Making global connections
Our International Collaboration project connects Carr Gomm with organisations around the globe who share our values, approaches and philosophy.
The project plays a vital role in exploring how our experience fits within the wider world, enabling us to be the vibrant and forward-thinking organisation we continually strive to be.
By learning from others doing similar work in different contexts and sharing our own knowledge with others where we can, we will deepen our impact here in Scotland and continue to positively influence and shape the future of social care both in Scotland and further afield.
We welcome opportunities to make meaningful connections with organisations and networks in the social care and community development fields in any part of the world, as well as with those working in some of Carr Gomm’s key focus areas, including isolation and loneliness, mental health, disability, dementia, addiction and homelessness.
The project also seeks to explore how we can better understand how our work fits into a wider global picture of sustainable global development through joining in global conversations in the interconnected areas of social care, community development, social justice and human rights.
For all things international, please get in touch with our International Collaborations Project Manager at RebeccaRobinson@carrgomm.org.
International Exchanges
A key organisational aim for Carr Gomm is to learn from others’ experiences of delivering and receiving support services, both at home and internationally. Our International Collaborations Project aims to connect with other health and social care organisations to develop a deeper understanding of support services and how we can all improve.
We are fortunate to have participated in exchanges, attended international conferences, and welcomed visitors to Carr Gomm from around the world.
Visiting Carr Gomm
Through our International Collaborations project, Carr Gomm has received visits from a variety of international organisations.
Welcoming visitors from Hungary!
In May, we were delighted to welcome visitors from Irmák, a Hungarian non-profit that supports older people and people with disabilities. They were seeking ideas and examples of best social care practices, and we were delighted to show them some of our services and how we embed person-centred support into everything we do at Carr Gomm.
Visit the link below to learn more about the visit and to watch a video with Bence Lancz, Irmak’s CEO Assistant, in which he shares what he has learned from the visit.
What does person-centred support look like through a Catalan lens?
We were delighted to host Jordi Picas i Vilà and Laia Planaguma Navarro from Suara Cooperativa in Barcelona, as part of a European Social Network peer learning visit focused on pathways to independence for young people with additional support needs.
Over two days, Jordi and Laia spent time with us at our Falkirk office and our newly opened Youth Hub in Stirling, learning about our approach to person-centred support, Self-Directed Support, and Scotland’s journey toward deinstitutionalisation.
Making connections with EASPD – European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities.
In Nov ’25, we were excited to welcome Rachel Vaughan, Head of Operations for EASPD, to our National office in Edinburgh, to learn about the impact Carr Gomm has, and to develop our partnership.
Sharing Carr Gomm’s approach to social care with CIF International Delegates from across Europe.
In May, Carr Gomm welcomed delegates from Germany, Greece and Sweden to visit one of our frontline services and meet manages at our head office in Edinburgh.
In May, Carr Gomm’s International Collaborations welcomed a group from iSocial to come to Edinburgh and learn about how Carr Gomm provides social care.
The Catalan organisation arranges trips abroad for its members to learn about innovative experiences in the social field.
Global Ambassadors
In 2023, International Collaborations launched its Global Ambassadors Programme. This programme offers staff from across the organisation a chance to participate in international exchange to enhance their professional and personal development.
Since launching, staff have attended conferences in Amsterdam, attended exchange matches in Ultrecht and are taking part in a cultural exchange in Taiwan.
Visit our Global Ambassadors page to learn more and hear about their experiences firsthand.
Exchange Opportunities
We are always looking for new and exciting international opportunities for our staff. If you offer exchange opportunities, host a health and social care conference, or are interested in visiting our services in Scotland, please contact Rebecca, International Collaborations Project Manager, at RebeccaRobinson@carrgomm.org to discuss further.
We look forward to hearing from you and creating lasting global connections!
Read more about International Collaborations work below:
International perspectives on Scotland’s National Care Service
How can other countries' social care systems influence Scotland's National Care Service? Scotland is not alone in the world as it seeks to develop a new National Care Service (NCS). Many countries are seeking new ways that can better respond to the challenges...
Making Global Connections: Carr Gomm’s International Collaborations attends seminar in Barcelona!
Sharing Pathways to Support in Spain by Rebecca Robinson, International Collaboration Project Manager As part of our International Collaborations project, we were delighted to be invited to share our experience of Community-based Social Services – Leading Care...
Happy Birthday Carr Gomm from International Collaborations
Happy Birthday, Carr Gomm from International Collaborations! As part of our 25th birthday celebration, our staff initiative, International Collaboration, created a unique Happy Birthday video. Carr Gomm is proud to employ and support people from all different...
Carr Gomm’s submission to Transforming Communities for Inclusion (TCI) #WhatWeNeed campaign
Transforming Communities for Inclusion (TCI) is a global Organisation of Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities [an OPD]. TCI forecasts a future in which all human rights and full freedoms of persons with psychosocial disabilities are realized. TCI has actively...
Support Practitioner Caroline Barnes received a bursary place on the International Foundation for Integrated Care’s online certificate course. Read about her experience at the links below.