!
Congratulations to Erin Lannie of St Joseph's Academy whose winning short story, together with 8 shortlisted entries, can be read here:http://www.hansel.org.uk/fundraising/2013-short-story-competition-winners Read more
Hot Off The Press
Our first eNewsletter is now available. Click here to read all about it:http://www.hansel.org.uk/local/ebook/1/ Read more
Blooming Marvellous
Although Hansel is always well represented by competitors at Ayr Flower Show this year was the first time we had taken a stall. Customer from our horticultural therapy service did well to rustle up, at fairly short notice, some plants for us to sell and beautiful planters to be raffled. Read more
Graeme Obree Sportive
We were delighted to be the chosen charity for this year’s Graeme Obree Ayrshire Sportive. Now in its third year, the Sportive has gone from strength to strength, with numbers growing and cyclists travelling from all over Scotland and beyond to participate. This year there were over 300 participants, many of them raising sponsorship for Hansel.There is still time to donate and raise funds for Hansel. You can donate by texting BIKE32 and the amount you'd like to donate to 70070 e.g. text BIKE32 £5 to 70070 to donate £5. Or go to http://www.justgiving.com/hanselfoundation Thanks for your support! Read more
Changes in Senior Leadership Team
There have been many changes at Hansel over the last year or so, not least in the Senior Leadership Team. Gerry Lindsay took on the Managing Director role early in 2012 and Ali Mundell joined us as HR Manager in April this year. And now we have changes in roles for both Blanche Nicolson and Roddy Wright. Read more
Go Team Hansel!
Two Hansel team members got on their bikes on Saturday to take part in the Graeme Obree Sportive family cycle. Tracey Walker, a Co-ordinator in one of our Lifestyle Support services, and her son Sam took up the challenge as did Claire Brawley, from the Fundraising team, and her family.Read more
Champions!
Learning Disability Week in East Ayrshire closed with a 5-a-side football tournament at Cumnock Juniors Football Park. Read more
The Festival of Living!
As part of Learning Disability Week Hansel hosted the Festival of Living, a gala afternoon celebrating the lives of our customers - their choices and their achievements. Read more
Business As Usual
The work to upgrade the A77 is also bringing improvements to the internal roads at Broadmeadows. Read more
The Ladies Of Ayrshire Luncheon 2013
On Tuesday 11th June the Ladies of Ayrshire Luncheon took place in the beautiful Lagavulin Suite at The Gailes Hotel, Irvine, where just under £2000 was raised. Read more
Under Starter's Orders!
Last Wednesday we welcomed over 185 guests from businesses across Ayrshire to ‘A Day at the Races’ where they helped us raise a magnificent £22,049 - our heartfelt thanks to everyone for their unbelievable generosity. Read more
Thanks, James!
James Brown, owner of JBrown Newsagents in Prestwick, recently completed the West Highland Way and raised a fantastic £1,500 for Shawburn. Read more
The Icebergs Ladies Tennis Day
Look out Wimbledon - The Iceberg Ladies of Troon are in training for Go For Gold! Read more
Congratulations!
Congratulation to seven young people with additional support needs who completed a 6 week employability course with Hansel. Read more
A77 Upgrade
Regular travellers may have noticed work at Bogend Toll, beginning the upgrading of this section of the A77. Read more
Scott Goes The Extra Mile For Hansel
Scott Brown proved he is a real superman by completing the Virgin London Marathon wearing a 50lb back pack. Read more
Close up and personal
Hansel Day, Friday 26th April, saw Hansel with a double page spread in the Evening Times. Read more
5x50 Challenge
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Karen Lapsley, Service Manager at Shawburn, one of our small group living services, is doing the 5x50 challenge to raise funds for Hansel.Read more
Step Into Spring
What a lovely afternoon was had by all at our Step Into Spring Event held at Lochgreen House Hotel on Wednesday 24th April 2013. Read more
Search For Youngsters With The Write Stuff
As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations we are holding a short story competition. Read more
An Eggcellent Easter Sale
6 Year Old Mareesa, Pupil At St Mark's Primary School In Irvine Sells Chocolate For Hansel. Read more
Ayrshire NFU Plough On For Hansel
Ayrshire members of the National Farmers Union joined forces with Ayrshire Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club to host a supper evening at Carlton Hotel in Prestwick in aid of Hansel. Read more
Wheely Great Effort From Nora!
Nora Harris (83) proved she is a real super gran by completing our 5K Auchincruive Fun Run in her wheelchair, raising £168 for the Our Space Appeal. Read more
A Warm Hansel Welcome to Ali Mundell.
Ali joined us as HR Manager at the beginning of last week. She comes to Hansel with 13 years HR experience, in the private sector and, for the last 8 years, with the Police Service. Ali said, "I am delighted to be here and look forward to the challenge and privilege of working at Hansel".Read more
Hansel at Taigh Mor
We have been delivering flexible respite supports at Taigh Mor in Beith for North Ayrshire Council for just over 6 months now and celebrated with an Open Day on the 4th of April. Read more
Hansel's Staff: Simply The Best
We have long understood that our staff are key to our success and felt that a heartfelt and public 'Thank You' was overdue so, on the 1st of March 2013 we held our first Staff Awards Ceremony. More than 90 people attended the event in Lindy's but our thanks and appreciation extend to all of the 400+ staff team. Read more
Goldilocks Helps Hansel In It's Golden Year!
Kingcase Players put on a show stopping performance of their panto "Goldielocks And The Three Bears and helped to raise funds for Hansel. Read more
Auchincruive Fun Run on Track to Raise £3,500
More than 150 runners braved the cold and the rain to take part in our annual Auchincruive Fun Run on March 17.5K Results: http://www.hansel.org.uk/fundraising/2013-5k-fun-run-results
10K Results: http://www.hansel.org.uk/fundraising/2013-fun-run-10k-results Read more
Little Paintings Help Hansel Grow Is A Big Success
A group of Scottish artists have helped to raise more than £15000 for Hansel. Read more
Scotswoman Of The Year
Blanche Nicolson, our Director of Client Services, was one of the six inspirational women shortlisted for this year's Evening Times Scotswoman Of The Year Award. Read more
Hands Up For Hansel!
Our thanks to guests and staff from the Cabin who braved the cold last Wednesday for a photo shoot at Irvine Beach Park. Read more
Happy 50th!
Hansel is 50 this year and so are 5 of the people we work for and 16 of our staff. Read more
Marathon Man Pledges Anniversary Challenge
Ayrshire fitness fanatic, Scott Brown from Irvine, is putting his best foot forward by taking part in this year’s London Marathon, Sunday April 21st. Read more
23rd Charity Bonspiel
A big thank you to Sally Gray for organising the 23rd Charity Bonspiel in aid of Hansel at the Galleon Leisure Centre. Read more
Does Hansel have its second Scotswoman of the year?
Our Director of Client Services, Blanche Nicolson, has been shortlisted for the Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year award. This is the 50th year of this prestigious award making Blanche's nomination especially apt in Hansel's 50th anniversary year especially as her mother, Isobel Murdoch, was Scotswoman of the year in 1967. Read more
Ladies Lunches at Lochgreen
We have just finished another great week of Ladies Lunches at the beautiful Lochgreen House Hotel. Read more
A new logo for the Compass Network
Gaby and Kirsten unveil the new logo for the Compass Network. Read more| Next page |