Tag: Spartans Community Foundation

Football activity club funding doubles to £4 million

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:

ClubRegionProject Budget
Aberdeen FC Community TrustNorth£108,600.00
Broxburn United Sports ClubSouth East£149,700.00
Celtic FC FoundationWest£84,608.00
Dundee United Community TrustEast£89,130.00
Dundee United Sports Club 1984East£143,136.20
Dundee West Community TrustEast£104,010.00
Edinburgh South Community FCSouth East£135,000.00
Falkirk Community Football FoundationCentral£149,884.34
Glenrothes Strollers Community FCEast£134,335.00
Heart of Midlothian Football ClubSouth East£158,250.60
Hibernian Community Foundation LtdSouth East£149,844.00
Inverness CT Community DevelopmentNorth£250,772.00
Montrose Community TrustEast£100,185.00
Morton in the CommunityWest£82,946.25
Motherwell FC Community TrustCentral£120,066.50
North Kelvin Sports Development GroupWest£131,214.00
Partick Thistle Charitable TrustWest£183,238.47
Pollok UnitedWest£61,610.00
Queen of the South Community TrustSouth West£112,000.00
Queens Park FC FoundationWest£79,218.40
Rangers Charity FoundationWest£126,289.00
Spartans Community FoundationSouth East£178,544.00
St Mirren FC Charitable FoundationWest£151,300.00
Wasp Community ClubCentral£110,811.00
The Killie CommunitySouth West£53,923.45
Ayr UnitedSouth West£226,630.00
Blantyre Soccer AcademySouth West£126,220.00
Cumnock Juniors Community EnterpriseSouth West£31,000.00
Inverkeithing Hillhead Swifts / Blairgowrie and Rattray East£80,000
Ross CountyNorth£55,384.10

Menopause Goals at Spartans

‘Celebrating the Second Half‘

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.”

Edinburgh youth charities hit Young Start funding jackpot 

SPARTANS ARE AMONG THE LOTTERY WINNERS

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.

Groups can apply by emailing advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or calling 0300 123 7110.           

  Find out more at:

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/young-start       

    

    

       

Ends        

Young Start Table of Awards March 2024.pdf

Spartans Holiday Multisport Camp

Free multi-sport fun!

Lunches & snacks provided.

For kids 8-12yrs from North Edinburgh.

Meet at entrance of CCHS/Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.

Sign up on the day with parents/guardians or : @ https://ow.ly/jteU50QzSms

stefansantjer@spartanscf.com

07891234965 for info Single/multi-day options.

Spartans: Off The Bench programme

OPEN DAY INFORMATION SESSION

TUESDAY 16 JANUARY from 4 – 5pm

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.

Jamie Tomkinson (Youth Worker)

Spartans Holiday Programme

The holidays may be about to start but our Christmas programme will ensure that there are activities available during the festive season, beginning with Fridays FooTea Christmas dinners!

Check the information and remember there’s food etc available each day!

#HereForGood

Spartans Pop-Up Shop & DJ Event

WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER from 5 – 6.30pm at SPARTANS

In September this year, our young people held a successful Art Exhibition at the arts venue Out Of The Blue Drill Hall. At the opening event of CREATE TO ESCAPE, the young people sold prints of their artwork and raised just over £600 for for the charity Turn The Tables DJ, which offers workshops to improve mental health for those affected by homelessness. 

 Following on from the success, there will be an ART POP UP SHOP & DJ evening where some of our young people will be doing a DJ set, demonstrating the fantastic work they have been doing with their Music teacher Hope, here at the Alternative School. There will also be a chance to purchase some of the incredible Artwork by young people.

 Wednesday 13.12.23 5-6:30pm

Spartans at 94 Pilton Drive, upstairs in the Robinson Trust Suite

Please come along and support our young people in their final fundraising effort for this worthwhile charity which they chose to support!

Debbi is new CEO of Spartans Community Foundation

The Trustees of the Spartans Community Foundation are thrilled to announce the appointment of Debbi McCulloch as its new Chief Executive Officer, after a UK wide recruitment process run by Executive Search firm FWB.

Debbi will bring exceptional leadership, passion and dedication to the role, building on the Foundation’s reputation as both an innovator and leader in delivering social impact through sport and physical activity.

Debbi has been a highly valued member of the Spartans Community Foundation leadership team for the last 15 years. Her commitment to the vision and values of the Foundation has been exemplary.

Debbi is delighted: “Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Dougie for his leadership, support, friendship and passion over the past 15 years.

He has been a daily inspiration to us all, and has driven the Foundation’s strategy, success, and social impact to an incomparable level. For the difference you have made to so many people’s lives, and for the kind, thoughtful way you have done so, thank you.

“For myself, the opportunity to lead an organisation whose work is pivotal to changing people’s lives, is a tremendous privilege and honour. Over the past 15 years I have lived and worked in North Edinburgh.

“As we continue to help others, in whatever meaningful and relevant way we can, I am committed to making our local community a better place to work, live and thrive in. I look forward to working in partnership with the many fabulous people and organisations who share our passion for addressing and responding to the significant challenges we face as a society.”

Debbi is succeeding Douglas Samuel, whose contribution to the Foundation over the last 17 years has been immeasurable.

Douglas has been the embodiment of all that the Foundation seeks to achieve, and an inspiration to us all. We were delighted when his contribution was recognised with an MBE in 2022. We are also delighted that he will act as a consultant to the Foundation going forward.

Douglas said: “Coming from North Edinburgh, it’s been such a wonderful honour and privilege to be a part of the Foundation’s journey since it was formed in 2006.  Not everyone gets to do their dream job. 

“Being CEO has been just that, my dream job filled with so much love, joy and lots of special lifelong memories.  It’s also a job which has given me so much. I have been lucky enough to meet and work with so many amazing and truly inspiring people from all over the world. 

“To all the ‘blue coats’ and volunteers, I’d like to say a huge thank you to you for helping us to create a safe space, a ‘social home’ where people from all ages and backgrounds are truly welcome and can be themselves. 

“I’d also like to give a special word of thanks to Craig Graham for giving me the opportunity to be a part of his dream. I’ll always be forever grateful and indebted to him. Lastly, huge congratulations to Debbi on her appointment, I can’t think of anyone else more suited and/or I’d rather see leading the Foundation going forward. Dream Big, Dream Fierce, always.”

Chairman Craig Graham concluded: “We owe Douglas a massive thank you. He has been the critical driving force behind our success.

“His input has made a massive difference to the lives of so many in North Edinburgh and it’s fantastic that he will continue to support Debbi, myself and the wider Spartans team in an advisory role. 

“Debbi has been instrumental in our growth over the last 15 years and I am absolutely convinced that under her leadership the Foundation will deliver even greater social impact in our community in the years to come. 

“Please join me in wishing Debbi all the best in her new role.”