The recent nomination for the Scottish Social Services Awards held in the beautiful Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh, was without a doubt a huge achievement for Scottish Women’s Autism Network (SWAN). Being given the visibility and recognition it deserves alongside some of the countries most inspirational and positive organisations within the social services sector was an honour in itself. When announced the winner of the category ‘Head Above the Parapet’, it took our group of swans by surprise and we will still be processing the enormity of the moment for a long time.
A key milestone for SWAN
Mansfield Traquair is an architectural delight, and well suited for an event such as the awards ceremony. It has a sense of grandeur but also the murals and stained glass windows give a sense of intimacy and softness that cocoons the venue and gives a comforting warmth, mirroring the deep red and gold details displayed throughout. Attending and winning an award at the ceremony was not only what I believe will mark a key milestone in SWAN’s story, but also a significant milestone for me on a personal level; one which would not have been achievable without the work of SWAN.
Personal growth with SWAN
I never would have imagined even a year ago that I would have gained the confidence and understanding of myself to be able to travel to and attend an event like this. I am so pleased to have grown personally alongside SWAN as it has also grown with the expanding and authentic peer to peer support it provides for many women seeking to explore and understand their autistic identity. I see the winning of this award as an acknowledgment of the dedication involved, not only during the regular meet ups but on a daily basis by allowing autistic women and girls to know that we are not alone and we can walk together and support each other in all aspects of our lives, no matter what journey has led us to where we are today.
I hope that every time those involved in the heart of SWAN think about this award, they think about all the swans and their families who want to say thank you. Thank you for being you and for allowing so many of us to share our experiences together. We are ALL eternally grateful.
https://vimeo.com/332500702 Interview with Dr Catriona Stewart at the National Autistic Society Professional Conference in 2019. Catriona discusses Under our...
Thought you'd like this poem! By W. B..Yeats!The Wild Swans at CooleThe trees are in their autumn beauty,The woodland paths are dry,Under the October twilight the waterMirrors a still sky;Upon the brimming water among the stonesAre nine-and-fifty swans.The nineteenth autumn has come upon meSince I first made my count;I saw, before I had well finished,All suddenly mountAnd scatter wheeling in great broken ringsUpon their clamorous wings.I have looked upon those brilliant creatures,And now my heart is sore.All's changed since I, hearing at twilight,The first time on this shore,The bell-beat of their wings above my head,Trod with a lighter tread.Unwearied still, lover by lover,They paddle in the coldCompanionable streams or climb the air;Their hearts have not grown old;Passion or conquest, wander where they will,Attend upon them still.But now they drift on the still water,Mysterious, beautiful;Among what rushes will they build,By what lake's edge or poolDelight men's eyes when I awake some dayTo find they have flown away?W. B. Yeats...
We've been reflecting on the past year at SWAN and we've been blown away by how much we have achieved together, in what has been such a challenging time for us all. SWAN not only responded quickly to the changing situation, we actually managed to increase our services and support. We want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to our incredible SWAN volunteers, as well as all the womxn who make up the SWAN community - without your hard work and commitment, none of this would have been possible. Thanks of course also go to our fantastic funders and allies who continued to support SWAN throughout. 🦢🙏🦢 ...