Edition No. 84 - Thursday 3rd March
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Dear ,
On Tuesday, SENScot Director, Pauline Gordon, attended the launch of Scottish Govt’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation. Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes, outlined a Strategy that is intended as a bold, ambitious and long-term vision that will transform the Scottish economy by 2032 - built around five key policy programmes for action: fostering an entrepreneurial culture; realising new market opportunities; improving the productivity of businesses and regions; delivering a skilled workforce, and creating a fairer, more equal society – all of which, in theory, have a significant third sector component. Importantly, there is an explicit and sharpened focus on delivery which will be essential if the aims and outcomes of the strategy are to be realised. Initial reaction to the Strategy has been mixed – some believing it is a ‘missed opportunity’ – while others welcome the commitment to ‘ruthless and relentless delivery’. There are many references made to the importance of collaboration, a collective vision and shared ownership of the strategy - across all sectors. If this ambition and commitment is genuine, then the strength, talents, values and assets of the third sector and social enterprises need to at the very heart of it. See Strategy Summary.
A few weeks ago, West Lothian SEN (WLSEN) announced plans to launch a new signposting service for adults in West Lothian who have been experiencing poor mental health. We’re pleased to say that the new service - West Lothian Well-Being - is now up and running. WLSEN will be working with local partners – both statutory agencies and third sector organisations – from across West Lothian in providing a person-centred service that will help individuals to identify their needs and, through discussion, find the most appropriate pathway of support for each individual. We wish WLSEN every success with this important new service.
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Over the years, SENScot has worked with Glasgow Caley’s Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health in researching and highlighting how social enterprises are contributing to improving health in local communities across Scotland. This work has given greater recognition to social and community enterprises are important supplements to our NHS and other public health activities. On the back of their work over the last decade, it was good to hear that Glasgow Caley is now to lead the UK’s largest study into the public health impact of community organisations. The three-year programme – Common Health Assets - will evaluate the public health benefits provided by a wide range of community-led organisations and activities, such as walking groups, cookery lessons, language classes, community gardens and cafes. We are sure that the work and experience of so many SEN members will be well placed to make a valuable contribution to the study.
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Back in September 2020, SENScot hosted a couple of sessions for SEN members on the UK Govt’s new Kickstart Scheme. The programme is designed to provide jobs for young people (16-24 years old) – initially through a six-month placement. A report published last week suggests that the Scheme has helped far fewer young people into work than originally intended, with MPs describing the programme as “chaotic”. We’d be interested in hearing the experience of any SEN members involved in the programme. To do so, email janice@senscot.net:
March is Scottish Tourism Month and , as part of this, SENScot is hosting a Community-led Tourism week (21st-25th March). The week will include a series of online conversations on community-led tourism and to connect with industry, communities and policy makers to talk about the opportunities and barriers facing community-led tourism in Scotland. More information to follow next week. Also, see current edition of the SE Cultural and Tourism Newsletter:
Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) is hosting as series of events in March that may be of interest to SEN members. Topics include Community Wealth Building; Climate Action; and Heritage and Tourism. Also, on Thursday 10th March (1pm), STP is hosting a webinar on how to unlock the full potential of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card as a force for good in every community. See link for details and to register:
The Scottish Charity Awards are designed to celebrate the best of our third sector. The big bash takes place at the Crown Plaza in Glasgow on 15th June 2022. One of the awards we’d like to draw your attention to, is the Climate Conscious Award. This award is for organisations not set up to be environmental, but which have recognised the threat / opportunity and are making significant changes to the way they operate or are supporting their communities. Closing date for entries is 12 noon on Friday 18 March 2022:
Reminder: Scottish Govt’s support for the development of a network of Community Climate Action Hubs across the country, got underway this week with the first in a series of regional meetings (in Fife) – which will run over the next month. See link for meetings in your area. The Hubs are intended to bring a more strategic regional approach in offering effective support to communities in making the transition to low carbon and climate resilient living - and also, of course, to facilitate better networking:
Last week, NatWest Social and Community Capital announced its 2022 WISE 100 list – which included a few familiar names from our Scottish SE community. This week, they have circulated the list of finalists for their four award categories. Scotland is represented – in different categories - by Angela Moohan (The Larder); Susan Aktemel (Homes for Good); and Elaine Brown (Edinburgh Remakery). Good luck all round:
The Edinburgh-based Scran Academy is now recruiting for an Operations and Business Development Manager. The successful candidate will work closely with senior staff in leading the development and implementation of the internal systems that can support the frontline team to fulfil their roles. Closing date is Tuesday, 29th March 2022 at 5pm. See link for details etc:
With various SEN meetings scheduled over the coming weeks, we’ll be listing core details – dates, times, guest speakers etc – to keep people up to date with what’s on and when
Wednesday, 9th March 2022 (1pm) - SENScot is hosting a virtual Community Learning Exchange (CLE) in partnership with Environmental Health CIC. This CLE will provide participants with insights on how community focused Mental Health First Aid can support a collaborative approach to identifying and addressing mental health issues within local communities. See link above for more details and to register:
Wednesday, 16th March (10.30am) - SEN Session: Social Enterprise: Sustainably tackling poverty through employability. Speakers include: The Poverty Alliance on context and policy landscape of poverty in Scotland; the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on research relating to poverty through an employability lens; and FARE Scotland on how they create pathways into employment, providing industry-led training and work experience for people who experience poverty. See link above to register – or contact Jayne for more info:
Thursday, 31st March 2022 (10.30am) – A SEN Session for SE Counselling Service Providers. With SEN members reporting a continuing increase in demand for counselling services, this session will provide another opportunity for social enterprises to come together to share their thoughts on what opportunities and challenges this is currently posing and how they are responding. For more info’, email mary@senscot.net:
Tuesday 5th April 2022 (10.30am) - Employability SEN Meeting –- An informal session, connect with other social enterprises who have an employability focus, discuss common issues, and relevant policy areas/developments and share your successes. We’re also keen to hear how you are (or are not) engaging with No One Left Behind and your Local Authority. Email Jayne to register:
Thursday, 7th April 2022 (2pm) - Health SEN Meeting - an informal session to connect with other social enterprises who have a health & wellbeing focus, discuss common issues, and relevant policy areas/developments and share your successes. See link to register:
