Looking to the Future
2019 has already been an extremely difficult year for our charity. The ending of Big Lottery funding in June (worth £375,000 a year) was always going to be a major challenge. As a result, we had to downsize and restructure the staff team. This has been a painful and emotional process; losing the talents of George, Jerome, Rob, Jo, Mo, Donna and Claire will be a great loss to our organisation. However, we must look to the future. It’s a future full of hope and a definite air of excitement.
Fundraising & Voluntary Support
We now have a new fundraising strategy in place to make us more sustainable. The life-changing work we all do is being recognised by the Scottish Government and Scottish MSPs, plus the Lord Provost of Glasgow City Council is visiting us in September. We were invited to meet with the new Mental Health Division in the Scottish Government and it’s clear that new funding is coming soon for groups working with young people suffering with mental health issues. We have also been asked to help advise them on how this new funding might be distributed. These are positive signs that we are moving in the right direction.
Over the past few months, we have received some fantastic news on funding successes from The Gannochy Trust, Agnes H Hunter, Cashback for Communities Youth Work Fund and the National Voluntary Youth Organisation Support Fund.
Our Fantastic Supporters!
People have been actively fundraising for us over the summer. Huge thanks to Anja, Evelyn, Brett, Keith, Louise, Anda and Bogdan for raising over £4,879 between you all! Every penny raised makes a massive difference, ensuring that we continue our work with young people.
I have had the pleasure of meeting with our volunteers in Glasgow and Edinburgh and have been bowled over by their willingness to help and support us through these difficult times. Offers of help are coming from all over the place. We cannot thank you enough.
Organisational Strategy & Values
The remaining staff team spent four days at Stanhope Bothy in the Borders to review our plans for the future. We looked at how young people, staff, volunteers and Board all interconnect; discussed our values and strategy; and, of course, played some very silly games!
Volunteers' Views Required
We are also looking for volunteers’ views on our organisational strategy and values. We would like to invite all volunteers to a discussion evening in either Edinburgh or Glasgow (details below). This will be an interactive evening of ‘entertainment’ and a chance to discuss where we’re heading and how to get there. Pizza, tea, coffee and cake will be provided.
- Wednesday 21 August 2019 at 7pm-9pm in Glasgow
- Thursday 22 August 2019 at 7pm-9pm in Edinburgh
If you would like to attend one of these meetings, please email admin@venturescotland.org.uk and confirm which meeting you want to attend.
Save the Date! Volunteers are invited to the Volunteer Development Weekend on 13-15 September at Wiston Lodge. If you volunteer for VS, more details will follow soon.
Our Life-Changing Work
And most importantly, young people in both Glasgow and Edinburgh continue to engage with our programme and astound us with their passion and drive to make positive changes in their lives. I’ve been lucky enough to get time out with both groups and I always come back with my batteries recharged and a determination to ensure we can offer life-changing opportunities to more young people.
Thank You!
…from the bottom of my heart for all the support, hard work and enthusiasm everyone has shown in this difficult year. Together, we will build an amazing future for our charity whilst also #ChangingYoungLives.
David Brackenridge
Chief Executive of Venture Scotland
