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Reposted by Inspiring Scotland

scldnews.bsky.social @scldnews.bsky.social · 1d

A wonderful celebratory graduation for the latest Our Future Leaders cohort at the Hibs Social Club.

Ten weeks of learning about leadership, celebrating with friends and family.

A massive achievement by all the graduates, with support from Inspiring Scotland, The Action Group and SCLD.

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · 4d

Soft Skills Are the Hard Currency of Youth Employment

Our Future Now, our 10 year youth employability fund, isn't just about CVs and job applications. It's about investing in the “soft stuff” - and that’s precisely what makes it powerful.

www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
#challengepovertyweek

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · 5d

2 weeks left to apply for the Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund to cover project and development costs, open to non-profits & small businesses.

Find out more, watch our info session, look through updated FAQs on our website 👇
inspiringscotland.org.uk/fund/changin...

Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · 9d

We continue to evolve the programme and seek further investment to grow the scale and sustainability of the fund. A further £200,000 has now been awarded in a second round of funding to 16 ambitious community-led projects that will breathe new life into local environments across Scotland.

Community-led nature restoration projects across Scotland. A map of Scotland showing location pins and names of projects funded through the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund, some in Sept 2024 and others in May 2025

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · 9d

In its first round, NEF awarded £167,000 to 14 community groups, funding a wide range of development activities - from wetland creation in Ayrshire and peatland restoration on Skye to urban greenspace enhancement in Edinburgh and citizen science in Galloway.

PLUS Perth and Kinross received £12,633 to transform a neglected area in Perth city centre into a vibrant green space that supports biodiversity and community engagement.
The project developed a community-led biodiversity plan and delivered environmental education through film festival events, expert talks, and volunteer opportunities, while also building local capacity through climate emergency training. With a lease secured from Perth & Kinross Council, they aim to establish a nature area at Ropemakers Close and expand its ecological value.
They have also gained in-kind support from a local building company and are actively fundraising for infrastructure and long-term site management.

Uigshader Living Forest Project received £13,500 to support community-led restoration of degraded peatland and improve ecosystem health on a former commercial tree plantation.
They offered volunteer opportunities to build local understanding and long-term stewardship, employing a peatland restoration officer to lead activities, host expert talks, and ensure safe, effective participation. Over 300 people engaged through events like ‘peatland open days’.
With an expanded and trained volunteer team, the project now enters a new phase focused on restoring peatland across the site and monitoring biodiversity changes over the next 1–3 years.

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · 9d

This #ScotClimateWeek, we’re spotlighting community-led action for nature recovery across Scotland 💚🌱

Read about some of the projects funded through the
Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund (NEF) - a multi-funder initiative developed by Inspiring Scotland to support community-led ecosystem restoration.

Kilsture Forest Community Group received £13,350 to develop an interactive map documenting forest conditions, habitats, and key species through citizen science.
They hired an environmental project manager and collaborated with experts to deliver four key strands: the successful ‘Kilsture1000 Challenge’ which recorded 470 new species and rare finds; a wetlands survey with Galloway Fisheries Trust revealing reversed water flow and restoration potential; a woodland condition assessment by trained volunteers; and the creation of an interactive map by South West Scotland Environmental Information Centre.
Looking ahead, they are planning a full wetland restoration feasibility study, expanded species monitoring, and ongoing seasonal woodland assessments to support long-term ecological monitoring.

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · 11d

For the last six years, we have been delivering Our Future Now, supporting young people to unlock their potential - making them resilient, motivated, and employable for the long term.

Read more in our latest impact report: inspiringscotland.org.uk/news/our-fut...

Graphic with text and impact data from the Our Future Now Impact report.

We are investing in young people who are at risk of not fulfilling their potential. The return on that investment is not just individual - it is national.

Healthier, happier, more employable young people means stronger communities, reduced pressure on public services, and a Scotland
that thrives.

Our Future Now is the vehicle that makes this happen - proven, purposeful, and with potential to grow.

Acting collectively, we can build a future where every young person, no matter their background, has the chance to succeed, contribute, and belong.

Impact Data April 2024 - March 2025: 5,428 Young People Supported; 24,494 Soft Outcomes ; 10,826 Progression Milestones ; 3,077 Employability Outcomes.
More impact data stories can be found in the Impact report linked in the post.

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · 16d

We convened our second national gathering of charities and expert voices to mobilise action to reduce online harm on children and young people.

Participants shared insights, experiences, and practical steps to take. Read more in the event write up: inspiringscotland.org.uk/news/an-upda...

An Update on Collective Action to Reduce Online Harm - Inspiring Scotland

Across Scotland, children and young people are navigating a digital landscape fraught with risk. From cyberbullying and exploitation to the mental health toll of constant connectivity, online harm is ...

inspiringscotland.org.uk

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · 19d

Support in the Right Direction (SiRD) Networking Day and Year 1 Report published📝

Read about our August Networking Day and new Year 1 Fund Report, which explores the impact of independent support delivered between April 2024 and March 2025.

#SocialCare

inspiringscotland.org.uk/sird-network...

SiRD Networking Day and Year 1 Report Published - Inspiring Scotland

This summer marked the halfway point in our current three-year funding journey with the Support in the Right Direction (SiRD) programme. To celebrate and reflect, the SiRD team hosted a Networking Day...

inspiringscotland.org.uk

Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · 22d

Creative Communities Scotland - Applications now closed!

Thank you to everyone who applied to the Creative Communities Scotland fund.

Our team will now begin reviewing applications, with decisions to be announced at the end of November.

#CreativeCommunities #CreativeCommunitiesScotland

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · 23d

Applications are now open for the Outdoor Community Play Main Grants Fund 2026-28!

This fund supports registered Scottish Charities operating in SIMD 1 & 2 to deliver free child-led outdoor play that improves children’s health and wellbeing.

Apply now 👇
inspiringscotland.org.uk/fund/outdoor...

Outdoor Community Play Main Grants Fund - Inspiring Scotland

Inspiring Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government, is inviting applications for the Outdoor Community Play Main Grants Fund 2026–28. This fund supports registered Scottish Charities operating i...

inspiringscotland.org.uk

Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Sep 8

Considering applying for our funding to build a Changing Places Toilet but have questions?

Join our info session on 18 Sept at 12PM to find out more about the fund and ask questions to us and the team at @pamis-scotland.bsky.social

Book your space here 👉 www.tickettailor.com/events/inspi...

Simple graphic with text: Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund information session. Thu 18 Sep 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM BST Online, Zoom. At the bottom there are logos of Inspiring Scotland, PAMIS, and Scottish Government

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Sep 3

Applications to join our Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund team as a Performance and Impact Advisor close next Monday (8 September)!

Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Aug 25

We're hiring!

Performance and Impact Advisor
Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund

Office based, 35 hrs/w, £29,000 – £33,000 pa
Deadline: 8 September

inspiringscotland.org.uk/who-we-are/t...

We are recruiting! Join Inspiring Scotland's team!

Inspiring Scotland is recruiting for new members of staff to join the team.

inspiringscotland.org.uk

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Aug 27

Join our upcoming workshop with the Scottish Tech Army - Ask Me Anything Digital - to discover how technology can help your charity improve its reach, impact and effectiveness.

📅 Tuesday 16th September
🕐 13:00-14:00
📍Online (Teams)

Register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e94a66...

Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Aug 25

We're hiring!

Performance and Impact Advisor
Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund

Office based, 35 hrs/w, £29,000 – £33,000 pa
Deadline: 8 September

inspiringscotland.org.uk/who-we-are/t...

We are recruiting! Join Inspiring Scotland's team!

Inspiring Scotland is recruiting for new members of staff to join the team.

inspiringscotland.org.uk

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Aug 21

We must work together to find safer ways for our children and young people to navigate the online world.

We're sharing our work to date in this area and what we have learnt so far on this journey to help others.

Read more and access resources 👇
inspiringscotland.org.uk/commitment-t...

Our commitment to reducing the impact of online harm on children and young people - Inspiring Scotland

At Inspiring Scotland, we’re dedicated to improving the life chances of children and young people. However, as the digital world becomes ever more central to daily lives, we are increasingly concerned...

inspiringscotland.org.uk

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Aug 20

These insights have helped shine a light on what we have previously heard anecdotally: perinatal and infant mental health services are essential, yet severely under-funded and stretched beyond capacity.

Read the full report here: inspiringscotland.org.uk/wp-content/u...

FUNDING FRAGILITY AND IMBALANCE Third-sector organisations rely on a patchwork of funding sources, many of which are short-term and unstable. Despite high referral rates from statutory health and social work services, many organisations receive little or no funding from these services, creating a disconnect between demand and investment.

NEED FOR STRATEGIC INVESTMENT AND ADVOCACY Both sectors recognise the need for sustainable funding and strategic planning to ensure continuity of care. There is a shared call for greater recognition of the third-sector's role in delivering essential mental health support There is a desire from third- sector organisations to amplify the voices of families in shaping future services.

A NEED TO MOVE BEYOND TH SHORT TERM Public service reform presents a vital opportunity to rebalance funding, strengthen recognition of the third sector, and build sustainable, inclusive systems of care for Scotland' babies, infants, children and families. A national conversation is needed one that listens to those working on the front line, values their expertise and invests in the future.

Read more more about the survey, and our findings, in the full report above.

Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Aug 20

Under pressure but full of potential: an insights report on third-sector perinatal and infant mental health services in Scotland

To continue changing lives, services need greater recognition, sustained investment, and long-term support.

Read more: inspiringscotland.org.uk/under-pressu...

Title graphic introducing A sector under pressure, but full of potential - Key headlines from our insights survey into Perinatal and Infant Mental Health third sector services. Text is on teal background with an arrow pointing to the right, inviting the viewer to click on the next image to read more.

COMPLEX AND INCREASING NEEDS: Third sector services are supporting families with moderate to severe mental health concerns, challenging the assumption that community-based services are for mild to moderate needs. only Referrals are increasing in their complexity, with families presenting with trauma, poverty- related stress, and co-occurring issues such as substance use and domestic violence

STRONG STRAINED REFERRAL RELATIONSHIPS Health visitors midwives, and other statutory services are the primary referrers to third sector PIMH services. While collaboration is valued, reduced capacity and unclear referral pathways are limiting the effectiveness of these relationships.

SHARED COMMITMENT to COLLABORATION Both sectors express a genuine willingness to strengthen partnerships, co-deliver services, and improve communication. There is a shared ambition to enhance early intervention, particularly through ante-natal engagement and whole-family approaches.

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Aug 13

More funding through the Outdoor Community Play fund! 🤸🌟
We’ve just launched a new incubator programme for community groups in rural and remote areas to create more free, child-led outdoor play opportunities 👇
inspiringscotland.org.uk/fund/ocp-inc...

Outdoor Community Play Incubator Programme graphic with text and images. Text reads: Grants of up to £5000 and capacity building support for rural and remote community groups to deliver free, child-led outdoor play opportunities. Applications open: 1 September 2025. Applications deadline: 22 September 2025. Three slightly overlapping circles with photos of children playing outside.

Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Aug 11

New £320,000 fund opens for community-led arts in Scotland 🎭

Creative Communities Scotland aims to support and empower communities to develop cultural activities that benefit individual and collective wellbeing.

Find out more: inspiringscotland.org.uk/new-320000-f...

Graphic with an image of a woman pointing at a tapestry she contributed to making as part of Creative Communities funding, and text announcing a new programme, Creative Communities Scotland, is now accepting applications. Supporting grassroots organisations using creativity to boost wellbeing across Scotland. Up to £35,000 for projects to be delivered between January - December 2026. Projects will involve hands-on, participatory creative activity in any art form. Deadline for applications: 18th September 2025.

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Aug 7

The new £10 million Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund is now open for applications!

This Scottish Government fund will support the creation of up to 150 new Changing Places Toilets across Scotland.

Find out more: inspiringscotland.org.uk/fund/changin...
@pamis-scotland.bsky.social

A poster announces that applications are now open for the Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund. It invites non-profits and small businesses to apply for funding to support the development of fully accessible toilet facilities, with a deadline of Monday 20th October at 12pm. The poster includes logos for Inspiring Scotland, Scottish Government, and PAMIS, alongside a photo of a fully equipped Changing Places Toilet

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Jul 31

A special shoutout to the amazing young volunteers from PEEK’s THRIVE youth programme 👏
Funded through the Building Brighter Futures Fund, THRIVE gives young people the chance to build skills, gain experience & confidence to succeed in life.

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Jul 31

We had a great time yesterday at the PEEK (Possibilities for Each and Every Kid) National Play Day! 🥳
So many children and families enjoying play, creativity, and community. Huge thanks to @peekscot.bsky.social for having us!

Elaine is standing on a grass pitch, holding a colourful 'meteor' made of newspaper and streamers. She's smiling into the camera, with children and families walking behind her.

Grass and road with a fence. There is a big painted fake slice of a cake and muffin standing in front of the fence, which has four big painted letters leaning on it. The white letters read out PEEK on a red background with celebratory doodles.

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Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Jul 23

🎉 Nine charities have been awarded a share of the £2.5m Autistic Adult Support Fund – supporting autistic adults to understand what neurodivergence means for them & improve their wellbeing.

Read more: inspiringscotland.org.uk/news/support...

Inspiring Scotland @inspiringscotland.bsky.social · Jul 10

Inspiring Change with AI ֎
We're launching a collaborative pilot project to explore how AI can help address operational challenges across the third sector, with @ceisgroup.bsky.social and four of our funded charities.

Read more: inspiringscotland.org.uk/news/inspiri...

Inspiring Change with AI: Building charities’ capacity through a collaborative AI project - Inspiring Scotland

At Inspiring Scotland, we are committed to supporting the third sector to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. As part of this commitment, we have launched a new initiative: Inspiring Change with AI…

inspiringscotland.org.uk

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