The TSI Network Scotland has published, this week, its Manifesto for Change – a document that outlines the third sector’s role in supporting the recovery from the impact of the Covid pandemic on communities across the country. The manifesto sets out its objective to create a fairer, wellbeing society and which also tackles the climate emergency – under four main headings: an enhanced role for the third sector; implementation of place-based approaches; volunteering and the empowerment of people; and a fairer wellbeing society. These heading have emerged from feedback from the frontline, with almost 1200 organisations responding to a national survey. In addition, each Third Sector Interface (TSI) has produced its own local version of this report. SENScot commends the TSI Network Scotland for this important document – and, on behalf of the social enterprise community, looks forward to working collaboratively in driving forward positive change.

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,
Mary Sinclair

Social Enterprise Network Scotland

Learning & Knowledge Exchange Opportunities

Supporting Volunteers Session – Friday 30th Oct (10.30 to 12pm)
A joint Employability & Health SEN session to look at how social enterprises support and retain volunteers.  A number of speakers will share experiences and ideas including The Haven in Stonehaven and Maryhill Burgh Hall Trust. To sign up, contact Jayne.

 Challenges in Starting Up a Social Enterprise Session – Thursday 5th Nov (11am 12pm)
This session will focus on the impact and challenges that come with starting up a social enterprise, and how leaders deal with balancing the aims of the business versus social purpose.  Several speakers will share their experiences and advice. To sign up, contact Janice.  

Intergenerational National Network meeting – Monday 9th Nov (10.30 to 12pm)
The next meeting will be hosted on Microsoft Teams by Sustrans. The theme will be how different age groups travel through and use public space. We have three excellent and complementary speakers: Barbara Kerr from Sustrans; Kate Joester from Living Streets and Andy Hyde from Go Upstream. For more info / to book a place, contact Pat Scrutton.

SEN Member News

Kirrie 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 News

Scottish Recovery Network’s National survey: What’s next for mental health recovery in Scotland?
RN are working towards a refreshed vision and strategy for mental health recovery in Scotland and want as many people as possible to have their say.  Access the survey here. (closes end of October)

An open call for experiences, comments and ideas to inform the remobilisation of healthcare.
The Cabinet Secretary has invited the ALLIANCE to lead on engagement work with people and communities across Scotland. To achieve this, they are keen to ensure lived experience and the perspectives of all people who access support and services are heard. More info.

Health Improvement Scotland – Supporting Person Centred Care in COVID19 Situations.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland developed a learning system to support the sharing of person-centred practices developed in response to the challenges of COVID-19 and related public health measures. Read an overview of the Learning System findings here.

Carers Scotland launch their new #CaringBehindClosedDoors research.
Following on from their successful research into carers and Covid back in April (Report),  you can now about the impact of COVID-19 on the millions of unpaid carers – Caring behind closed doors: six months on.

 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!  
The Food Plan has six themes: Food poverty – fair food for all, Community food, Food procurement, Food economy, Food waste and the environment, and Children and young people. Read more.

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 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.

·         Shared Care Scotland Short Breaks Fund

·         Community Climate Asset Fund

·         SSE Renewables South Lanarkshire Sustainable Development Fund

SENScot – via the Tourism SEN – will be running a new community-led tourism development project in South Ayrshire and Angus over the next 18 months. This ‘pilot’ will include the formation of local steering groups made up of community representatives – as well as those from local third, public and private sectors. Their aim will be to identify and adopt the most appropriate business model for local delivery and to create a local ‘action plan’ which sets out a clear vision -with agreed objectives for stimulating a local tourism offer that can bring benefit to the whole community. A further key function will be to provide access to financial resources to expand capacity and enable delivery of the first phases of the action plan – and, additionally, to develop an ‘exit strategy’ that can help ensure longer term sustainability. Community-led tourism is an approach which puts local people at the centre of the decision-making process to produce benefits for the wider community – helping to preserve historic and cultural heritage; improving management of land and assets for community use; encouraging the development of new business opportunities; improving the quality of services; and, at the same time, building social capital. We will be sharing further details on this initiative over the coming weeks. For any further immediate information, please contact kim@senscot.net.

Our News

SE Restart and Rebuild is taking place during the week of Monday 16 November hosted by SENScot, the local SEN’s and other partners to inform, inspire and connect social enterprises from across Scotland.  This follows on from SE Reset  which we held back in May.  You can check out the full programme and book yourself onto sessions here.  The Employability SEN is hosting a number of sessions (below) and there are plenty of others in a varied programme:

Outwith Restart, Rebuild we have a couple of other sessions lined up

Following on from SE Reset Week in May 2020, SENScot will be hosting ‘Restart and Rebuild Week’ – from Monday 16th November through to Friday 20th November. Bookings will open on Monday 19th October (see link above for fuller details and event programme). The week of online events – over 20 are scheduled – will be run in partnership with local and thematic SENs and other partners from across Scotland’s social enterprise community. They are being designed to address how, together, our sector can move towards recovery from the impact of Covid 19 – in the hope of informing, inspiring and connecting social enterprises from across the country. The Restart and Rebuild programme, as stated, will include a wide range of national and local organisations to help co-host individual sessions. Some of these are already open for bookings – and include GCU for the John Pearce Memorial Lecture ; The Melting Pot for The Future of the Office and Basic Income Conversation for Social Enterprise and Basic Income. See links to register

——————————-

SENScot will be running a new Pockets and Prospects Programme – funded by the Scottish Community Alliance (SCA) – between Nov ‘20 – Feb ‘21. This year’s programme will be run in partnership with fellow SCA members, Scottish Communities for Heath & Wellbeing and CHEX – and will focus on addressing the emerging mental health and wellbeing needs (resulting from the Covid-19 crisis) within communities across Scotland. As before, the programme will take a ‘pick and mix’ approach – offering a range of activities which aim to address local needs. We are inviting thematic or local SEN members to offer activities/services that could be included in our programme of activities. Please contact mary@senscot.net to register interest.

——————————-

Recent editions of SE Network News have referenced letters sent to Joe FitzPatrick (Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing) – on behalf of Sport SEN members – seeking to bring the Govt’s attention to the challenges being faced by community sports organisations across the country and the increasingly vulnerable position they find themselves in. The first letter was sent on 28th July; the second letter was sent on 1st October. We have now received this response to the 28th July letter. Readers will be able to make their own mind up on this response – aside from referring members to a fund that is now closed. Hopefully, the response to our second letter (1st Oct) can offer more concrete assurances to frontline organisations.

——————————–

With Community Wealth Building (CWB) gaining increasing support from Scottish Govt, this article, from Joe Cullinane (North Ayrshire Council) and Peter Kelly (Poverty Alliance) highlights how the CWB model can help reduce poverty and increase prosperity. North Ayrshire Council was the first local authority in Scotland to adopt this model – receiving £3m towards a CWB Fund. For information, the Community Wealth Building Summit 2020 – Owning the Economy – will be taking place on Thursday, 5th November.

——————————-

Frontline News:

Community Enterprise hosts an online event on Tuesday, 27th October (10am – 12 noon) in partnership with the William Grant Foundationwhich sees the launch of their Research Report- A Different Approach to Community Led Asset Development. See link for further info, to download report – and to book your place:

The Community Climate Asset Fund is now open. Scottish Govt is committing £3.5m to support community climate action projects that boost energy efficiency in community buildings, the purchase of electric bikes and vehicles, waste reduction projects, and the purchase tools/equipment for food growing projects:

CRNS’ October Newsletter is now available – including information on two up-and-coming events. First on 18th October – a Green Recovery Forum; and on 18th November, their Annual Conference – A Fairer Scotland, a Greener World. See links to register.

SEN members have noted the failure of insurance companies to pay out to organisations having to close down – in line with their Business Interruption Clauses. If this affects your organisation, please get in touch – and Senscot Legal will look to make representation to Glasgow firm Levy McRae who are looking to act on this in Scotland.

With Jennifer Robertson now in post as Director at Glasgow SEN, further news is that Jennifer’s replacement at CVS Falkirk will be Katrina MacPherson, previously supporting social enterprise with Perth and Kinross TSI. Katrina’s role will include supporting the Forth Valley SEN. Congratulations and best wishes to both;

Buy Social Scotland (BSS) is hosting a series of Bootcamps – running throughout next week. BSS, funded by Scottish Govt, is an awareness raising campaign aimed at encouraging consumers to buy from social enterprises. See links for further details.

——————————–

Dates for your Diary:

Two further Rural SE Hub Community Learning Exchanges will take place during October – both online. Hosting organisations include: R-evolution Community Benefit Society (19th Oct) ; and Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (28th Oct): See links to book your place:

Tuesday 20th October (2pm) – P4P’s second ‘In Conversation With’ webinar – featuring Hannah Justad (Glasgow Connected Arts Network) talking about the Glasgow Arts Partnership (GAP) – a new consortium of Participatory Arts organisations and freelance creatives across Greater Glasgow. Register here:

Friday, 30th October (10am) – A joint Employability & Health session to look at how social enterprises support and retain volunteers.  A number of speakers will share experiences and ideas including The Haven in Stonehaven and Maryhill Burgh Hall Trust. To sign up, contact Jayne

As part of Scotland’s ‘Countdown to COP26’, a special, one day on-line Conference will take place on Tuesday, 3rd November. The event – free to attend – will explore innovation, inclusive growth, cultural change around climate action, and will include the contribution social enterprises can make.

——————————–

SE around the globe: Last week, on the back of connections made during the SE World Forum, SENScot participated in the inaugural meeting of a Global Network-Builders Forum – with colleagues from the US and Australia. The Forum is looking to gauge the level of interest in the potential value in a Global Forum; and if folk have the time/energy to develop and maintain one. Core starting principles include: Awareness of existing eco-system and the role of networks to overcome the ego-system; Collaboration – ensuring the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; Diversity and symbiosis – local strengths drive the national and global movement – but respecting the independence and autonomy of its parts; The Commons – identify, share and cultivate the commons as the base of the whole eco-system. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for next month – with an update to follow.

——————————-

SEN Spotlight: This week’s SEN Spotlight looks another example of a local SEN that has been and continues to be supported by the local TSI. Moray SEN (MSEN) was initially formed almost 10 years ago, under the umbrella of TSI Moray. Like other local SENs, MSEN exists to promote the growth and development of a thriving social enterprise community in Moray – providing an open door to everyone engaged in social enterprise – at whatever stage of development they may be at – to come together, share resources, ideas and experiences. Since the start of Covid and the lockdown period, MSEN has been delivering mini sessions online, with a particular focus on developing services for children, young people, and families. For more info on MSEN and its work, please contact lucy@tsimoray.org.uk .

SENScot has been supporting the Tourism SEN since 2016 – in response to the growing number of social and community enterprises active in this area. An important component of this is community tourism – an approach which puts local people at the centre of the decision-making process to produce benefits for the whole community – including allowing local businesses to capture the footfall of visitors to larger, popular local assets. Community tourism can help preserve historic and cultural heritage, improve management of land and assets for community use, encourage the development of new business opportunities, improve the quality of services and build social capital. Some of this work – and its local value – was highlighted in a 2018 Senscot Community Tourism Briefing – citing the example of Dornoch CIC. Building on this, particularly as we all look towards ‘Restarting and Rebuilding’, SENScot is planning to ‘pilot’ community-led tourism initiatives in two small towns. Working with local partners from the public, private and third sectors – this will involve the development of an action plan – setting out a clear vision and objectives – assessing existing community tourism provision – and identifying opportunities for further development. The ‘pilot’ will include an agreed ‘exit strategy’ – to ensure longer term sustainability. More on this very soon.

——————————-

Further to last week’s SENScot’s Letter, on behalf of Sport SEN members, to Joe FitzPatrick (Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing) – we owe an apology to Spartans Community Football Academy (Edinburgh) for omitting to mention them as one of the ‘case studies’ in our Sport SEN Briefing. Spartans kindly shared information on the challenges they are facing during Covid 19 – and how they have sought to adapt their services – along with Showcase the Street (Dundee); Banks O’Dee Sports Club (Aberdeen); and Atlantis Leisure (Oban). No word back yet from the Minster. Last week also saw the work of another Sport SEN member – Partick Thistle Community Trust – being highlighted in the House of Commons for its work in supporting communities in North Glasgow during the pandemic. This article, from down south, highlights the extent of the crisis being faced by those across the sport community – with a call for recognition as an essential service – vital to public health. See this month’s Sport SEN Newsletter.

——————————-

The Robertson Trust has announced details of its new funds and accompanying eligibility criteria – following recent publication of its 10-year Strategy. Broken into three core categories – with two additional streams for community vehicle and capital build grants – the funds will provide over £200m to local communities and community organisations over the next decade. Eligibility criteria will focus on ‘constituted community groups and registered charities working to alleviate poverty and trauma in Scotland – with an annual income under £2 million’. With a number of SEN members being constituted as asset-locked Community Interest Companies (CICs) – SENScot wrote to The Robertson Trust to ask for clarity as to whether or not such organisations could still be eligible. The Robertson Trust has, in response, reiterated that its initial focus will remain as per the core criteria. However, as work to address poverty and trauma develops, they assure us that they will be open to reviewing their guidance in line with this. Sign up to the Trust’s Mailing List for more on future opportunities and/or changes as they develop.

————————————-

Citizen Investment is a term that may not be familiar to many, but its roots have a long history in Scotland dating back to the 1700s with the first Savings Bank and the Fenwick Weavers Society. The principle of Citizen Investment is much the same – with local people investing in their own community for a modest financial return – as well as a social return for their community. This article, from Pauline Hinchion (SCF Ltd) suggests, as we seek to ‘restart and rebuild’ from Covid 19 within the context of a difficult long-term economic outlook, Citizen Investment could make a significant contribution to supporting local economies through associated employment; local service provision; as well as the obvious social capital benefits.

————————————–

Frontline News:

Community Land Scotland, this year, celebrates in 10th anniversary. As part of their celebrations, they have produced this excellent short video – capturing over 100 years of community land history across Scotland:

Edition No. 3 of Community Enterprise’s e-magazine Comment now available – with, amongst other things, news on the updated SE Support Map; as well as an interview with SENScot’s Pauline Gordon – as a bonus!:

News, last week, of a change in structure for the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) and SSE Scotland. The new structure will see their three independent teams in England merge with SSE itself – with SSE Scotland becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of SSE. This update gives background and more details:

The John Pearce Memorial Lecture, this year, takes place on Monday, 16th November (3.30-5pm). Ed Mayo, Chief Exec of Pilotlight, will give this year’s lecture on ‘ The Power of Dreams: community economic development after the virus’. The event is free and will be online. See link to book your place:

——————————–

Dates for your Diary:

Three Rural SE Hub Community Learning Exchanges will take place during October – all online. Hosting organisations include: Bùth Bharraigh Community Shop (13th Oct) ; R-evolution Community Benefit Society (19th Oct) ; and Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (28th Oct): See links to book your place:

Tuesday 20th October (2pm) – P4P’s second ‘In Conversation With’ webinar – featuring Hannah Justad (Glasgow Connected Arts Network) talking about the Glasgow Arts Partnership (GAP) – a new consortium of Participatory Arts organisations and freelance creatives across Greater Glasgow. Register here :

Community Enterprise hosts an online event on Tuesday, 27th October (10am – 12 noon) in partnership with the William Grant Foundationwhich sees the launch of their Research Report- A Different Approach to Community Led Asset Development. See link for further info, to download report – and to book your place:

Friday, 30th October (10am) – A joint Employability & Health session will be looking at how social enterprises support the mental health of their beneficiaries – including how they support and retain volunteers A number of speakers will share experiences and ideas – more on this to follow. To sign up, contact Jayne:

——————————–

SE around the globe: This week we spotlight one of the world’s largest social enterprise networks – covering 17 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. The Latin American and Caribbean Network of Waste Pickers (Red Lacre) is a network of grassroots recyclers who perform the job of collecting, selecting and recovering recyclable waste for re-use. Founded nearly 30 years ago, Red Lacre works on behalf of over 2 million people across the 17 countries who are dedicated to recycling. Its activities focus on participation in regional and global initiatives, alliances and platforms, seeking to generate the conditions for the effective recognition and economic, social, technical and environmental inclusion of grassroots recyclers. This recent letter – sent to the governments of each of the 17 members countries – reflects their objectives.

——————————-

SEN Spotlight: Of the 18 local SENs in Scotland, a number are supported by their local Third Sector Interface (TSI). One such example is the Renfrewshire SEN which has been supported for a number of years now by Engage Renfrewshire. With almost 40 members, Engage Renfrewshire provides advice and support to social enterprises who want to start up or develop further. They also provide support with community asset transfers and the distribution of community benefits; as well as helping organisations to build meaningful relationships within the local public and private sectors. More recently, they also produced this helpful – and not too serious – short video for aspiring social enterprises in the Renfrewshire area.

Welcome to October’s Sport Social Enterprise Newsletter

The partial re-opening of the sport and leisure industry is starting to shine a light on the true extent of the damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.  Whilst some organisations have had an opportunity to flourish, re-opening has not been as encouraging as others had hoped.

Operating at reduced capacities, low public confidence in returning to facilities and ongoing costs associated with increased hygiene and sanitisation measures, continues to hit the sector hard.  Following various conversations with concerned Sport SEN members recently, we wrote a follow up letter to Joe Fitzpatrick (Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing) on the back of the original letter we submitted in July 2020.  Alongside the letter is a briefing which evidences the impact so far on four Sport SEN members – Showcase the Street (Dundee), Banks O’Dee Sports Club (Aberdeen), Atlantis Leisure (Oban) and The Spartans Community Football Academy (Edinburgh).

The follow up letter highlights the particularly vulnerable position of many Sport SEN members. This article also highlights the continued plight of many sport and leisure operators and UK Active are urging Government to consider categorising swimming pools, gyms and leisure centres as essential services, vital for public health. 

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, support really is needed, especially at grassroots and community sport level, to help the sport and leisure industry to not only survive, but to keep delivering activities which positively impact people and communities in terms of physical, mental and social wellbeing.  This is where sport social enterprises excel, and some of them, who were operating viable businesses before, still need immediate cashflow assistance until such times as they can operate feasibly again.

As always, please get in touch if there is anything I can help with.

Take care,

Jude

M| 07495 925 388 E| jude@senscot.net

SEN’s and Social Enterprises

Virtual SEN Sessions

On Wednesday 9 September, the Sport SEN joined up with the Health SEN for a virtual session on using sport and physical activity to promote positive mental health.  Work has been ongoing for a long time to address mental health using sport and physical activity, but as a result of Covid 19 the demand on mental health services has increased significantly.

Many sport social enterprises already play a key role in this area and many have indicated their intentions to address mental health in future.  With this in mind, we hosted a session to hear and learn from social enterprises about how they are tackling this topic.

Scottish Sports Futures  and SAMH talked about their Wellbeing Ambassador programme which they developed in partnership together and received funding for through the Changing Lives Fund.

It was an opportunity for training and L&D for young people to become equipped to help other young people with their mental wellbeing.  This programme has been incredibly successful and was a lifeline for many young people during lockdown.  Duncan, one of the Wellbeing Ambassadors joined us and it was great to hear from him directly about how he approached his role as an ambassador and what he learned and his experience.

Greenock Morton Community Trust are delivering a variety of programmes aimed at improving mental health and they spoke about two in particular – Active Age and Team Talk.  Both have been developed following a need being identified within the community.  Pre-Covid, they were delivering Active Age into 8 elderly care homes and have used intergenerational approaches.  You can find out more about from organisations such as Generations Working Together  and the Intergenerational National Network

Team Talk was developed to help address the high male suicide rate in Inverclyde.  This is a safe space where men can meet up and talk, on a weekly basis.  The programme did move online during lockdown, but most of the participants agreed that they prefer being able to meet up in person and have a face to face conversation.

Scotland All Strong  is afitness gym where mental wellbeing is prioritised.  They have a programme called Fitness to Feel Better where core elements include physical activity, followed by stretching, guided relaxation and socialising.

They have developed an App:  ALL STRONG – Mind and Body.  It has a variety of activities, groups and resources.  Scotland All Strong are interested to hear from other wellbeing providers who might want to share links and resources and highlight the good work that is happening – if anyone is interested please contact Andy Douglas – andy@scotlandallstrong.com.

If anyone would like any more information in relation to the above, please feel free to contact me.  I would also be interested to hear if any sport social enterprises would be interested in a further session on this topic.

                                                                                _______________

Upcoming Virtual SEN Sessions

SE Restart and Rebuild  will take place during the week commencing Monday 16 November 2020 hosted by SENScot, the local SEN’s and other partners to inform, inspire and connect social enterprises from across Scotland.  This follows on from SE Reset  which we held back in May and the full programme and booking details will be available soon.  We are currently planning sessions so if there are any topics which Sport SEN members would be interested in, please let me know.

The Rural SEN  are facilitating three virtual Community Learning Exchanges in October. Hosts include: Bùth Bharraigh Community Shop (13 October); R-evolution Community Benefit Society R-evolution Community Benefit Society (19 October) and Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (28 October). 

_______________

What the Social Enterprises are up to!

Mallaig Pool and Leisure are open again and have implemented new procedures to ensure they are complying with relevant Covid-19 guidance for sport and leisure facilities.  You can find out more about changes they have made here.  They have also been busy with their £1m refurbishment project, turning the centre into more of a community hub.  They have started the first phase, updating their reception and adding a new café with lots of natural light and views of the football pitch and the seascape of the Small Isles in the West.  Find out more here.

_______________

Randori Social Enterprises in Midlothian used lockdown to sign a lease and fully kit out their new judo dojo in Dalkeith. With a little funding, enthusiastic support and donations from local businesses, and many volunteer hands, they transformed an empty industrial unit into a fully equipped dojo with sprung floors, mirrors, climbing wall, cafe, office and therapy room. They are now open and welcoming their community judo clubs and classes, with consideration given to safety and social distancing. Randori has been a real project of love for social entrepreneur and judo coach Mark Taylor, and his team of coaches and volunteers. It’s also a great example of how a social enterprise has benefitted from joined up business support from Just Enterprise, Midlothian TSI and Midlothian Council’s Economic Development Team.  

_______________

Scottish Sports Futures have adapted several of their existing Education Through Cashback modules to be delivered online. Allowing the same flexible blend of practical and theory learning to be delivered with ease via your screen! From experienced coaches eager to develop their skills to young people keen to increase their confidence, there is a module to fit their needs. Contact etc@ssf.org.uk to find out more!

_______________

Twist and Hit Cheerleaders based in Paisley have re-opened and are welcoming new members – boys and girls, aged 4+, with no experience required.  They are a successful club with various teams from the adorable ‘Marshmallow’ aged from 4-7 to the ‘Raisins’ Master Cheer, aged 25+ and includes parents who have taken up the sport as a result of their child’s participation.  They are also active in the Para Cheer movement which aims to help those with disabilities become more involved in the sport.  Find out more about here.

_______________

Westdyke Community Club partnered with Aberdeen FC Community Trust  during lockdown and joined their #stillstandingfree campaign.  This involved identifying households in need within their community and delivering food parcels twice a week for six weeks.  Find out more about the fantastic efforts of their players, coaches and parents here.

 _______________

Partners and Stakeholders

sportscotland

Research has been published on how sportscotland’s programmes contribute to the Active Scotland Outcomes Framework (ASOF).  Key findings reports for Schools and Clubs and associated infographics are on the website and you can find the reports here.

_______________


All staff across the sector are being invited to take part in a survey about equalities and inclusion. The survey will take around 20 minutes to complete and is open until 7 October.

sportscotland want to understand how you feel work is progressing in this area and what could help us all take action to reduce inequalities. The survey is part of new research they have commissioned into equality and sport. It will help our sector understand and address inequality and inform sportscotland’s equality outcomes for 2021 to 2025. This research will also deliver a new range of practical learning resources for staff across sport.

_______________

Active Girls Day is an annual initiative which celebrates the amazing work going into girls’ sport, the progress around girls’ participation, and the incredible role models making it happen. This year’s Active Girls Day will be Friday 30 October 2020.

Clubs, hubs and schools are encouraged to get involved by supporting on social media. The focus is on girls staying active and staying connected.  Resources will be live on the sportscotland website very soon – please check here over the next few days.

_______________

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2020 will take place between Saturday 24th October – Friday 30th October 2020. The theme for 2020 is to highlight the positive impact of physical activity and to celebrate the return of sport in Scotland.

This year, Active Scotland are working with Actify who will lead the weekly theme of #SheCanSheWill which should be used to share women and girls content on Actify throughout the week.

Find out more about how you can get involved here.  #SheCanSheWill

_______________

Sported and Winning Scotland Foundation

Sported are collaborating with Winning Scotland Foundation to provide some training and development opportunities for members, targeted at helping young people develop confidence and resilience. To ensure the training is designed to be as effective and accessible as possible for you, they would appreciate you taking 10 minutes to complete this survey by following this link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WSZSSSQ

You can also find out more about the existing PCS Plus programme here.

_______________

Sport for Development Coalition

The Sport for Development Coalition (SFDC)  is a UK wide growing ‘movement’ consisting of charities, governing bodies, funders, delivery and community organisations.  They are funded by Sport England, Comic Relief and Laureus Sport for Good to mobilise and support organisations who demonstrate the positive social outcomes that can be delivered through the intentional use of sport and physical activity.

As advocates for using sport and physical activity to create positive social outcomes, collaborating with others and presenting a collective voice, SENScot intend to sign up to their Charter.  Find out more about the Charter here.

Like us, they have been representing their members and the wider sector, by advocating to Government for support to help the sector recover from Covid-19.  They have also published a report on the Impact of Covid 19 on the Sport for Development Sector in response to the DCMS (Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) Committee enquiry on the impact of the pandemic.

_______________

Scottish Football Association (SFA)

The Scottish FA  and Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) have teamed up to offer free environmental support to football clubs across the country. 

Further details can be found via this article on the SFA website and a new resource – Environmental Sustainability in Scottish Football which document covers a range of related topics and useful information on how clubs can adopt sustainable practices as well as providing some case studies of best practice across Europe.

_______________

In respect of climate change and environmental sustainability, there is a free online conference on Tuesday 3 November as part of Scotland’s Countdown to COP26.  This will explore innovation, inclusive growth, cultural change around climate action, and ultimately how collaboration could achieve national net zero targets.  SENScot is helping to facilitate a response from the social enterprise community and will include highlighting the actions social enterprises are already taking and helping to persuade others to follow. 

_______________

Scottish Government is inviting community groups and organisations to share ideas and evidence, based on their own experiences of responding to the current pandemic, and their engagement with people facing poverty and inequality.  Responses will inform the work of the Scottish Government’s Social Renewal Advisory Board (SRAB) and our Director, Pauline Gordon, is part of a Third Sector Policy Circle that will be advising SRAB on third sector matters.  The deadline for submissions is Friday 16 October 2020 and you can find details on how to submit a response here.

_______________

Funding and Support

The SCVO website is still the place to go for the Coronavirus Third Sector Information Hub which is the key resource for the whole third sector in responding to Covid 19.

_______________

The Community & Third Sector Recovery Programme  is now open for applications.  This is a £25m Scottish Government Programme which aims to support third sector organisations and communities through the shift between lockdown and recovery.  It has two strands:  Adapt and Thrive which is capacity building to help organisations adapt, change and thrive post Covid-19 and The Communities Recovery Fund which is grant funding to deliver support and services in communities.

_______________

Firstport have launched their annual Social Innovation Competition awarding three prizes of £5,000 to ground-breaking ideas that tackle Scotland’s most pressing social and environmental issues.  This year the theme is The Great Outdoors!  Find out more here.

_______________

Thanks to players of the Peoples Postcode Lottery , the Postcode Recovery Fund has launched to support charities to address issues affecting society as we recover from the effects of the pandemic.  The application form is available until 30 October 2020.  Find out more here.

_______________

Foundation Scotland  offers a diverse range of funding programmes for organisations working to benefit communities.  Some of these are Scotland wide and some are restricted to particular sectors or geographies.  Have a look here to see whether they have any funding programmes which would be relevant for your organisation.  Their Response, Recovery and Resilience Fund remains open.

_______________

The Robertson Trust have launched their new 10 year strategy .  It sets out why they are focusing on helping to further understand and alleviate the effects of poverty and trauma on society. Find out more about the variety of funding grants they have available here.

_______________

The Aldi Scottish Sport Fund is now open for Glasgow and West Central Scotland.  You can apply for up to £2,500 for your organisation and have until Monday 2 November to get your applications submitted.  Find out more here.

_______________

The Amazon Smile Programme enables charitable organisations to receive 0.5% of the net purchase price from an eligible purchase when a customer selects to support your charity through shopping at smile.amazon.co.uk .  Find out more about this programme and whether your organisation could apply here.

_______________

And Finally:

Many of our members were concerned about insurance when the pandemic hit, facilities were temporarily closing, and attention was turning to engaging with members online.  Even insurance companies didn’t have all the answers immediately.  With the return to sport and physical activity, providers need to consider their insurance needs and this article shared by ConnectSport highlights some things to think about in an interview with insurance company Ripe Thinking talking about their Insure4Sport product.

There are various providers of sports insurance and you should shop around for cover that best suits your needs.  The Scottish Sports Association announced their preferred insurance partner at the beginning of 2020 and various other sports and leisure organisations and governing bodies have associations with particular providers so it’s worth asking around and making sure that you have the cover you need.

SENScot – on behalf of Sport SEN members – has written a follow-up letter to Joe FitzPatrick (Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing) – on the back of our original letter in late July 2020. Supporting the letter is a Sport SEN Briefing evidencing the impact of three Sport SEN members in particular – Showcase the Street (Dundee); Banks O’Dee Sport Club (Aberdeen); and Atlantis Leisure (Oban). The first letter focused on key challenges being faced by Sport SEN members as they explored a gradual re-commencement of sport and physical activity whilst, at the same time, prioritising public health and safety. This follow-up letter highlights the particularly vulnerable position of many Sport SEN members – with reduced capacity; reduced usage of facilities; cancelled memberships; a significant drop in footfall; and, for members who do not own their own asset, an inability to hire the facilities they require. Redundancies have been made – and with furlough due to end – more are anticipated. We will share the response for Govt once we hear back.

———————————

Scottish Govt is inviting community groups and organisations to share ideas and evidence, based on their own experiences of responding to the current Covid pandemic, and their engagement with people experiencing poverty and inequality. The intention is that these ideas can be gathered to help drive a fairer recovery in the wake of coronavirus (COVID-19). Responses will inform the work of the Scottish Govt’s Social Renewal Advisory Board (SRAB) – tasked with building on policy and practice shifts seen during COVID-19 to tackle disadvantage and poverty, and advance equality and social justice. The deadline for submissions is Friday 16th October 2020. Our Director, Pauline Gordon, is part of a Third Sector Policy Circle that will be advising SRAB on third sector matters. See details on how to submit your ideas. Senscot will be submitting its own response, based on many of the findings that emerged during SE Reset Week in May 2020. We will be following this up with SE Restart and Rebuild – a week-long series of online events and discussions during w/b 16th November 2020. Full programme and booking info’ – coming soon!

——————————–

As part of Scotland’s ‘Countdown to COP26’, a special, one-day online conference on Tuesday, 3 November 2020 is scheduled to explore innovation, inclusive growth, cultural change around climate action, and ultimately how collaboration could achieve national net zero targets. SENScot is helping to facilitate a response from the social enterprise community. This response will include highlighting the ‘actions’ social enterprises are already taking – and helping persuade others to follow. The day-long event is free to attend.

——————————–

Here We Are (HWA), based in Cairndow at the head of Loch Fyne in Argyll, was established in 2001 – with an original vision of offering “a new concept for tourism in the Highlands – a symbiotic relationship between visitor and community – that would recreate tourism as interesting, educational and rewarding for visitor and host alike”. Nearly 20 years down the line, HWA is alive and well, employing 8 staff and operating two subsidiaries. ‘Here We Are – The Story of a Community Enterprise’ charts its progress over the years – and, despite the many challenges, how it has manged to achieve so much of its original vision.

————————————–

Following a very well-attended Employability SEN session last Thursday (24th Sept) on the DWP Kickstart Scheme, SENScot has been approached by a number of members who wish to create opportunities for young people as an employer but would not reach the Scheme threshold of 30 placements per bid.  If you have registered with DWP as a Gateway (intermediary org) or are interested in doing so – and working with partner employers, please let us know.

——————————–

Frontline News:

The Robertson Trust published its new 10-year Strategy last week – providing over £200m in funding to organisations addressing poverty and trauma in communities across Scotland over the next decade:

The John Pearce Memorial Lecture, this year, takes place on Monday, 16th November (3.30-5pm). Ed Mayo, Chief Exec of Pilotlight, will give this year’s lecture on ‘ The Power of Dreams: community economic development after the virus’. The event is free and will be online. See link to book your place:

The short list for the 2020 SURF Awards is now available – with winners to be announced early December:

Reminder: the SEN Bridging Loan Fund is available to any SEN member looking for an interest-free bridging loan – under £10k. This has been capitalised by individual and organisations from the sector itself:

September edition of SENScot’s SE Health and Wellbeing Newsletter came out last week – and includes features on up-and-coming events; SEN members’ news – as well as other info relevant to SEN members:

——————————–

Dates for your Diary:

SE Restart and Rebuild – will take place week commencing 16th November 2020 – a follow on from our initial SE Reset Week back in May. Full programme and booking information available in coming weeks:

Three Rural SE Hub Community Learning Exchanges will take place during October – all virtually. Hosting organisations include: Bùth Bharraigh Community Shop (13th Oct) ; R-evolution Community Benefit Society (19th Oct) ; and Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (28th Oct): See links to book your place:

Community Woodlands Association holds its Annual Conference tomorrow and Saturday – 2nd and 3rd October- with wworkshops, discussion groups and virtual site visits. See Programme and Booking Details:

Community Resources Network Scotland (CRNS) holds its Annual Conference – digitally – this year. A Fairer Scotland, A Greener World – will run on Tuesday and Wednesday,17th and 18th November 2020.

——————————–

SE around the globe: This week we highlight Open Sole Africa – a social enterprise, based in Kenya, supporting families in coastal regions in East Africa through cleaning the ocean. They do this by recycling flip-flops – the most affordable local footwear – that more often than not are discarded into the ocean. Washed-up flip-flops are collected and re-purposed into works of art or toys for local children – with this work often carried out by former woodcarvers, made redundant when deforestation of ebony and mahogany was outlawed. Open Sole Africa’s aim is to ‘make a difference to the plight of our oceans and give back what it earns to empower and enrich lives – through employment and educating the next generation’.

——————————-

SEN Spotlight: This week’s Spotlight looks at the Rural SEN – which provides a vehicle for rural social enterprises to share experiences, learning, and identify areas for future action and collaboration – and is hosted by InspirAlba. With 33% of social enterprises in Scotland located in rural or remote areas, rural social enterprises are driven by collective action, helping to sustain essential services – and, in doing so, fulfilling community needs and aspirations. The Rural SEN is hosted digitally – either monthly or bi-monthly – enabling members to share their challenges and solutions, resources, identify potential partnerships, and to benefit from a network of peer support. InspirAlba has also developed the Rural Social Enterprise Hub as a focal point for research and development activity on rural social enterprise in Scotland and further afield. This month, the Rural SE Hub is running three ‘virtual’ Community Learning Exchanges (CLEs) – being hosted by Rural SEN members in Barra, Speyside and Argyll. To sign up – see booking details.