Rymonth

The St. Andrews and District Branch of ENABLE, (formerly the Scottish Society for the Mentally Handicapped), was formed in 1971 and soon became aware of the great need for accommodation for adults with learning disabilities and also for short term respite care.

A Project Committee was set up in 1978 to study ways and means to meet this need in North East Fife. Land was purchased in St. Andrews and Rymonth was officially opened in 1986 by HRH Duchess of Kent.

Philosophy and Ethos

RYMONTH HOUSING SOCIETY aims to create an environment which promotes maximum independence and affords residents as much choice as possible over their living environment and daily living. Rymonth staff aim at all times to respect the dignity and individuality of each resident.

A great deal of thought has gone into providing an environment which will encourage self development and allow individuals to find and pursue independent interests and skills and also give them the freedom to be themselves and feel at home.

Policy and Procedures

All policies and procedures of the Society are regularly reviewed and updated, following consultation with staff. Relevant literature is available to residents in pictogram (Boardmaker) form.

Quality Assurance

Rymonth Housing Society is registered with the Care Commission in respect of houses no.7 and no.3 as a Care Home and no.5 as Supported Living accommodation.
Care Commission Inspection reports can be accessed on the Pulications page and on the Commission’s website.

Staffing

The three houses are managed by the Manager and Depute Manager. They lead a trained and committed staff of senior social care workers, social care workers and supply staff all of whom are selected on the basis of their understanding of and sympathy with the aims of the Society, experience of learning disability and relevant training of willingness to avail themselves of training.

Currently 90% of staff are trained to SVQ level 3 and further training possibilities are being investigated.
Manager, Richard Farnham
Depute Manager, Lorraine Grant

Overall Management

An Executive Committee, made up of volunteers, is responsible for the management of the Society. They are supported by paid Secretaries Murray Donald Drummond Cook and Treasurer Henderson Black. Some Executive members have been involved since the very beginning of Rymonth’s planning. Newer ones are selected on the basis of personal or professional interest in the field of learning disability and sympathy with the aims of the Society.

The main purpose of the Executive is to ensure the welfare of residents by maintaining high standards of care in line with National Care Standards.