The winners of Scotland’s annual awards for success in social enterprise have been announced at an awards ceremony in The Scottish Parliament.
The winner of Social Enterprise of the Year 2019 is Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE), Environmental Social Enterprise was awarded to The Shieling Project and the One to Watch winner is Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.
CFINE improves health and well-being and the environment, tackles poverty and builds resilience through a range of support and services for and with disadvantaged, vulnerable, low income individuals, families and communities in NE Scotland.
Social Enterprise Scotland issued a call for applications earlier in the year, urging Scotland’s social enterprises to demonstrate how they’re improving the economy and society
Chris Martin, CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland, said:
A huge congratulations to the winners of Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2019 – and thanks to everyone who applied for the awards this year. The high standard of applications reflects the great mix of social enterprises across Scotland who are building an inclusive society and economy.
The Ceremony also saw the announcement of the 2019 winners of the Social Innovation Competition.
Delivered by social enterprise agency Firstport, the Social Innovation Competition uncovers exciting, innovative and enterprising new ideas that tackle Scotland’s most pressing issues.
The competition offers three £5000 awards – including the Young Social Innovator category open to applicants aged 16 to 30 – combined with tailored support to develop these ideas.
A peer counselling service to disabled adults, a ‘social croft’ providing a supportive environment for visitors with support needs, and a parenting group for families with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder were announced as winners this year.
The winners – Kerry Biss of Positively Able CIC, Sarah Asher of Darach Croft Social Croft and Paula McPhail of Oshay FASD – were presented with their awards by Aileen Campbell, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government.
Aileen Campbell said:
Social enterprises are driven by a passion to improve their local communities and provide a service for the greater good. These awards are an excellent example of how we can continue to support their vision to create a fairer and more inclusive Scotland.
The winners’ innovative ideas will transform the lives of people living with disabilities, their families and carers through crucial support, counselling and therapies which will help to rebuild confidence and improve wellbeing.
Image: Social Enterprise Scotland / Open Aye