We’re thrilled to share that the amazing volunteers from Spartans Community Foundation have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024! This is the UK’s top honour for local volunteer groups – the equivalent of an MBE.
Spartans Community Foundation is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises, and volunteer groups to receive this award this year. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was set up in 2002 to mark the late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and continues now in King Charles’ reign, recognising volunteer groups doing incredible work to support their communities.
Next summer, Spartans Community Foundation representatives will accept the award from the Lord-Lieutenant of Edinburgh, and two of our volunteers will also be invited to a garden party at Holyroodhouse.
Debbi McCulloch, CEO of Spartans Community Foundation, shared: “We’re absolutely thrilled and honoured that our volunteers have received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
“This award is a tribute to their dedication, passion and hard work that makes a positive difference in our community every day.
“We couldn’t be prouder of this achievement and can’t wait to keep building a better future together.”
Join Us for a Charity Football Match in Support of Spartans Alternative School!
We are excited to invite you to a special charity football match in support of Spartans Alternative School and the Spartans Community Foundation—two incredible causes dedicated to empowering at-risk youth.
Date:Friday 27th September 2024 Time:2:00 PM Kick-off Location:Ainslie Park Stadium, 92 Pilton Dr, Edinburgh EH5 2HF
This event is extra special because it’s being organized by the Art Offenders, with the project managed by one of the talented students at Spartans Alternative School. The match promises to be an unforgettable showdown as The Young Team takes on The Auld Team, with a couple of special guests, including renowned chef Tom Kitchen, joining the fun on the pitch. It’s youth vs. experience in a game filled with competitive spirit and community camaraderie!
All proceeds from the event will go towards the construction of a brand-new youth work building on the grounds of the Spartans Community Foundation.
This new facility will be a vital space for education, mentoring, and community support, helping to transform the lives of young people in our community.
Ticket Prices:
Main Pass: £6
VIP: £10
Under 16s: £3
Under 10s: Free
VIP Experience:
Upgrade to a VIP ticket and enjoy exclusive access to the Robertson Trust Suite, where you can watch the game in comfort. The VIP room will feature a private DJ—one of our talented students—who will set the perfect atmosphere.
Guests will also enjoy food and refreshments and have the opportunity to mingle with our special guests, including Tom Kitchen.
What to expect:
High-energy football action between The Young Team and The Auld Team
Special guest appearances, including Tom Kitchen
A raffle with fantastic prizes from season tickets to gym passes and more.
Students Art pop up shop
Bake sales and fun activities for the entire family
Wet sponge bonanza for project manager Emma Easton and Youth work manager Kenny Cameron
By attending, you’ll be supporting Spartans Alternative School, the Spartans Community Foundation, and the incredible work being done by the Art Offenders. Your contribution will help build a brighter future for local youth.
Support to help families on low incomes with childcare
Football clubs and trusts across Scotland will receive additional funding to boost efforts to eradicate child poverty.
In the capital, four clubs – Spartans Community Foundation, Big Hearts, Hibernian Community Foundation and Edinburgh South Community FC – will all receive substantial government support.
The Scottish Government will double its investment in the Extra Time Programme, a joint initiative with the Scottish Football Association, from £2 million to £4 million for this financial year.
The funding will support more free before and after school clubs, and holiday clubs for children from families on low incomes.
By giving around a projected 3,000 children each week free access to sport and other activities which wrap around the school day, the funding will help more parents to enter or sustain employment or training.
First Minister John Swinney made the announcement during a visit to Pollok United’s after-school activity club where he heard about the contribution innovative childcare options are making to the eradication of child poverty.
Mr Swinney said: “We know funding from the Extra Time Programme is enabling football clubs and trusts to provide really valuable childcare options, particularly for families from low-income households who are most at risk of living in poverty.
“By removing barriers to affordable and accessible childcare, we will contribute to the eradication of child poverty. I will shortly set out further views on this crucial issue in Parliament.
“At the Nethercraigs Sports Facility, I saw children enjoying a healthy snack and fun activities including arts and crafts and sports. Parents have told Pollok United the service helps with food and childcare costs, relieving pressure on stretched family budgets.
“Like many others, I will be supporting Scotland at Euro 2024 when it gets underway in Germany this week. But the Extra Time Programme is a reminder that local football clubs are supporting communities here at home – providing valuable services beyond matchday. They understand the value of that support for local families, and they are well placed to provide crucial facilities and services.”
SFA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “We are delighted to announce this additional funding in conjunction with the Scottish Government to extend the Extra Time Programme.
“The benefits have been clear to see and it’s vital that we continue to offer support for families to allow children and young people to access as much physical activity as possible.
“As well as the thousands of children who will engage with the game, clubs are often the heartbeat of their local communities and it’s just as important that we offer more opportunities for parents and carers too. This programme is a great example of how impactful the power of football can be.”
A Spartans spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be part of this delivery in North Edinburgh, supporting families in our community and providing after school and holiday clubs for young people.”
Pollok United Community Engagement and Funding Lead Deborah McCabe said: “Pollok United is delighted to be involved in this innovative Scottish Government and SFA collaboration.
“It has enabled us to provide a service that not only supports families during this cost of living crisis by offering free childcare provision, it also demonstrates that grassroots football organisations are well placed to deliver successful wider socio-economic support within communities, resulting in meaningful outcomes for those involved.”
EXTRA TIME funding:
Club
Region
Project Budget
Aberdeen FC Community Trust
North
£108,600.00
Broxburn United Sports Club
South East
£149,700.00
Celtic FC Foundation
West
£84,608.00
Dundee United Community Trust
East
£89,130.00
Dundee United Sports Club 1984
East
£143,136.20
Dundee West Community Trust
East
£104,010.00
Edinburgh South Community FC
South East
£135,000.00
Falkirk Community Football Foundation
Central
£149,884.34
Glenrothes Strollers Community FC
East
£134,335.00
Heart of Midlothian Football Club
South East
£158,250.60
Hibernian Community Foundation Ltd
South East
£149,844.00
Inverness CT Community Development
North
£250,772.00
Montrose Community Trust
East
£100,185.00
Morton in the Community
West
£82,946.25
Motherwell FC Community Trust
Central
£120,066.50
North Kelvin Sports Development Group
West
£131,214.00
Partick Thistle Charitable Trust
West
£183,238.47
Pollok United
West
£61,610.00
Queen of the South Community Trust
South West
£112,000.00
Queens Park FC Foundation
West
£79,218.40
Rangers Charity Foundation
West
£126,289.00
Spartans Community Foundation
South East
£178,544.00
St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation
West
£151,300.00
Wasp Community Club
Central
£110,811.00
The Killie Community
South West
£53,923.45
Ayr United
South West
£226,630.00
Blantyre Soccer Academy
South West
£126,220.00
Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise
South West
£31,000.00
Inverkeithing Hillhead Swifts / Blairgowrie and Rattray
There are around 400,000 women in Scotland who are of menopausal age.Too many of them will feel like they are alone.
For some it’s still a taboo subject which can lead to a lack of discussion and understanding. Every area of their life impacted and, often, left with crippling social isolation.
Menopause Goals is a pilot programme that aims to harness the power of football to help – thanks to a collaborative effort from the Scottish FA, St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation, University of Glasgow, and menopause expert Maria Anderson.
The initial 12-week course – held at St Mirren Park – saw 25 local women, who each had to address a number of issues brought on by the menopause, report improvements with symptoms, a greater sense of empowerment and, overall, better mental health.
The plan is to roll the programme out across Scotland so it can be delivered by other football clubs and charity groups – and it’s coming to Spartans here in North Edinburgh this month (see poster).
Corrie Campbell (Scottish FA, Football Social Responsibility Officer)explained: “So far, the power of football has tackled a lot of issues, but menopause is one of the few remaining taboo subjects that impacts so many people.
“A lot of people are still embarrassed to talk about it, whether it’s in the workplace or within their own family and friendship groups.
“I think there’s a real opportunity for football clubs around Scotland to make a difference.
“We came together to form Menopause Goals because there’s a need for education and knowledge for women in Scotland and we’re really excited about it.
“The tagline is ‘celebrating the second half’ and we want to help provide the tools, knowledge and confidence so people know their life isn’t over when they’re perimenopausal or postmenopausal.
“The University of Glasgow’s research department conducted an evaluation of the project using various methodologies.
“The pilot spanned 12 weeks and involved 25 participants experiencing symptoms at different menopausal stages.
“The Menopause Goals leadership team – including Gayle Brannigan, Chief Executive of St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation, and our menopause expert, Maria Anderson – organised weekly in-person sessions, complemented by online resource sharing.
“The pilot aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge about menopause and their personal journeys, helping them comprehend the impact on their well-being, relationships, and professional lives.
“The research outcomes will pave the way for a resource that enables the implementation of similar programs in football clubs throughout Scotland. This resource will also contribute to government objectives, given that menopause is a focal point in the Women’s Health Plan.
“Looking ahead, the objective is to leverage football’s influence. This innovative resource aims to educate and empower volunteers and staff within football across Scotland, providing them with tools and knowledge to support women gradually.
“The goal is to enable women to comprehend the complexities of menopause, fostering logical thinking about their body’s needs. By applying their learning in manageable steps, women can reduce symptoms, boost confidence to communicate with health professionals, and articulate their needs effectively.”
Dean & Cauvin Young People’s Trust has today (WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH) been awarded funding from the Young Start programme to continue delivering their vital support services to vulnerable young people in Edinburgh.
Funding of £99,347 was awarded to the 300-year-old charity as part of a total of more than £1.5 million awarded to 19 Scottish organisations supporting children, teenagers and young adults across the country.
Young Start, delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund, awards dormant bank account funding to projects that help young people reach their full potential.
Spartans Community Foundation also received funding of over £99,000. They will use their Young Start award to provide a three-year project to support 450 young people aged 10 to 18 through regular weekly clubs, workshops, day trips and residential trips.
The project, based at Ainslie Park in Pilton, will support children and young people from the immediate surrounding areas. The group will also support the young people in developing self-advocacy and communication skills. The project builds on the group’s experience of youth work in North Edinburgh and its partnership with other agencies.
Other Edinburgh-based projects to receive funding are:
The Venture Trust (£95,292)
This group will provide a two year project to support 110 young people aged 16 to 24. The group will support young people through intense complex challenges such as adverse childhood experiences, trauma, poverty, abuse and periods of homelessness and substance use issues.
The project aims to provide a preventative approach to these complex issues and avoid high-risk behaviours. The group will support young people from West Lothian, Midlothian, and Edinburgh.
U-Evolve (£91,505)
The group will provide a therapeutic programme of support to young people aged 11 to 18 in Edinburgh.
This programme has been developed by young people, and in response to challenges young people face with their mental health and wellbeing. This project will benefit 300 young people and 36 volunteers over the course of three years.
Youth Theatre Arts Scotland (£67,386)
The group will provide disadvantaged young people aged 16 to 24, who want to work in youth theatre with opportunities to train in youth theatre leadership, gain work experience, obtain accredited qualifications in youth work, and develop their CVs and interview skills.
The two and a half year project will benefit 100 young people and 40 volunteers.
Dean & Cauvin Young People’s Trust provides a range of support to vulnerable young people including helping with addiction and homelessness, supporting young parents, and family breakdowns.
Jay, aged 20 from Edinburgh, accessed Dean & Cauvin’s residential services with the help of her social worker, when she was 19 years old and had just given birth to her baby boy, Bob.
Jay said: “I was quite ill after giving birth to Bob – I had a blood clot and a collapsed lung, so I had to spend quite a bit of time in hospital.
“When I was better, I had nowhere to stay. There was no space with any of my family members, and having a six-week-old baby made it so much more urgent that I found a home. My social worker managed to find me a space at Cauvin House.”
Dean & Cauvin’s residential service – Cauvin House – provides accommodation to young parents and their children, as well as ongoing parenting support and assessment, to help keep families together.
One year after Jay moved into the shared accommodation, an individual flat became available for her, which she was able to transition into.
Jay said: “It feels amazing to have our own space. Living with Bob in the shared accommodation was obviously so much better than the alternative – being homeless – but having got a wee flat for us is giving me so much independence.
“I still get a lot of help from the staff – I had a really bad period of mental illness a while back and began self-harming, and my support workers were always there for me and have helped me come back out of that and be mentally well again.”
Jay says thanks to the charity, she’s looking forward to the future and hopes to go back into education.
She explained: “I was studying childminding at college when I got pregnant, and now I feel like I’m in a good position I want to go back and finish it when Bob goes to nursery.
“I’m so thankful for everything the staff at Dean & Cauvin have done for me – they’re like a second family – they’ve been there through it all with us.”
Lianne Thomson, House and Community Service Manager at Dean & Cauvin Young People’s Trust said: “We are deeply grateful for the Young Start funding as it has enabled us to continue making a real difference to the lives of our young people.
“It has helped us to provide vital support and resources to empower and impact the lives of the families we work with. I am immensely proud of Jay’s progress and it has been a privilege to join her on her parenting journey.”
Announcing today’s funding, The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “Support services such as Dean & Cauvin are such important resources around the country for so many young people like Jay to help turn their lives around in moments of real difficulty.
“We are always keen to support projects that put Scotland’s young people at the heart of the development and running of services. If your group has an idea how you would make this happen, then we’d love to hear from you.”
Young Start helps young people aged eight to 24 become more confident and play an active part in realising their potential. Funding of up to £100,000 is available for youth led projects.
Please help us to collect Easter Eggs for our local schools, pantries and food banks. You can drop donations at the Foundation until March 22nd. Thank you
I’d like to inform you about a new programme starting here in late January for 16 – 25yrs.
It’s an ideal programme for school leavers who haven’t got anything lined up and/or aren’t quite yet ready to make the step into more formal education or employment.
We are holding an Open Day here at The Foundation on Tuesday 16 January from 4 – 5pm for all those who are interested.
See above for information – any questions please just let me know.
