Grants ranging from £500 to £2,750 per trip are available from the Henry Smith Charity (now the Henry Smith Foundation) to support recreational trips or holidays within the UK for groups of disadvantaged or disabled children 13 years old or younger. Applications for trips taking place until Sunday 31 August 2025 can be made until Monday 21 July 2025.
News
Suicide Prevention Scotland Newsletter: June 2025 Edition
The June 2025 edition of the Suicide Prevention Scotland newsletter has been published, and is available to view or download. The newsletter aims to keep the Suicide Prevention Scotland Network up to date with progress on the implementation of the new national suicide prevention strategy. Items published in this edition include an article on our Creating Hope in Denny and Bonnybridge event.
2025 Voluntary Sector Workforce Survey Launched
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has launched its 2025 Voluntary Sector Workforce Survey. The aim is to better understand how people across the sector (volunteers, staff, managers, and senior leaders) feel about their roles (both paid work and volunteering), and how they can be better supported. The survey is anonymous, and should take between 10 – 25 minutes to complete, closing to new responses on Friday 8 August 2025.
Save the Date: National Youth Work Conference 2025
YouthLink Scotland has announced it will be hosting the National Youth Work Conference in Glasgow, on Monday 27 October 2025. This year’s theme is “Safe Spaces, Strong Futures – Youth Work’s Role in Safeguarding Young People and Promoting Wellbeing”.
Homeless Prevention Team Support Expansion
Falkirk Council’s Homeless Prevention Team is expanding its support to housing stability, to help residents stay in their homes or make planned moves. The team offers advice on landlord issues, money worries, housing applications, and the homelessness process.
“Tackling Sectarianism CPD for Youth Workers” Training
YouthLink Scotland is providing a free, online training session for youth workers on tackling sectarianism, taking place on Thursday 24 July 2025, 10am – 12pm.
Money Advice Scotland Financial Fitness July Session
The next session of Money Advice Scotland’s online Financial Fitness series, “Consumer Rights Calisthenics”, will take place on Tuesday 22 July 2025, 12pm – 1pm. They have also released new information in their “Ask the Expert” resources.
YouthVIP Report: Young People’s Perspective on Volunteering
The latest #YouthVIP report, developed in partnership with young people across the country, has been published with new insights into what motivates them to volunteer, the barriers they face, and what they need to feel inspired, included and supported. As a result, 9 recommendations have been formed to act as a guide for organisations looking to recruit and retain young people as volunteers.
Volunteer Opportunity: MCR Pathways Mentors
MCR Pathways supports young people who have experienced disadvantage and helps them to realise their full potential through education. The programme pairs Volunteer Mentors with students, and Mentors spend an hour each week listening to and encouraging a young person in their school. The programme is currently expanding across Falkirk District to include 3 new schools, which means more Volunteers Mentors are being recruited to support local students.
Volunteer Opportunity: FOSS Trustees
Friends of Scottish Settlers (FOSS) is a Falkirk-based befriending charity, which helps newcomers to the Falkirk District to make use of the knowledge, networks and services they need to live full, self-determined lives. They are now seeking to appoint up to 3 additional Trustees to join their Board. The deadline for applications is Friday 18 July 2025.
