Tag: SCVO

Delivering R100 for Scotland

Voucher scheme to ensure superfast broadband access for all.

Details of a voucher scheme to help ensure everyone in Scotland will have access to superfast broadband by the end of 2021 have been announced.

The Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme will provide funding of up to £5,000 to help homes and businesses not in scope of either Reaching 100% (R100) contracts or planned commercial investment to obtain superfast broadband where providers may not ordinarily go.

Interim vouchers of up to £400 are also being made available for premises where superfast broadband is planned for after the end of 2021 – with an additional £250 for those in the hardest-to-reach areas.

An online postcode checker has been launched to give homes and businesses information on superfast roll-out in their area as well as providing information on voucher scheme eligibility.

Scotland’s Connectivity Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “Digital Connectivity has played a vital role in supporting our efforts to keep people safe during the Covid-19 lockdown and will be pivotal in plans for our strategic economic recovery from the pandemic.

“Work is underway to build the infrastructure which will underpin R100, backed by Scottish Government funding of £579M. This, together with commercially-driven work, will ensure the vast majority of homes and businesses across the country can access superfast broadband access by the end of 2021.

“But Scotland has some of the most challenging locations anywhere in Europe for providing telecoms infrastructure and I have always been clear that additional measures may still be needed to provide superfast access to some of the hardest-to-reach areas.

“That is why we have been developing plans in parallel with the main infrastructure investment to ensure our 100% commitment is met, and the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme offering a level of funding far exceeding that of any other broadband voucher scheme currently in operation within the UK, will ensure that everyone can access and benefit from this world-leading digital capability.” 

The R100 online postcode tracker is live now.

CONNECTING SCOTLAND

Around 23,000 low income households without proper internet access will be helped to get online with the assistance of £15 million of Scottish Government funding.

The investment, part of the Connecting Scotland programme, will prioritise disadvantaged families with children and young people leaving care. These families will get a device, twelve months unlimited data as well as technical support to get online safely and securely.

Households will also be linked with a Digital Champion who will provide six months of training and support over the phone. Suitable recipients will be identified by local authorities and third sector organisations who apply to the programme on behalf of those they support.

This second phase of the programme, builds on an initial £5 million to get up to 9,000 households with people at clinical or high risk from Covid-19 connected online.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “It has never been more important to be connected and online. It enables us to access information about how to stay safe and healthy during Covid-19, keep in touch with friends and family, and study or work.

“I am therefore very pleased to be able to extend our Connecting Scotland programme and tackle the digital divide by reaching over 30,000 households across both phases that are experiencing difficulties with online access.

“An additional £15 million will help thousands of families and young care leavers who could not otherwise afford to get online, making sure they are not further disadvantaged by providing the necessary hardware, data, and skills they need to get connected.

“This builds on £25m investment in devices and connectivity which will support around 70,000 school pupils.”

David McNeill, Director of Development at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, added: “The first phase of Connecting Scotland has made a significant difference to the lives of thousands of people who were missing out on the benefits of being online. It has enabled them to stay connected to friends and family, informed and entertained, and able to continue with learning and work.

“This additional investment will enable hundreds of organisations from across the public and third sectors to provide support to those who need it most, removing the barriers related to the affordability of kit and connectivity, as well as helping to build digital confidence and skills.”

Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive, Children 1st also said: “Children 1st were delighted to take part in the first phase of the Connecting Scotland programme to help families without access to IT to cope through coronavirus.

“Good digital access is essential to keeping both children and parents connected to education, their friends and families and to wider support from charities like Children 1st during these extremely difficult times.  It’s great to see the programme being rolled out to reach even more families.”

MND Recognition at Scottish Charity Awards

MND Scotland chairman Lawrence Cowan has been shortlisted for an SCVO Scottish Charity Award, which pays tribute to the inspiring individuals who help transform our society every day. 

This year has been monumental in our fightback against MND – January saw the launch of the UK’s biggest MND drugs trial, thanks to the many fundraisers, researchers and leaders in our community.  

Lawrence is in the running for the ‘Charity Champion’ award because of everything he has done both personally and professionally in the fightback against MND.

Lawrence’s best friend Gordon Aikman died of MND when he was just 31 years old. Gordon spent the time he had left campaigning for the rights of people affected by MND and fundraising to find a cure. Before Gordon died, Lawrence made a promise to do everything he could to help bring drugs trials to Scotland. This year that promise became a reality.

Personally, Lawrence has helped raise over £700,000 for cutting-edge research, and during his leadership as MND Scotland’s chairman, the charity achieved its highest income to date and invested £1.5 million into the pioneering drugs trial MND-SMART – the largest investment into research the charity has ever made.  

Through this nomination, Lawrence is now being recognised for his contributions to the cause and is following in the footsteps of his late friend, who won this award in 2016. 

Lawrence said: “This year we’ve made an historic leap forward in our fightback against MND. A few years ago drug trials for people with MND in Scotland were just a dream. Now almost everyone will be able to get on a drug trial in Scotland.  

“We’re now at the cutting edge of treatment trials in the UK. We got here through people moving mountains for those they love – and those they’ve lost. This nomination is for everyone in our MND community who have made history and I hope I can do them proud on the night.” 

Lawrence is joined by MND charities My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Euan’s Guide, who have also been shortlisted for awards.  

The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which has been nominated for Charity of the Year, was founded by rugby legend Doddie Weir OBE. Since his diagnosis in 2016 he has spent his time raising awareness of the disease by sharing his story and raising funds to find a cure. The foundation has also donated £280,000 to MND Scotland’s grants programme, to help families in Scotland who are struggling financially because of MND.  

Euan MacDonald, also shortlisted in the Charity Champion category, was diagnosed with MND in 2003 and driven to help find a cure, he established the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research. This centre at the University of Edinburgh is home to the clinical drugs trial MND Scotland helped fund. As a powerchair user, Euan also founded the charity Euan’s Guide, a disabled access review website which gives disabled people the information they need to visit places with confidence. 

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “Much of the work celebrated this year predates the pandemic.  All aspects of our lives have been disrupted in 2020. Our communities and the charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises they rely on have been under enormous pressure.

“Scotland’s voluntary sector has never been more needed and will be essential to Scotland’s recovery. At SCVO we know that fantastic work is going on all the time and we are delighted to celebrate these achievements and successes through the Scottish Charity Awards.

“This year’s shortlist of 45 finalists showcases just how diverse our voluntary sector is, and highlights the fantastic work that has been going on across the country since the last Awards until March this year.

“The Awards are a great way of celebrating and recognising the people and organisations who make our voluntary sector a crucial part of every part of life in Scotland. Our finalists are fantastic and I would encourage everyone to support their favourite by voting in the People’s Choice Award.”

Cast your vote!

Lawrence, Euan and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation are also in with a chance of winning the People’s Choice Award which is decided by a public vote.

So give MND your vote by Friday 4th September at 5pm: https://scvo.org.uk/scottish-charity-awards/finalists-2020. 

The results will be announced on Friday 25th September. 

Pavement parking ban campaign shortlisted for charity award

Living Streets campaign shortlisted for national award

Living Streets’ campaign to ban pavement parking in Scotland has been shortlisted for a national charity award, following a ten-year campaign to make streets safer for pedestrians in Scotland.  

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 45 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country.

In October 2019, the Scottish Government passed a bill implementing a nationwide ban on pavement parking, following a decade-long campaign from Living Streets and disability charities as part of the Responsible Parking Alliance. 

Living Streets Scotland has been recognised as a finalist in the ‘cracking campaign’ category and is encouraging people who support safer streets for walking and wheeling to vote for them. 

Voting opens today – Friday 14 August – and runs until Friday 4 September. While a judging panel will determine the winners under eight 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.org.uk/vote.

Stuart Hay, Director of Living Streets Scotland, said: “We’re so pleased to be shortlisted for this year’s charity awards. Our pavement parking campaign spanned ten years, bringing in partners and members of the public from across Scotland calling for safer streets for walking.  

“Pavement parking is incredibly dangerous, particularly for people who use wheelchairs and mobility aids, people living with sight loss and families with buggies. There will be a real impact from the ban, creating safer and more welcoming streets for everyone.  

“We’re thankful to SCVO for the nomination and for the work of others in the Responsible Parking Alliance for their support during the campaign.” 

The full list of finalists can be found on the SCA website. Due to the impact of coronavirus, this year the Awards will run a little differently. Winners will be announced on 25 September (rescheduled from June) and will now take place online so that all finalists and attendees who wish to attend are still able to join the celebrations in a safe way, regardless of lockdown phase or shielding status.  

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “Much of the work celebrated this year predates the pandemic.  All aspects of our lives have been disrupted in 2020. Our communities and the charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises they rely on have been under enormous pressure.

“Scotland’s voluntary sector has never been more needed and will be essential to Scotland’s recovery. At SCVO we know that fantastic work is going on all the time and we are delighted to celebrate these achievements and successes through the Scottish Charity Awards. 

“This year’s shortlist of 45 finalists showcases just how diverse our voluntary sector is, and highlights the fantastic work that has been going on across the country since the last Awards until March this year.

“The Awards are a great way of celebrating and recognising the people and organisations who make our voluntary sector a crucial part of every part of life in Scotland. Our finalists are fantastic and I would encourage everyone to support their favourite by voting in the People’s Choice Award.” 

New round of Wellbeing Fund open for applications

The second round of the Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Fund is now open to applications from voluntary sector organisations providing crucial services to people as a result of coronavirus.

The Fund is being delivered through an innovative model which involves national organisations and funders working alongside Third Sector Interfaces from across Scotland’s 32 local authorities.

The first round closed on 30 April having received over 1,000 applications, with half of applications already assessed and more than £6 million approved for funding so far.

Awards have been offered to support a wide range of activity across all communities in Scotland.  From creative learning packs, online exercise classes and increased phone contact to support the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and young people, to grocery and baby essential parcels for those who are self-isolating.

So far the majority of applications have been from local organisations working within a single local authority, and early analysis indicates good targeting towards areas of deprivation and those experiencing greater vulnerability.

The most common beneficiary group in round one was children and families followed by older people, and almost 60% of projects aimed to support mental health and wellbeing.  Around £4 million of applications related to food preparation and distribution.

The second round of the Wellbeing Fund is open to all voluntary sector organisations that did not apply or receive funding from the first round.

Applications from organisations working to support people facing financial or employment difficulties are being particularly encouraged, as well as applications from organisations working with minority communities.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “I am pleased the Scottish Government continues to be able to support the vital work of Scotland’s third sector in providing a wide range of support for vulnerable communities at this difficult time.

“Through the first phase of funding, charities and social enterprises helping families and children were among the main beneficiaries and, as the second phase of funding is launched, we would particularly welcome applications that provide financial advice or employability support.”

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), one of the national funding partners, said: “I am pleased we are able to build on the success of the first round of the Wellbeing Fund and bring much-needed funding to voluntary sector organisations.

“Across Scotland, the sector is providing vital services and support to the people who need it most. New needs are emerging as the full impact of the pandemic unfolds and it is important that those needs are addressed. The partnership of government, grant-makers and local and national infrastructure organisations has been fundamental to making this work.”

Anthea Coulter on behalf of the TSI Scotland Network said: “The third sector has responded swiftly and safely in a complex and changing environment to protect and support the most vulnerable in our communities.

We are delighted that the TSI Scotland Network’s local knowledge is being recognised and understood and we are proud to be helping to ensure that funding gets through to these frontline organisations,  leveraging across Scotland the Network’s local connections, relationships and knowledge to continue this vital work.”

For more information about the Wellbeing Fund, including eligibility criteria and a link to apply – visit the SCVO Coronavirus Third Sector Information Hub at https://scvo.org.uk/support/coronavirus/funding/scottish-government/wellbeing-fund.

Wellbeing Fund is open for bids

Third sector organisations across Scotland are being encouraged to apply for emergency funding to help cope with the effects of coronavirus (COVID-19).

More than 2000 charities, community and voluntary groups, and social enterprises are being offered immediate financial support from the £50 million Wellbeing Fund, which has been established to assist third sector organisations working with people impacted by the pandemic.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell announced yesterday that organisations will also be able to submit an expression of interest to access financial support through the website of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).

Ms Campbell said: “Last month, I announced a £350 million package of emergency funding for a wide range of organisations, as communities across Scotland are already adapting their services to ensure they are providing vital support to people who are worst affected by COVID-19.

“This £50 million funding will help to continue that work as well as supporting new services to get people through these difficult times.”

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “The Wellbeing Fund has already seen much-needed money get to the frontline. Today it is being opened up to an even broader range of voluntary organisations.

The voluntary sector has stepped up in communities across Scotland to provide vital support to people who really need it and it’s great to see the Scottish Government recognise that.

“Scotland has been ahead of the game in understanding the vital role that charities and community groups play in dealing with the impact of Cornonavirus and at SCVO we are pleased to be playing our part.”

Any organisation wishing to submit an expression of interest can do so through the Coronavirus Third Sector Information Hub on the SCVO website here.

The £50 million Wellbeing Fund is part of a £350 million package announced by the Scottish Government to support those most affected by the pandemic, and enable a swift response according to local need.

Of this, £10 million has been allocated for immediate priorities and £7 million committed to support around 2000 charities through small grants.

This leaves £33 million of the Wellbeing Fund now open to bids from third sector organisations.

The Scottish Government is working with Corra, Inspiring Scotland, the STV Appeal and SCVO to allocate the funding.

They will be assisted by Scotland’s network of Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs) – business gateways which provide a single point of contact and support for charities and social enterprises, with an active presence in every local authority in Scotland.

Three organisations make Up Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface. They are EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council), Volunteer Edinburgh and Edinburgh Social Enterprise.

Briggs praises work of Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has praised the work of the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) in supporting charities, social enterprises and Voluntary groups to make Scotland a better place.

The SCVO promotes voluntary organisations and lobby the Scottish Government on their behalf.

To celebrate 20 years of the voluntary sector and the Scottish Parliament working together SCVO have published a book, “Charities, Scotland & Holyrood, Twenty Years Delivering Change”. You can find an electronic copy of the book here.

Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservative Lothian MSP, said: “The voluntary sector in Scotland plays a huge role in communities up and down the country.

“Thousands of volunteers give their time and money to help a range of excellent causes that make a huge difference to peoples life.

“The SCVO do an exceptional job speaking on behalf of volunteers in Scotland and this new book aptly celebrate the working relationship between the Scottish Parliament and the voluntary sector over the last 20 years.”

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Celine shines at Scottish Charity Awards

The Yard’s Celine is leading light at Charity Awards 

Charities and individuals from across Scotland have been recognised for the life-changing difference they make at the 2017 Scottish Charity Awards, which took place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last night. Among the winners was The Yard’s Celine Sinclair, who won the Leading Light award. Continue reading Celine shines at Scottish Charity Awards

‘Communities know best’: three year funding for local anti-poverty initiatives

Local groups and organisations across Scotland are to benefit from new investment of £1.9 million to tackle poverty and mitigate UK Government welfare changes. Continue reading ‘Communities know best’: three year funding for local anti-poverty initiatives