Tag: Fresh Start

Success for local charities at Scottish Charity Awards

Two Edinburgh charities have each won a top award at the Scottish Charity Awards run by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).

Fresh Start Scotland, a charity working to help end homelessness, and Feniks, which supports the integration and wellbeing of the Central Eastern European community in Edinburgh, won their respective awards at a celebratory awards ceremony hosted by Sally Magnusson at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh on Friday (23 June).

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrates the best of the voluntary sector and this year’s shortlist included 32 individuals and organisations from charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the country.

West Pilton-based Fresh Start Scotland won the Community Action award. Biddy Kelly, managing director, Fresh Start Scotland, said: “We would like to say how delighted we are to win this prestigious award.

“We have only been able to achieve this thanks to the thousands of people who support us, the dedication and hard work of all our staff and volunteers and to positive and supportive partnerships.”

Feniks won the Campaign of the Year award for their campaign ‘Shed your armour, show the scars’. Magda Czarnecka, chief executive, Feniks said: “Winning the Campaign of the Year category is a humbling and exhilarating experience.

“This victory is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our Community Ambassadors, who dedicated their time and skills to address the most stigmatized challenge within the Polish community.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, See Me Scotland, who believed in our cause and stood beside us on this inspiring journey. This award strengthens our commitment to continue advocating for change and creating a brighter future for the Polish community in Scotland.”

The winner of each of the nine categories was decided by a judging panel, with the tenth People’s Choice category winner decided by the public with over 14,000 votes cast online.

The winners for the Scottish Charity Awards 2023 are:

  • Climate Conscious award: Climate Action Strathaven
  • Campaign of the Year award: Feniks
  • Community Action award: Fresh Start Scotland
  • Volunteer of the Year award: Andrii Zhehestovskyi – Libraries & Information Services Dundee
  • Employee of the Year award: Paul Sheerin – Beatson Cancer Charity
  • Pioneering Project award: Quarriers
  • Trustee of the Year award: Vongayi Mufara – Amma Birth Companions
  • Digital Citizen award: Simon Community Scotland
  • People’s Choice award: Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity
  • Charity of the Year award: Diversified

Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: “What a fabulous event to celebrate the achievements of organisations and people across the voluntary sector in Scotland.

“Our finalists and winners are all shining examples of the great things happening thanks to the commitment of people working and volunteering in charities, community groups and social enterprises, all championing good causes, providing vital support and making our communities better places to live.

“Every community, and every part of our society, benefits from the work that SCVO is lucky to see on a daily basis. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Scottish Charity Awards this year, including our sponsors, the Sheraton Hotel for hosting us and of course to Sally Magnusson who was lovely as ever.

“Congratulations to all the finalists – I’m already looking forward to what the next year brings!

Charity Awards success for Fresh Start

Congratulations to local project FRESH START, who won the Community Action category at last night’s SCVO Charity Awards!

Well done to Biddy and the team at Ferry Road Drive!

The winners of the Scottish Charity Awards recognising Scotland’s voluntary sector were announced in a celebratory awards ceremony last night (Friday 23 June) at the Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh.

Hosted by Sally Magnusson and run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrates the best of the voluntary sector. This year’s shortlist included 32 individuals and organisations from charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the country.

The winner of each of the nine categories was decided by a judging panel, with the tenth People’s Choice category winner decided by the public with over 14,000 votes cast online. The winners of the Scottish Charity Awards 2023 are:

  • Charity of the Year award: Diversified
  • People’s Choice award: Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity
  • Trustee of the Year award: Vongayi Mufara – Amma Birth Companions
  • Campaign of the Year award: Feniks
  • Volunteer of the Year award: Andrii Zhehestovskyi – Libraries & Information Services Dundee
  • Community Action award: Fresh Start Scotland
  • Employee of the Year award: Paul Sheerin – Beatson Cancer Charity
  • Climate Conscious award: Climate Action Strathaven
  • Pioneering Project award: Quarriers
  • Digital Citizen award: Simon Community Scotland

Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: “What a fabulous event to celebrate the achievements of organisations and people across the voluntary sector in Scotland.

“Our finalists and winners are all shining examples of the great things happening thanks to the commitment of people working and volunteering in charities, community groups and social enterprises, all championing good causes, providing vital support and making our communities better places to live.

“Every community, and every part of our society, benefits from the work that SCVO is lucky to see on a daily basis. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Scottish Charity Awards this year, including our sponsors, the Sheraton Hotel for hosting us and of course to Sally Magnusson who was lovely as ever.

“Congratulations to all the finalists – I’m already looking forward to what the next year brings!”

Tai Chi at Fresh Start

We will be running Tai Chi classes in the Hub space at Ferry Road Drive from Wednesday 7th June from 1.30 – 2.30pm. This is a very relaxing form of light exercise, good for the mind and body!

We have spaces for 10 and people don’t have to come every week, if they prefer to drop in week to week as it suits them, they can.

Please share with your networks and ask people to sign up by emailing me if they are interested: Abigail@freshstartweb.org.uk

Tai-Chi-flierDownload

Abi

Fresh Start Pantry: New opening hours

From this week, our Pantry will be open an extra day!

You asked, we listened! Following feedback from pantry users, our new pantry opening times are:

Monday 9 – 12.30pm

Tuesday 9 – 12.30pm

Wednesday 3.30 – 6pm

Friday 9 – 12.30pm

Please vote for Fresh Start for the Community Action Scottish Charity Award at the Scottish Charity Awards 🙏

It takes 2 seconds to vote, just click through the link below –

https://scvo.scot/…/community-action/fresh-start-scotland

Edinburgh Science is set to star at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards  

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector. 

This year’s shortlist includes 32 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country following a record-breaking number of nominations. While a judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.scot/vote – before 5pm on Wednesday 24 May 2023. 

Edinburgh Science has been recognised as a finalist in the ‘Climate Conscious’ category and are encouraging those in Edinburgh to vote for them. 

A spokesperson for Edinburgh Science said: “Climate change is undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges of our time but we believe that if we all work together we can build a better future for everyone.

“Edinburgh Science has been dedicated to taking climate action for many years now, from empowering our Edinburgh Science Festival audiences, supporting small businesses and organisations to build their own carbon management plans with The NetZeroToolkit and even with senior business leaders and decision-makers through our Climate Co-Lab meetings.

“We are proud to be shortlisted for this important award – it really does mean the world to us.”  

The 2023 Scottish Charity Awards winners will be announced at a celebratory awards ceremony in Edinburgh on 23 June 2023 – hosted by TV presenter Sally Magnusson. 

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “This year’s Scottish Charity Awards are a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the exceptional individuals and groups within our vibrant sector.

“This year’s record-breaking number of nominations underlines the strength of Scotland’s voluntary sector, and the crucial work that we see from charities and voluntary organisations across the country. The hard work and dedication of people and organisations like these 32 finalists are making Scotland a better place to live and work.  

“There is still a chance to have your own voice heard by voting in the People’s Choice Award. Don’t be late – participate! 

To view the full list of finalists, visit the SCVO website. 

Fresh Start one of eight Edinburgh charities shortlisted for awards

Vote for your favourite Scottish Charity Awards finalist!

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

This year’s shortlist includes 32 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country. While a judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.scot/vote – before 5pm on Wednesday 24 May 2023.

There are eight Edinburgh-based organisation and individual finalists:

  • Capability Scotland (Pioneering Project)
  • Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – Charlie Leavy (Employee of the Year)
  • Fresh Start Scotland (Community Action)
  • Edinburgh Science (Climate Conscious)
  • YouthLink Scotland (Climate Conscious)
  • Brain Health Scotland – My Amazing Brain (Campaign of the Year)
  • Feniks  – Shed Your Armour, Show the Scars (Campaign of the Year)
  • RSABI – David Leggatt MBE (Trustee of the Year)

Winners will be announced on 23 June 2023 in a celebratory awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson at the Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, SCVO said: “The Scottish Charity Awards are a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the exceptional individuals and groups within our vibrant sector. 

“This year’s record-breaking number of nominations underlines the strength of Scotland’s voluntary sector, and the crucial work that we see from charities and voluntary organisations across the country. The hard work and dedication of people and organisations like these 32 finalists are making Scotland a better place to live and work.

“There is still a chance to have your own voice heard by voting in the People’s Choice Award. Don’t be late – participate!”

The full shortlist is:

Campaign of the year

  • Feniks – Shed Your Armour, Show the Scars
  • Brain Health Scotland – My Amazing Brain
  • Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity – Jack’s Wee Snowman with the Big Heart
  • Western Isles Violence Against Women Partnership – Safer Outer Hebrides

Volunteer of the year

  • Andrii Zhehestovskyi – Libraries & Information Services Dundee
  • Garry Duthie – Camphill School Aberdeen    
  • Gordon Harkin – Cancer Support Scotland

Pioneering project

  • Quarriers
  • SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health)
  • GEMAP
  • Capability Scotland
  • Cycling Without Age Scotland

Employee of the year

  • Man On! Inverclyde – Peter Canevale
  • Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – Charlie Leavy
  • Beatson Cancer Charity – Paul Sheerin

Community Action

  • Fresh Start Scotland
  • Golden Friendships
  • Maryhill Integration Network

Climate Conscious

  • YouthLink Scotland
  • Edinburgh Science
  • Climate Action Strathaven

Trustee of the year

  • Disability Snowsport UK – Carmel Teusner
  • Amma Birth Companions – Vongayi Mufara
  • Glasgow East Alcohol Awareness Project – John Strange
  • RSABI   – David Leggat MBE

Digital Citizens

  • Simon Community Scotland
  • Scottish Union of Supported Employment
  • North East Sensory Services (NESS)

Charity of the year

  • Team Jak Foundation
  • Maslow’s Community
  • Diversified
  • Community Food Initiatives North East

Tomorrow: A Recipe for Togetherness at Fresh Start

Gather together with Fresh Start for a FREE community meal tomorrow (Friday 12th f May) at lunch time!

Enjoy laughs, chats and a hot meal served up with tasty cheddar at this special event from Galloway Cheddar Family Favourites and FareShare🧀❤️

#GallowayGatheringProject

#GallowayGatherings

Scottish Charity Awards 2023 Finalists Announced

Vote for your favourite Scottish Charity Awards finalist!

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

This year’s shortlist includes 32 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country. Among those nominees are West-Pilton based Fresh Start, who have been shortlisted in the Community Action category.

While a judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.scot/vote – before 5pm on Wednesday 24 May 2023.

The full shortlist includes:

Campaign of the year

  • Feniks – Shed Your Armour, Show the Scars
  • Brain Health Scotland – My Amazing Brain
  • Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity – Jack’s Wee Snowman with the Big Heart
  • Western Isles Violence Against Women Partnership – Safer Outer Hebrides

Volunteer of the year

  • Andrii Zhehestovskyi – Libraries & Information Services Dundee
  • Garry Duthie – Camphill School Aberdeen    
  • Gordon Harkin – Cancer Support Scotland

Pioneering project

  • Quarriers
  • SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health)
  • GEMAP
  • Capability Scotland
  • Cycling Without Age Scotland

Employee of the year

  • Man On! Inverclyde – Peter Canevale
  • Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – Charlie Leavy
  • Beatson Cancer Charity – Paul Sheerin

Community Action

  • Fresh Start Scotland
  • Golden Friendships
  • Maryhill Integration Network

Climate Conscious

  • YouthLink Scotland
  • Edinburgh Science
  • Climate Action Strathaven

Trustee of the year

  • Disability Snowsport UK – Carmel Teusner
  • Amma Birth Companions – Vongayi Mufara
  • Glasgow East Alcohol Awareness Project – John Strange
  • RSABI – David Leggat MBE

Digital Citizens

  • Simon Community Scotland
  • Scottish Union of Supported Employment
  • North East Sensory Services (NESS)

Charity of the year

  • Team Jak Foundation
  • Maslow’s Community
  • Diversified
  • Community Food Initiatives North East

Winners will be announced on 23 June 2023 in a celebratory awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson at the Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, SCVO said: “The Scottish Charity Awards are a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the exceptional individuals and groups within our vibrant sector.

“This year’s record-breaking number of nominations underlines the strength of Scotland’s voluntary sector, and the crucial work that we see from charities and voluntary organisations across the country.

“The hard work and dedication of people and organisations like these 32 finalists are making Scotland a better place to live and work.

“There is still a chance to have your own voice heard by voting in the People’s Choice Award. Don’t be late – participate!”

New mural at Fresh Start

Check out this freshly painted mural outside Fresh Start in West Pilton ♥

National Galleries of Scotland have been working with residents and artists Fraser Gray and Eva Paredes to create this stunning artwork, inspired by the work the charity does to support the local community.

The mural is part of NGS’ work to build stronger relationships with people and organisations in North Edinburgh, where The Art Works will be based.

The mural also features some artworks inspired by the national collection – see if you can spot them!

Everyday English at Fresh Start

Please share with your networks, co-workers and anyone you work with who could benefit from Everyday English classes, held in a welcoming and informal setting at Fresh Start Hub, 28-30 Ferry Road Drive.

Tuesday mornings – 9.15am-10.45am – Improvers English

Thursday mornings – 10am-12pm – Beginners English

These classes are run by qualified ESOL teachers and are designed to help people practice learning English at beginner level (Thursdays) and at intermediate level (Tuesdays)

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is useful if people wish to practice and progress.

For more information and to sign people up, email abigail@freshstartweb.org.uk