No images? Click here October 2020Hi Bookings for SENScot’s ‘Restart and Rebuild Week’ are now open. Starting on Mon 16th Nov, the programme is designed to inform, inspire and connect social enterprises from across the country – as we try and address, together, how we can move towards recovery from the impact of the Covid crisis on the sector and the communities they serve. Mental health & wellbeing is a key theme running through #RestartRebuild, with the week kicking off with Mental Health & Wellbeing in Rural Communities (hosted by Inspiralba) and the final day including a Mental Health & Wellbeing Showcase which will include an inspiring singing session. There will also be a mid-week session on the latest Pockets & Prospects activity that aims to address mental health & wellbeing needs across Scotland. Funded by SCA, this year we are running the programme in partnership with SCHW and CHEX and will continue to take the usual ‘pick and mix’ approach – offering a range of activities, designed to address local needs. The opportunity for thematic and local SEN members to offer activities/services that they feel could be included in our programme of activities is still open. If interested, please complete Supplier’s Template form and return to myself by Friday 13th November. All the best, Social Enterprise Network Scotland Learning & Knowledge Exchange OpportunitiesSupporting Volunteers Session - Friday 30th Oct (10.30 to 12pm) Challenges in Starting Up a Social Enterprise Session - Thursday 5th Nov (11am
12pm) Intergenerational National Network meeting - Monday 9th Nov (10.30 to 12pm) SEN Member NewsKirrie Connections is a dementia support charity based in rural Angus. They run a community hub where they work with people who are living with early to mid-stage dementia and their family carers. They are pioneering a Dutch model of community dementia support called the “Meeting Centre” and are the first project in Scotland to use this model. The Covid lockdown meant they had to completely redesign its service overnight to one of remote and virtual working. On Nov 27th at 12.30pm Kirrie Connections CEO Graham Galloway will be presenting an informal talk through the University of Worcester's "Bring Your Own Lunch" webinar series, about the new ways they have developed to work with their members, what they have learnt along the way, and what their plans are for the future. The webinar is being run over Go to Meeting at this link. BlossomWellbeing provide community focussed peer coaching and mentoring programmes, including recently developed online training. If you are interested in developing peer coaching and mentoring as a resources for your business and community or would like to read about their first online graduate you can read more here. Check out this great video from Weekday Wow Factor highlighting the impact community-based social enterprises such as theirs, are making in addressing social isolation amongst other things during the current Covid crisis. There will be an opportunity to hear from Weekday Wow Factor’s Pasna Sallis at the Building on Pockets & Prospect’s Session during #RestartRebuild week. Aerial Edge, Glasgow’s Circus School, have highlighted that ‘Circus is good for your health!’, sharing the results of a scientific study from University of Glasgow that shows the excitement of circus training improves mental health and wellbeing and not just in the short term. Read more. Glenrothes Strollers are keen to let everyone know about their men’s wellbeing group, called Let’s Talk Tactics of Life, that provides a safe space for men to socialise. They also provide opportunities for women’s training and are active in delivering a food pantry for all. More info. There are many physical and mental benefits to outdoor walking and Maryhill Burgh Halls are encouraging people to access & enjoy a range of local walks around the historic heart of Maryhill, the scenery of the River Kelvin and the heritage of the Forth & Clyde Canal. Maryhill was a vast green space 250 years ago but when the Forth and Clyde Canal was built approx. 230 years ago, the area very quickly became an industrial town. Animals and plants have had to adapt to survive and they now use the canal and River Kelvin to find food and shelter. Download one of Maryhill Burgh Halls free walking trails here. All the latest news from Accessible Tennis here, including their upcoming work with Tennis Scotland to engage individuals recovering from mental health issues and their current fundraising activity. Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE)’s latest partnership project involves Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau and the Financial Inclusion Team at Aberdeen City Council. The organisations launched a campaign to encourage benefit take-up in Aberdeen and help individuals maximise their income during these unprecedented times. Read more. Peace of Mind has been awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund that will support existing and new groups in the Borders and help with establishing new groups in Fife and other areas. They also received Tablets and Mobile Routers from the Good Things Foundation and Barclays which will be used by the people they support to reduce social exclusion and loneliness which is on the increase due to the pandemic and restrictions. Won Connect is relaunching their online learning platforms that are part of Make it Click and BT: Skills for tomorrow campaigns and is keen to share their new delivery system. More info. Social Print & Copy have strong focus on employability and are dedicated to delivering ethical and transparent agreements for Copier, Printer and Managed Print Services. They are delighted to announce the opening of their Technology Centre in Edinburgh. Read more.
Other NewsScottish Recovery Network’s National survey: What’s next for mental health recovery in Scotland? An open call for experiences, comments and ideas to inform the remobilisation of healthcare. Health Improvement Scotland - Supporting Person Centred Care in COVID19 Situations. Carers Scotland launch their new #CaringBehindClosedDoors research. Community Food & Health (Scotland) are continuing to gather information on how community food initiatives are responding to Covid19. Check out their latest ebulletin here. Glasgow City Food Plan Consultation is now Live! UnLtd Scotland now has a new programme of support available for aspiring social entrepreneurs in Scotland. The new round of awards come in three strands: Try It - for testing hunches and ideas; Do It - providing funding and support to help get started; and Grow It – for existing organisations looking to expand. The Plunkett Foundation have a range of useful sessions currently available for community business to attend. More info.
Tender & Funding OpportunitiesGo to Partnership for Procurement (P4P) and Public Contract Scotland to check current and forthcoming tender opportunities. Some current relevant funding opportunities highlighted below, but for fuller listings go to SCVO-funding. · Shared Care Scotland Short Breaks Fund · Community Climate Asset Fund · SSE Renewables South Lanarkshire Sustainable Development Fund |