Inspiring Scotland
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inspiringscotland.bsky.social
Inspiring Scotland
@inspiringscotland.bsky.social
350 followers 150 following 110 posts
We identify and solve problems on a national scale, working together for a Scotland without poverty or disadvantage.
https://inspiringscotland.org.uk/
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Reposted by Inspiring Scotland
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The SMK Annual Campaigner and Changemaker Survey provides insight and evidence to improve your practice and support your work. Take the survey by 3rd December.

https://forms.office.com/e/M2L9N2HUyZ

#SMKCampaignerSurvey
November 12, 2025 at 10:20 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
It's great to see the Bright Start Breakfasts funding in action across Scottish breakfast clubs, offering a combination of nourishment, play, and support to over 20,000 children and their families! 🍎🤸🏽👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Graphic titled Breakfast club investment across Scotland, showing map of Scotland with shaded areas going from light to dark brown. There's a list of all Local Authority areas with the amount of organisations invested in to deliver new and expanded breakfast clubs in each. Among the darkest shaded LA areas with the most investment are Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk, Glasgow, Fife, and West Dunbartonshire. Photo of children having breakfast at school and a Quote: “The Bright Start Breakfasts funding has made a real difference for our children and families. By ensuring pupils begin their day well-nourished and ready to learn, we have seen improved attendance, greater engagement in lessons, and a positive impact on attainment. Just as importantly, it has strengthened the nurturing ethos at Neilston Primary, helping us create a welcoming and supportive environment where every child can thrive.” – Gerard Curley, Head Teacher, Neilston Primary School Photo of children having breakfast at school and a Quote: “The expansion of breakfast club services is an integral part of our mission to eradicate child poverty. Breakfast clubs are community staples and provide a g for less than a year, and we are still finding our feet with it, but are in no doubt that it is a much needed and welcomed club. We're extremely grateful.” – Orla Bell, Treasurer, Cornton Out of School Care, Stirling Quote by Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville: “The expansion of breakfast club services is an integral part of our mission to eradicate child poverty. Breakfast clubs are community staples and provide a warm, friendly place for children to start their day in the best possible way, while supporting parents to work or study. Alongside our free school meals programme, which is providing nutritious meals to more than 230,000 primary school pupils, we are ensuring that children, regardless of circumstances beyond their control, are afforded the opportunities they deserve. While we know that a good breakfast can improve school attendance, learning and health, these clubs also help to address food insecurity for families. That’s why we are putting more money in people’s pockets by delivering real savings and this is, in turn, is helping to build a fairer Scotland.”
October 29, 2025 at 12:31 PM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
Today is #NationalMentoringDay – an opportunity to recognise the difference that a caring and consistent adult can make to a young person’s life.

👇 Every quote comes from someone who’s seen the impact of intandem mentoring, our programme for children and young people experiencing the care system.
Graphic reads: “I went to the library with (my mentor) and read my first big book. I now love reading books and am really good in English class now as well.” Quote by Young person Graphic reads:“He thrives with his mentor and it’s his favourite day of the week.” Quote by Brother and carer of young person Graphic reads: “Having a mentor has made a huge difference. She has more confidence and is willing to try new things.” Quote by Parent of young person Graphic reads: “Mentoring has shown me how small acts of kindness, giving my time and being consistent can make a huge difference in someone else's life.” Quote by Mentor
October 27, 2025 at 11:40 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund - Applications now closed!

Thank you to everyone who applied to the Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund, which will extend provision of these facilities across Scotland’s communities.

Decisions will be announced in early December.
Graphic with Changing Places Toilets Fund logo on white and blue background reads: Applications now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied. Decisions will be announced in early December.
October 24, 2025 at 9:06 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
🚨 Call for Campaign Ideas

We're inviting applications to support early-stage campaigning projects that tackle social injustice across Scotland.

- £3,000–£10,000
- 12 months
- Deadline: 21 Nov 2025

Find out more: inspiringscotland.org.uk/fund/ideas-f...
Graphic announcing: Call for Campaign Ideas - Small Grants Available. Application deadline: 21 November 2025. There are logos of Inspiring Scotland, Changing Ideas, and Ideas for Change, and three photographs - a crowd at a protest, a person giving a speech at a conference, and a group of people working together at a table.
October 22, 2025 at 12:24 PM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
AI is increasingly being explored across the third sector, but its successful adoption depends on keeping people at the heart of the process.
In this blog we share reflections and resources from recent Inspiring Change with AI workshops:
inspiringscotland.org.uk/ethical-lead...
Ethical Leadership in AI for the Third Sector: Insights from Inspiring Change with AI pilot programme  - Inspiring Scotland
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being explored across the third sector, but its successful adoption depends on keeping people at the heart of the process. In this blog, we hear from Andre...
inspiringscotland.org.uk
October 17, 2025 at 10:25 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
Let’s act now to reduce online harm.

We’ve created a Call to Action outlining practical steps we need to take to build a safer digital future for our children and young people.

📢 Add your voice as an individual or organisation: survey.alchemer.com/s3/8478436/S...
Graphic on purple and grey background, with an icon of an online form, reads: Our children and young people are suffering as a result of online harm. We need to act now. Call to Action on Reducing Online Harm. Commit to our statement if you agree we need to create a safer digital future for our children and young people.
October 15, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Reposted by Inspiring Scotland
scldnews.bsky.social
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.
October 10, 2025 at 8:50 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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
October 7, 2025 at 1:26 PM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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...
Graphic with the Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund logo and text: Non-profits and small businesses can apply for the project and development costs associated with building a Changing Places Toilet. The application deadline is Monday 20th October at 12pm (midday). At the bottom there are logos of Inspiring Scotland, PAMIS, and the Scottish Government.
October 6, 2025 at 1:18 PM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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. 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.
October 2, 2025 at 1:19 PM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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.
September 30, 2025 at 10:57 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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
September 24, 2025 at 3:24 PM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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
September 22, 2025 at 12:00 PM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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
Image shows Creative Communities Scotland logo, with a purple band at the top and bottom of the page. The Scottish Government and Inspiring Scotland logos are both at the bottom. Text on the page reads: "Applications now closed. Decisions will be announced at the end of November 2025. On the right is an image of a person with craft items including paper, tape, coloured pens and scissors.
September 19, 2025 at 11:51 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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
September 18, 2025 at 12:24 PM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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
September 8, 2025 at 11:14 AM
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Applications to join our Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund team as a Performance and Impact Advisor close next Monday (8 September)!
September 3, 2025 at 8:49 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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...
August 27, 2025 at 8:57 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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
August 25, 2025 at 10:19 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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
August 21, 2025 at 11:43 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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.
August 20, 2025 at 9:43 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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.
August 13, 2025 at 1:21 PM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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.
August 11, 2025 at 11:11 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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
August 7, 2025 at 11:39 AM