Inspiring Scotland
LightNews LightNews
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/
Posts Replies Media Videos
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
Mentoring isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being consistent, listening, and helping a young person feel seen and supported.

Could that be you?

Learn more about becoming a mentor: www.intandem.scot/get-involved...
Graphic reads: Right now, intandem volunteers are having a positive impact on the lives of young people across 20 local authorities. But we know there are more who urgently need our support. We are looking for volunteer mentors who can show up, listen, and make a lasting difference. Could that person be you?#NationalMentoringDay
October 27, 2025 at 11:40 AM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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
October 2, 2025 at 1:19 PM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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.
October 2, 2025 at 1:19 PM
inspiringscotland.bsky.social
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.
August 20, 2025 at 9:43 AM