The Sport SEN comprises more than 100 organisations involved in delivering sport and physical activities in local communities across Scotland. The most recent Sport SEN meeting – held on 22nd July – looked to address a number of the immediate issues being faced by these organisations both in terms of response to and recovery from the impacts of Covid 19. On the back of this meeting and information fed back by other members, this letter has been submitted to both Joe FitzPatrick (Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing) and Aileen Campbell (Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Govt.). The letter focuses on three key challenges being faced by Sport SEN members as they explore the gradual re-commencement of sport and physical activity whilst, at the same time, prioritising public health and safety: Funding and loss of trading income; challenges with regard to facilities; and costs incurred in preparing to re-open. An over-riding requirement for Sport SEN members – and sports organisations across the country – would be news of dedicated funding support from Scottish Govt as has been witnessed across numerous other sectors.
We are pleased to say that our proposed new name – Social Enterprise Network Scotland – has now received formal consent from OSCR. Our final hurdle – via a special resolution – is to seek formal approval at a general meeting of members – which will be held virtually (by Zoom) on Friday 7th August 2020 at 9.30am.
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Firstport announced, last week, the re-opening of the Social Entrepreneurs Fund (SEF). SEF is a Scottish Govt-funded programme that supports individuals in Scotland to test, start, and grow social enterprise ideas. It runs five different funds – but three are now ‘open for business’ – Pounds for Purpose (PfP) for 16-26 year-olds; their flagship Start It programme; and Build It for those up and running for circa 2 years. To apply or to find out more, see further details.
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One of the ideas to recur during our recent SE Reset week was around the potential for collective purchasing. This idea has been floated in the past without gaining any real traction – for various reasons. However, on the back of Scotland Excel’s decision to open up its frameworks to social enterprises to utilise during the COVID-19 pandemic, we felt it was something worth exploring again and are looking at the possibility of running a ‘pilot’ in one geographical area – with the option of expanding to further locations – depending on demand. This short survey is looking to understand what level of demand there is within the sector to purchase collectively, and, also, to allow organisations to express an interest.
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CEIS’ annual bash – their SE Policy and Practice Conference will still be going ahead this year – but as a ‘virtual conference’. The event takes place on Wednesday 2nd September – with this year’s focus being on recovery – with three linked themes – Wellbeing Economy; Climate Crisis; and Community Wealth-building. Keynote speakers include Josiah Lockhart (Firstport); Katherine Trebeck (Wellbeing Alliance); and Joe Cullinane (North Ayrshire Council). See full programme – and to book your place, see Registration Form:
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SEN Sessions: Dates for your Diary: 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:
Employability SEN: Tuesday 30th July (11am-12noon) – to find out more about new Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) Framework – CAEHRS. To participate, contact jayne@senscot.net
Rural SEN: Tuesday 13th August (time – tbc). Following on from their last meeting on 39th June 2020. You can see notes from June meeting here. To sign up, contact ahiggins@inspiralba.org.uk
All SEN Session: Monday 24th August (3-4pm) – Flexible Working & Mental Wellbeing. This session will include contributions from Geoff Leask (Young Enterprise Scotland); Lisa Gallagher (Flexibility Works) and Claire Carpenter (The Melting Pot). To sign up, email mary@senscot.net
Employability SEN: Wednesday 13th August (10.30-11.30) – Covid-19 Labour Market Insights with Skills Development Scotland. To join in, contact jayne@senscot.net . See further details of all sessions.
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SE around the globe: Although the UK will leaving Europe in the near future, many in our sector will be hoping to maintain links, built up over the years, with european colleagues – and will continue to monitor developments and initiatives that we can learn and benefit from. This includes the forthcoming European Action Plan on the Social Economy (2021-26) – which includes 20 policy measures and 64 actions structured in seven pillars. Also on the european front, this week, the Spanish city of Toledo has been appointed european capital of the social economy for 2020.
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Frontline News: Cultural SEN members will be interested in Scottish Govt’s new Museums Resilience and Recovery Fund . The £4m fund – to be administered by Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) – will provide support for Scotland’s museums and galleries as they look towards re-opening their services:
Glasgow SEN member, Glasgow Piano City, in partnership with the Pianodrome, has been receiving UK-wide media coverage for helping create the Springburn Park Auditorium – made up entirely from old pianos.
Wasps Studios have been in touch to let folk know of several office spaces that have become available in their properties in both in Glasgow (at both the Briggait and South Block) and Perth. See full details:
#ShiftThePower Coronavirus Response Fund is now open. Grants up to £10k are available to grassroots organisations in Scotland (with turnovers under £250k) to support vulnerable individuals, families, and communities, including coping with the impacts of Coronavirus. Fund is managed by the Corra Foundation:
Partick Thistle Community Trust announced, this week, that it has reached the landmark of 25,000 free meals delivered locally to help the vulnerable during Covid-19 crisis in the north of Glasgow.
This month’s Health SEN Newsletter is now available – with features on SEN sessions coming up; local news from Health SEN members; as well as information on community food initiatives across the country.
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SEN Spotlight: This week’s spotlight falls on West Lothian Social Enterprise Network (WLSEN). WLSEN has been operational since 2014 and currently has over 60 members. It is a membership network composed of leaders in social enterprise in West Lothian – all playing a key role in helping communities thrive socially, environmentally and economically. WLSEN looks to provide support, representation, promotion and development for its members to achieve its aim of having a robust, vibrant social enterprise sector in West Lothian. It is one of the few SENs across the country that has had consistent support from their local authority and is also contracted by the West Lothian TSI to deliver it social enterprise support function.
This week, WLSEN’s new website went live. To find out more on WLSEN, contact info@wlsen.org.uk
As Scotland continues to respond to Covid-19 and takes considered steps towards our country’s renewal and recovery, one thing that is certain is that the transition back to normality will be a gradual process and some sections of society and sectors of our economy will be hit harder than others. Community-based social enterprises will be more important than ever in order to ameliorate the long-term socio-economic impacts of the pandemic that have affected communities all across Scotland. This week, First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, reiterated that Government’s focus will be on tackling the health crisis, and in parallel, the inevitable emerging economic crisis – in particular, the significant impact on employment and a rise in unemployment. This includes Scottish Govt’s recent announcement of £100m for employment support and training
As part of a progressive employability infrastructure, social enterprises offer a foundation for a fair and inclusive society, playing a crucial role in tackling inequalities, particularly given their reach into our communities and expertise in engaging people with significant barriers to work who are at risk of being left even further behind. There has never been a more critical time to ensure that the central goal of economic recovery and the various strategies that will deliver it, also deliver collective wellbeing and greater community resilience which are essential in tackling the deep-rooted inequalities that this crisis has not only laid bare but exacerbated.
Scottish Govt is now carrying out a survey of third sector orgs to gauge how national measures and local effort are supporting those at risk due to Covid-19 – and will inform consideration of future support options. Please try and take the time to fill it in. The Survey takes about 15 mins – and will be confidential.
We are pleased to say that our proposed new name – Social Enterprise Network Scotland – has now received formal consent from OSCR. Our final hurdle – via a special resolution – is to seek formal approval at a general meeting of members – which will be held virtually (by Zoom) on Friday 7th August 2020 at 9.30am.
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The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new framework – CAEHRS – a new method for contracting employment support for individuals to access, retain and progress in employment, designed to facilitate the provision of Employment and Health related services. CAEHRS consists of seven lots, of which Scotland is one. We’ve been approached by Start Scotland – who are looking to bid for the Scotland lot and are keen to talk to social enterprises about working in partnership. If you’re interested in finding out more, we’re co-hosting a session for members at 11am on Thurs 30th July. Contact Jayne to book your place
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One of the key findings from our recent SE Reset Week was the increasing importance of collaboration – as a means of addressing the unprecedented challenges currently being faced – and in view of the limited resources available. An interesting example of this approach is already emerging in South West Edinburgh with the Go Beyond initiative – a network of locally-based community organisations (including SEN members). The partners already have a strong working relationship – but with the demands Covid-19 has placed on their respective services, they believe their response must also change. Go Beyond intends to pool and share resources, avoid duplication and share expertise so as to offer the most efficient, resilient services possible.
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Another collaboration to take note of is the Glasgow Connected Arts Network (Glasgow CAN) – with the formation of the Glasgow Arts Partnership – involving participatory arts organisations and freelance creative practitioners across Greater Glasgow. The partnership, led by Glasgow CAN, will support smaller creative organisations or freelancers to better access tender and funding opportunities or artistic commissions. The consortium is aiming to formally launch by the end of the year but you can find out more and get involved by contacting Hannah Justad (Glasgow CAN Executive Director).
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The Social Enterprise Collection – based at Glasgow Caley – is now in its second phase. As part of this second phase, they will be running another project in collaboration with Magic Torch Comics – called Common Good Comics. The intention is to capture the histories of community action and social enterprise in Scotland, making them visible and accessible to a broader range of people by re-telling those stories in comic book form. Here’s a short video to give an introduction to the project. For more info on this project or on the SE Collection itself, contact Gillian.Murray2@gcu.ac.uk . Also, see this short article on both.
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With a good number of SEN members involved in food provision to vulnerable members in their local communities during the Covid crisis, a new initiative from Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) may be of interest to many. Last week, ZWS announced the launch of an online matchmaking service aimed at rescuing food that would otherwise be wasted during this period of uncertainty, by connecting suppliers with surplus produce and organisations that will benefit from it. See further details.
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As a number of sectors have begun or are getting ready to re-open their services as lockdown eases, the future for swimming pools, gyms and leisure centres remains unclear. Some reports paint a particularly bleak picture – with Community Leisure UK suggesting up to a third of its members being unable to re-open. This article in The Conversation online magazine puts forward the case – and the benefits – that community ownership can bring in protecting these important local services.
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SE around the globe: This week’s Network News looks at two examples of where the co-operative business model has been used as a strategy to reduce recidivism. We are familiar with not dissimilar initiatives in Scotland such as Freedom Bakery . This article from the US-based Non-Profit Quarterly looks at examples from Puerto Rico and Ethiopia.
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Frontline News: Abriachan Forest Trust, near Drumnadrochit, has launched a crowd-funding campaign to raise £10k towards its Roundhouse Reconstruction following the recent fire. Any help greatly appreciated:
DTA Scotland member, Linwood Community Development Trust has produced this powerful video (4 mins)
On how they have helped to support their community during the current Covid 19 crisis. Worth a watch:
The Scotland Loves Local Campaign is a national initiative to encourage people to think local first and support local town centres and high streets as lockdown eases – whilst following public health guidelines:
The Remade Network is opening a new social enterprise – based in Govanhill in Glasgow – that will donate at least 500 free computers to disadvantaged people around the city. See further information..
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SEN Spotlight: This week’s spotlight falls on the Health SEN – first established in 2008. As with other SENs, its primary function has been to act as a peer-support network for community-based organisations seeking to make a positive impact on health and well-being within their local communities. It is also a vehicle for joint working opportunities as well as seeking to influence policy at both a local and national level. With almost 200 members, it has been engaged in a host of activities and events over the years – including the production of regular newsletters; a series of Policy Briefings; and co-ordinating the Pockets and Prospects Projects in 2018 and 2019. Many of the issues explored via the Health SEN lend themselves to joint thematic working, with the reach of health & wellbeing being far and wide. This year, a particular focus will be mental health and wellbeing and the Health SEN will be collaborating with Sport SEN members on physical activity and mental wellbeing. Here’s a recording of last week’s session on ‘Supporting Staff Mental Health & Wellbeing’. For more information, contact mary@senscot.net.
As Social Enterprise Network Scotland looks to bed in and begin to formalise its role as a strong representative body for front-line social and community enterprises in Scotland, we are also very conscious that our sector – let alone wider Scottish society – currently faces challenges than have not been seen for generations. To adequately support and represent our sector, it is critical that we do so in collaboration with colleagues across the wider third sector – and beyond. Initially, this will involve ongoing engagement with local SENs and the TSI Network; exploring with other national membership-led organisations opportunities for joint-working (including fellow members of SCA); and, importantly, engaging in positive dialogue with national support agencies to ensure that the support services we all provide are relevant, add value and are appropriate to the current needs of the sector. We are also acutely aware that this is a two-way street, and equally, all those we work with, will look to us to provide support, information, connections, resources wherever we can – in an equitable and fair-handed manner. As the recipients of public monies, we are aware of our responsibilities – and intend to do our very best to work with others to ensure that those organisations we represent are best able to continue to provide their invaluable services within their respective communities. Finally, we would like to acknowledge the very many supportive and encouraging messages we have received – from far and wide – on the news of our merger. They are all very much appreciated.
The recent Rural SEN meeting highlighted the importance of social enterprises in providing access and progression routes for young people, especially in light of the unemployment and youth unemployment challenges being predicted as a result of Covid-19. The provision of such local access and progression routes are vital to give young people the choice to remain in their rural communities, rather than having to migrate to urban centres for employment and further education. To get a better understanding of what social enterprises could offer, they are carrying out this short survey – with a view to gaining a better understanding of the composition of both past and future opportunities. Your co-operation would be much appreciated.
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During our recent SE Reset Week, one of the sessions looked at what organisations, involved in food provision, need to think about ahead of re-opening their services and community spaces - with specific input from Brenda Black (Edinburgh Community Food). Issues discussed included partnership and collaboration, and we followed this up with a further session focusing on the value of collaboration in food provision. This session heard from partnerships in West Lothian and Glasgow on their recent work to ensure food provision during Covid-19, as well as discussion on challenges and practicalities for both new and existing partnerships. More inspiration for collaborative working now comes from Edinburgh Community Food with this excellent case study on Edinburgh’s local response to Covid-19 – which may be used by others as strong evidence in promoting the food partnership model to local authorities, funders and evaluators
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Frontline News: Scottish Community Alliance’s (SCA) highly successful Community Learning Exchanges (CLEs) are available again – virtually. See further details including guidance and application form:
A Joint Thematic SEN session – ‘Supporting staff mental health & wellbeing’ – takes place tomorrow Friday 17th July at 1.30pm. Speakers include Jonny Kinross (Grassmarket Community Project) and Helena MacLeod (Bridge A Gap). See link for details and, to sign up, contact jude@senscot.net :
Employability SEN meeting will be taking place next Tuesday – 21st July at 11am. The meeting will explore what members will stop doing; keep doing; and/or start doing. To join in, contact jayne@senscot.net:
Angus’ first Social Supermarket is now into its second week – a Communities First UK initiative tackling food insecurity – using perfectly good, in-date, surplus stock from national and local suppliers. See video:
Interesting internship opportunity (paid) with InspirAlba for a social science PhD researcher at a Scottish university – via the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science. Closing date – Wed, 29th July 2020.
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OSCR, this week, has updated its meetings section on Covid 19 guidance for charities. The intention is to clarify steps charities need to take around AGMs; virtual meetings; and governance. See updated guidelines.
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The Finnish Education System is regarded by many as providing a blueprint for others to follow. Earlier this year, Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General at the Finnish National Agency for Education, visited Scotland. This short clip captures the essence of the Finish approach. To read and hear more about his visit, see here.
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News this week of the launch of a new representative body for social enterprise in the Irish Republic. Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI), formed by some of Ireland’s leading SE practitioners and supporters, intends to act as a champion for the sector and its members, both nationally and internationally. We wish them well and look forward to crossing paths in the months ahead.
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In 2014, Carnegie UK produced a document called ‘A Route Map to an Enabling State’ – which identified 8 steps that Government can take to give communities and individuals more control. Carnegie has now re-visited this document in light of Covid 19 – and how this has affected the relationship between government, public services and citizens. The result is an updated Route Map – with some guiding principles for recovery.
These ‘guiding principles’ chime with much of what our sector has also been advocating in recent months.
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Still on the recovery theme, Scottish Rural Action this week published findings from Round 1 of a series of surveys they are carrying out amongst people living in remote communities – looking to understand response and recovery from a whole-community perspective, rather than through a particular demographic or sectoral lens. Over 500 people, from every local authority area in Scotland, participated in Round 1. Round 2 is now available. The survey takes around 5 mins to complete. Your participation would be very much appreciated.
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SE around the globe: This new, regular feature will pick out issues or developments – from around the globe – that may be of interest to readers. We kick off this week with this ‘Opinion Piece’ from Maurice Otieno from the Baraza Media Lab in Kenya. As the corporate world looks to demonstrate its social impact credentials, Maurice suggests that investing in local Black founders of social enterprises, rooted in the communities they serve, would offer fairer opportunities and better results.
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SEN Spotlight: This week’s SEN Spotlight looks at Glasgow SEN (GSEN) as it advertises for a new Director. GSEN was set up in 2008 to provide a range of services from information-sharing and peer support to resources and access to events and training to front-line social enterprises in Glasgow. Over the years, GSEN has built up a strong track record – not only in bringing the social enterprise community in the city together but also in building strong links with other sectors – both locally and nationally. Today, they represent over 150 local social enterprises. Amongst GSEN’s more notable achievements has been to co-production of the city’s own Social Enterprise Strategy and supporting Action Plan (2019-22) – overseen by the Glasgow Social Enterprise Board, of which GSEN holds the vice-chair. GSEN is also a partner in the local Third Sector Interface (TSI). GSEN is currently seeking to recruit a new Director to build on the solid foundations that have been laid – see application pack. Closing date is Tuesday, 28th July 2020 at 5pm.
Welcome to the first Social Enterprise Health & Wellbeing Newsletter arriving in your inbox from Social Enterprise Network Scotland. This is our official new name since merging with Social Firms Scotland at the start of the month.
We kicked off the month with a Community Food SEN Session ‘The Value of Collaboration in Food Provision’. In addition to hearing inspiring examples from West Lothian and Glasgow, there was lively discussion on wider practical experiences – Note of Key Issues. Adding to this conversation, here’s a great article on the Edinburgh experience addressing Covid-19.
Later in the month we held an All SEN Session: Supporting Staff Mental Health & Wellbeing, with The Wee Retreat CIC providing a Mindfulness taster and presentations from Grassmarket Community Project and Bridging A Gap / Rural Mental Health Forum. A recording of the session is now available here.
Unfortunately the Mindfulness taster isn’t included in the recording, however you can find out more about the new online service being developed by The Wee Retreat here (if interested get in touch with Vicky by the end of this week).
All the best,
Learning & Knowledge Exchange Opportunities
Employability SEN session: Thursday 30th July (11)
Find out more about the new DWP framework, CAEHRS – a new method for contracting employment support for individuals to access, retain and progress in employment and about Start Scotland/Fedcap’s – who are looking to bid for the Scottish lot - approach to working in partnership. Contact Jayne to book your place.
Next Rural SEN meeting (Tuesday 18th August)
Hosted by Inspiralba, the Rural SEN has a steadily increasing membership. A note of the previous Rural SEN meeting is available on the Rural Social Enterprise Hub. Contact Ailsa to find out more.
Employability SEN session: Covid-19 Labour Market Insights with Skills Development Scotland (Wednesday 13th August, 10.30am)
We will be joined by Phil Ford, Skills Planning Lead at SDS who will provide us with up to date evidence on the projected impact of Covid-19 on Scotland’s economy, business and people, the implications for the skills and labour market and the SDS response, with opportunity for questions and open discussion. Contact Jayne to book your place.
All SEN Session: Flexible Working & Mental Wellbeing (Monday 24th August, 3pm)
This session will explore flexible working as one of the ways to support staff mental health & wellbeing as organisations move towards Phase 4. During Lockdown and earlier Phases, social enterprises shared their concerns about the impact of covid-19 on the mental health & wellbeing of their workforce, also recognising that further issues will undoubtedly emerge as we move forward towards a ‘new normal’ and the uncertainties that will accompany this. Flexible working is just one way to support employees whilst also benefiting the organisation by improving performance and building resilience. Contact Mary to register / find out more.
DigiShift – Food for Thought (Tuesday 25th August, 2pm)
Hosted by Third Sector Lab and SCVO Digital, this session is for organisations working on food projects and will look at how you can deliver services digitally. More info.
Ageing Well: 4th Virtual Talk with the Open University (Wednesday 2nd September, 11am)
Voluntary Health Scotland (VHS), along with the Open University are holding the fourth in a series of joint online events exploring ageing, health and wellbeing. More info.
Joint Sport and Health SEN Session: Using Sport and Physical Activity to Promote Positive Mental Health (Provisional Save the Date – Wednesday 9th September, 10am)
Physical activity has been shown to have a strong and positive impact on mental wellbeing. Many social enterprises are already using sport and physical activity as a tool to promote positive mental health, and many have indicated that this is something they would like to start or do more of in future. This session will focus on how to use sport and physical activity to improve mental health & wellbeing within communities. We will hear from various speakers about their approach and the support which exists to help organisations develop programmes and initiatives on this topic. There will also be an interactive Q&A, the opportunity for general discussion and to share experiences. For more info contact Jude.
Community Learning Exchange Programme 20/21
The CLE programme has been reconfigured so that it can be delivered via distance virtual or applications. As many organisations have developed expertise in working under new, and ever changing, conditions, there has been a requirement to learn how best to manage their organisations under these same circumstances. Applications to the CLE will now be invited by social enterprises that have experience, expertise or knowledge which they are able and willing to share with other groups (as opposed to applications from groups that are keen to learn from visiting other organisations). If you are interested in hosting a CLE, contact Mary.
Previous session recordings & summaries that may be of interest…
Voluntary Health Scotland: Digitally Healthy- Health Literacy and Health Inequalities
VHS Key Messages Report & presentation from NES Digital Service.
NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland: Transformational Redesign Webinar Session on Community Led Approaches
Flash Report on Community Led Approaches – COVID-19: Health and Social Care Learning in Scotland
Obesity Action Scotland & Public Health Scotland’s session on COVID-19: Food, diet and health weight: community centred ideas for Scotland’s whole system recovery. Session recording.
SEN Member News
Fablevision are still recording interviews (gratis) via Zoom on how social enterprises are coping and adapting to the Covid19 crisis. If anyone would like to be interviewed to tell their story, then they’d be happy to hear from you. Contact Ed Hart if interested.
Outside of the Box are developing a resources with & for community providers and groups to help them respond to COVID-19. Read more about Committed to Good Support.
Punjabi Junction have shared this timeline that brilliantly illustrates 100 DAYS OF SIKH SANJOG RESPONSE TO COVID-19, providing services to a range of service users, including older people, families and young people. View Infographic.
Castlemilk Together: Community Food Action – A fantastic new initiative to tackle loneliness and isolation among older people and make them better connected has been launched in Castlemilk. More info
Feel the Warmth are now making technical micro snoods, as many people find this style of face covering is more comfortable and doesn’t move when you’re talking. A range of sizes available (kids & adults) for £9.99, with a special opening offer of 20% discount available now. More info.
Get Active Coaching CIC are a new social enterprise promoting health & wellbeing through sport and exercise. Find out more on their latest projects (a new online exercise programme and family physical activity packs) here.
Mid Argyll Community Pool have had a huge boost in their plans to transform MACPool into a Health & Wellbeing Community Hub, with the news this week that they’ve been awarded a £700k National Lottery Community Fund grant. More info.
Edinburgh Community Food are running a series of REHIS Eating Well for Older People courses from August to September, with these being FREE and open to all across the UK. More info & dates.
Won Connect have created their own YouTube channel that aims to help non-technical individuals to get tips and tutorials online. Check it out here.
Roar, Connections for Life’s Nicola Hanssen features as ROSPA’s Guest Blog, sharing insight to her experience of ‘Living and Learning’ through COVID-19. Read blog.
Talking Mats are offering a 30% discount, up to 50% for students, on their Training & Digital Talking Mats. Courses starting on 11th Aug, 8th Sep, 22nd Sep and 3rd Nov 2020. Our Digital Talking Mats offer has been extended until the end of December 2020. Check out their blogs (part 1 & part 2) to find out how people have continued working remotely using Digital Talking Mats They have also created a free resource to help support conversations around different experiences of Lockdown. Contact Talking Mats.
Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE) launched their new fruit and vegetable box delivery service in April 2020, which has gained huge popularity in Aberdeen. By ordering your weekly produce from CFINE, you will invest into their development work in priority communities across the Northeast. More info.
Other News
The National Wellbeing Hub was launched by the Scottish Government a couple of months ago and is aimed at Scotland’s health & social care workforce. Highlighting that COVID-19 has shone a light on the exceptional health & social care work done every day and recognising that much pressure accompanies this, the website was created to provide advice and information to support workers’ emotional and psychological wellbeing. This includes social enterprise and the wider third sector, so we’d be interested in hearing your feedback. Contact Mary.
New CHEX briefing – The Right Foundations.
This latest briefing focuses on asking a key question – “What if we applied the same principles behind our response to coronavirus to tackling health inequalities and climate change?”
Right to Food Consultation
Scottish Labour MSP Elaine Smith recently launched a public consultation on a proposal for a bill that seeks to enshrine the human right to food into Scots law. The consultation will run for until 15 September 2020. Nourish Scotland are writing a guide to responding to the consultation and are planning to run a series of workshops in August. Contact Stephanie if you’re interested in getting involved.
Community Food Health Scotland (CFHS) have pulled together a Snapshot of Covid-10 food insecurity and community food initiatives that have happened and looked at what can be learned from this. More info.
‘Collective Purchasing’ Initiative Pilot
Senscot is currently exploring piloting a ‘collective purchasing’ initiative in one locality, which would involve Senscot signing up to purchase items which social enterprises commonly require through Scotland Excel’s frameworks. This could include PPE, cleaning products or a range of other items. We would be grateful if you could take 5 minutes to complete this survey, which will help us assess demand for the service.
Rural SEN survey
The provision of local access and progression routes, particularly in light of the impact of Covid19 on youth unemployment, are vital to give young people the choice to remain in their rural communities, rather than having to migrate to urban centres for employment and further education. To get a better understanding of what social enterprises could offer and the composition of both past and future opportunities, the Rural SEN is carrying out this short survey.
Tender & Funding Opportunities
Go 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.
Firstport’s Social Entrepreneurs Fund (SEF) now has 3 funds open:
Pounds for Purpose – £500 awards if you are aged 16-26 and want to put an idea that creates a positive impact into action.
Start It – Up to £5000 towards the start-up costs of your social enterprise idea.
Build It- Up to £25,000 if you have tried and tested a social enterprise idea and want to turn it into your full-time job.
GSK IMPACT Awards: Winners receive core funding of up to £40K and access to training and development, your organisation must be at least 3 years old and working in a health-related field. Deadline – 14 September
Third Sector Resilience Fund is still open – please apply ASAP
This week, Social Enterprise Network Scotland wrote to our First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and her 11 Cabinet Secretaries – sharing the findings of our recent SE Reset week – via this SE Reset Briefing Paper. Our letter seeks to begin an engagement with the Scottish Cabinet on how each of its respective ‘departments’ intends to support our social enterprise community in contributing towards our post-Covid recovery. It is generally accepted that the response within local communities has been one of the most striking elements to have emerged during this crisis – and has again demonstrated the true value of ‘localism in action’ – with community-based social enterprises providing crucial services and a lifeline within their respective communities. This contribution has also been acknowledged in this recent Scottish Govt Report – which highlighted our sector’s contribution to Scotland’s social capital and its critical importance in maintaining a level of community resilience at this time. It is our view that there has never been a more critical time to ensure that the central goal of economic recovery, and the various strategies that will deliver it, also delivers collective well-being and greater community resourcefulness. Such an approach will be essential in order to tackle the deep-rooted inequalities that this crisis has, if anything, exacerbated. We’ll keep you posted on our progress.
Social Enterprise Network Scotland will be producing a weekly bulletin – SE Network News – going out each Thursday. As before, we will be seeking to cover news relevant to frontline social enterprises in Scotland; policy development; wider civil society matters; as well as observing development and news from other parts of the UK, Europe and further afield. For info on Social Enterprise Network Scotland, see overview of our proposed functions, aims and objectives – and organogram of our staffing structure.
If you do not wish to continue to receive this weekly bulletin – please use link to unsubscribe.
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Scottish Govt has announced that Neil McInroy, CEO of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) begins a part-time secondment with Scottish Government this week – to advance Community Wealth Building (CWB) in Scotland. This is encouraging news for communities across Scotland as our Govt appears to be acknowledging the critical role that communities have to play in local economic development. Many who attended our Conference in November 2019 will remember Neil as one of our keynote speakers. The CWB model is also currently being ‘piloted’ in North Ayrshire. We wish Neil well in his new role.
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Another important role that will have a significant bearing on the social enterprise community in Scotland will be that of Director of Glasgow SEN – one of the longest established local SENs. The post is being advertised this week – following the departure of Elizabeth Docherty in March 2020. Closing date for applications is Tuesday, 28th July 2020 at 5pm. See full application pack .
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On the back of our own recent merger, this article by Alastair Keatings (Lindsays Solicitors), caught our attention. Not only does it anticipate mergers being a way for many organisations to survive post-Covid, he also suggests Scottish Govt will be under pressure to make the most effective use of public monies available.
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Last week, a group of people engaged with our social enterprise community submitted this Open Letter to our First Minister. The group – made up of academics, business leaders, politicians and community leaders – calls for an economic stimulus in Scotland which genuinely places equality, community and wellness first. This means making a disproportionate investment in community, cooperative and social enterprises in redesigning Scotland’s economic stimulus as we all work together towards our post-Covid recovery.
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Scottish Community Alliance’s (SCA) highly successful Community Learning Exchanges (CLEs) are available again – virtually. SCA has re-configured the programme to allow community groups to deliver their knowledge and expertise remotely to other community organisations without, they hope, losing the invaluable face-to-face element of the CLE. See further details including guidance and application form.
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Glasgow Caley’s Yunus Centre is currently celebrating their 10th anniversary – which includes a week-long series of events. This video (30 mins) – giving background and context – also looks at their plans for the future. We’d like to pass on our congratulations – as well as passing on our best wishes for the next 10 years.
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Frontline News: A free school uniform service has been established in Glasgow to provide extra support during COVID19. The collaboration includes Glasgow SEN member, ApparelXchange and others:
Cultural SEN members will be encouraged by the announcement of the forthcoming Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund (£10m) to help venues who cannot yet reopen to their audiences due to the ongoing crisis:
Also, see latest Cultural SEN Newsletter:
Employability SEN Newsletter is also now available – and includes details on up-and coming Thematic SEN meetings – plus the Employability SEN meeting itself on Tuesday 21st July (11am). All meetings via Zoom:
‘Supporting staff mental health & wellbeing’ – a Joint Thematic SEN session – will take place next Friday 17th July (1.30pm) Speakers include Jonny Kinross (Grassmarket Community Project) and Helena MacLeod (Bridge A Gap). See link for details and, to sign up, contact jude@senscot.net
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SEN Spotlight: Today, SEN Spotlight looks at our Sport SEN – made up of over 100 organisations delivering sport and physical activity within local communities across Scotland. Active since 2010, the Sport SEN seeks to facilitate peer support, networking and learning & development opportunities for organisations that are seeking to be both financially sustainable as well as using sport as the tool to address an identified social need – within their community. This approach is very much in line with the global Sport for Development approach where sport is used intentionally to bring about positive social change and the ‘Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity‘ programme of funding and support in Scotland.
Over the coming months, we intend to work towards growing and developing the Sport SEN whilst continuing to raise the profile of Sport Social Enterprises and highlighting the excellent work that they do. Click here to see the list of existing members, a range of relevant documents, and current funding and support information. See latest Sport SEN newsletter – and for more info – contact jude@senscot.net
On Wednesday of this week – 1st July 2020 – the merger between Senscot and Social Firms Scotland (SFS) became official. The name of the new entity will now be Social Enterprise Network Scotland – pending consent from OSCR. This late change to the proposed name has come about as a result of concerns raised by Social Enterprise Scotland. The Board of our new entity decided – as a gesture of goodwill – to re-visit the name and, in doing so, has agreed on Social Enterprise Network Scotland. This brings to an end the specific roles both Senscot and SFS have fulfilled over the last two decades. However, the new organisation is committed to maintaining the same values and principles that have underlined their respective work over the years. Social Enterprise Network Scotland will now represent the interests of grassroots social and community enterprises and social firms across Scotland – advocating on their behalf and promoting policies and initiatives that will be of genuine benefit to both these organisations and the communities which they serve. Here is an overview of the proposed functions, aims and objectives that Social Enterprise Network Scotland intends to adhere to. Our new body will be led by Pauline Gordon (Director) and Kim Wallace (Deputy Director). This organogram lays out our governance and staffing structure. Over the next week or two, we will continue to use the Senscot website and twitter account etc for communications – but Social Enterprise Network Scotland will have its own distinct ‘comms’ in place very shortly.
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Social Enterprise Network Scotland will continue to produce a weekly bulletin – SE Network News – going out each Thursday (we’re giving Larry’s Lunchette a free run at Friday mornings). As before, we will be seeking to cover news relevant to frontline social enterprises in Scotland; policy development; wider civil society matters; as well as observing development and news from other parts of the UK, Europe and further afield. If you do not wish to continue to receive this weekly bulletin – please use link to unsubscribe.
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It is still too early to get an accurate picture of the impact of the Covid 19 virus on wider Scottish society – let alone our own sector. However, what is clear is that it will be significant – and extremely damaging. This Report carried out by the Third Sector Interface Scotland Network confirms this view – and paints a bleak picture. The recent Scottish Govt Report on Economic Recovery highlights the central role our sector plays in contributing to Scotland’s social capital and its critical importance in maintaining a level of community resilience during the crisis. There has to be more to our ‘recovery’ than just ‘strong economic growth’.
New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, gets it: “Economic growth accompanied by worsening social outcomes is not success, it is failure”.
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Last week’s ‘SE Reset – Re-Opening’ hosted a number of separate sessions (see SEN Spotlight below). Amongst these were: Sport SEN session with P4P and Scotland Excel on partnerships and procurement – focusing on the benefits for sport and community facilities; Planning Re-Opening for Retail – running through the excellent guidance developed by the Revolve network; and a peer support session focusing on considerations required for re-opening for customers and visitors. Further events coming up include: a Joint Thematic SEN Session ‘Supporting staff mental health & wellbeing’ will include input from Jonny Kinross from the Grassmarket Community Project. See link for details and, to sign up, contact jude@senscot.net
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Frontline News: CEIS’ annual SE Policy and Practice Conference is on 2nd Sept. This year’s event is virtual and will focus on recovery and rebuilding a better future. To book your place, see Registration Form:
Inspiring Scotland, this week, launched a Creative Communities Cultural Funding Programme – which will distribute up to £600k to support communities to develop new culture and creative initiatives:
Community Enterprise and DTA Scotland both circulated their latest newsletters this week – check links:
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SEN Spotlight: SE Network News will be making a departure from Senscot’s regular ‘project profile’ and, more recently, the response from SEN members to the Covid crisis within their local communities. Instead, over the coming months, we will be running a SEN Spotlight – highlighting the work of the 19 local and 7 thematic SENs. This week, in the 1st Edition of SE Network News, we look at the Scottish Borders Social Enterprises Chamber (Borders SEN or SBSEC) who hosted their AGM last week. One of earliest local SENs, SBSEC was formed in 2005 and is now a partner in the local TSI – supporting over 300 organisations across the Scottish Borders. Their Annual Report provides details on the range of activities they have been or currently are involved in. Last week, they also hosted their own SE Reset – Re-Opening session – being joined by colleagues from around the country. See their SE Reset – Re-opening Report.