Crises today are complex and overlapping, spanning from extreme weather to refugee crisis or power outages. This reality makes preparedness and the use of crisis management frameworks essential, as social services must anticipate risks, coordinate with other professionals, and ensure continued social protection.
In this context, Carr Gomm’s ‘Responder Service’ shows how locally rooted initiatives can ensure preparedness and practical support for vulnerable people in a rural context. On World Rural Development Day, this initiative is a reminder of how rural development is also about social protection and crisis preparedness.
This initiative combines 24/7 availability, strong local partnerships and digital innovation to ensure that people in rural areas remain safe and supported even in the most challenging circumstances. The Responder Service operates across Argyll and Bute, a large, remote and sparsely populated region where access to services is difficult and an ageing population creates high demand for care and crisis support.
Working alongside the Health and Social Care Partnership, responders triage support through the Telecare system and collaborate closely with partners such as the Scottish Ambulance Service, social workers, nurses and General Practitioners to recognise and act on social care’s vital role in crisis response.
“The Responder Services are unique because of how they support people across a wide geography in Argyll & Bute. For such a small team, they have such a big and positive impact in our communities. The team’s knowledge has built up so much over the years, and we have strong partnerships with the emergency services and primary care teams.” Fiona Lawrence, Operations Manager
Through this service, Carr Gomm helps prevent unnecessary hospital admissions through early intervention and practical care at home, relieving pressure on emergency services. This way, the service also supports independence through person-centred care and coordinated follow-up support. Responders answer telecare alarms, assist after falls, support personal care, prompt medication and address immediate wellbeing needs.
Digitally enhanced support plans, accessed via mobile devices, give responders immediate access to essential person-centred information. For instance, during a severe storm in January 2025, around 350 vulnerable people were identified as being in critical need; despite widespread power and connectivity outages, responders and community members equipped vehicles with food and care packages and reached all identified vulnerable individuals within six hours.
In 2026, ESN is organising a Seminar on Crisis Preparedness and Management, focusing on the role of social services in anticipating, managing and recovering from emergencies. This focus on preparedness aligns with the European Commission’s proposal for the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, where “protecting people and building preparedness and resilience” is one of six strategic priorities for the long-term budget. In this context, Carr Gomm’s Responder Service offers a concrete example of how organisations can reduce the social impact of multiple types of crises.
Carr Gomm is a leading Scottish social care and community development charity. Created in 1998, this organisation provides person-centred support to over 5.500 people, so they can live their best possible life.