The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG.
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Our latest members
Welcome to all the organisations that have joined SCVO recently. You can find out more about them below:
Armed Forces Covenant Fund
Joined SCVO on 27 March
<p>We’re a charity and non-departmental public body awarding grants across the UK to projects serving the armed forces community.</p> <p>Since we started our work in 2018, we’ve distributed more than £60m in Armed Forces Covenant Fund grants to projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We’ve also managed more than £100m from other funds on behalf of Ministry of Defence, HMT and the Office of Veterans’ Affairs.</p>
Carna Coast and Communities
Joined SCVO on 27 March
<p>The Advancement of Environmental Protection or Improvement with the aim to conserve and regenerate the rich biodiversity of the Isle of Carna and the surrounding waters of Loch Sunart, Loch Teacuis and Loch na Drom Buidhe. In the furtherance of this purpose but not otherwise, the organisation will: 4.2 Work hand-in-hand with local communities to protect and enhance these unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems for current and future generations. 4.3 Raise awareness and appreciation of the coastal marine environment and conduct base-line surveys and monitoring of marine habitats, species, environmental conditions and marine uses with the aim to protect and/or restore the marine environment 4.4 Raise awareness and appreciation of the terrestrial environment and conduct base-line surveys and monitoring of terrestrial habitats, species, environmental conditions and land uses with the aim to protect and/or restore the terrestrial environment through restorative land use management practices 4.5 Develop and work in partnership with individuals and organisations within the local communities and with others who share our aspirations to forward our objectives 4.6 Seek to explore and develop nature-friendly life opportunities and skills for local communities aligned with our objectives</p>
Mastrick & District Men's Shed
Joined SCVO on 27 March
<p>We aim to provide a community workshop where men get together to make things, repair things, learn skills, and—most importantly—socialise in a relaxed, friendly environment. They’re designed to boost wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and give men a sense of purpose through hands‑on activity and camaraderie.</p>
Naver Teleservice Centre SCIO
Joined SCVO on 27 March
<p>Principal Aim To manage and maintain a community facility that benefits people with different needs, living in a remote rural area, through the promotion of educational and social and opportunities Specific Objectives • Provision of office/meeting space at an affordable rate for variety of activities • Provision of local and national information/advice via statutory services and public noticeboards/leaflets (e.g. Highland Council, Community Council, voluntary sector) • Continue to develop collaborative links and partnership working with local organisations/groups (e.g. schools, library, trusts, charities, health & social care) • Maintain the building and its financial sustainability, exploring all resources available • Consultation with the community regarding any changes in use of the building</p>
Sharpen Her: the African Women's Network
Joined SCVO on 27 March
<p>Sharpen Her was born on International Women’s Day in 2019 to bring together African women living in the UK to support each other, network, connect, socialise, motivate, and build each other’s capacity. The concept of sharpening is derived from the saying ‘iron sharpens iron’. It is therefore our mission to encourage women to ‘sharpen’ each other. Our initial modus operandi was to bring women together to listen to a motivational story from a fellow woman and how they defeated challenges to get to where they are. In this vein we commemorate key events such as International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day to raise the profiles of women. Other events have themes such as A Mother and More, No Woman Left Behind, and The Strength of a Woman. We exist to foster cohesion, collaboration, and networking amongst African women. We also work to support integration and capacity building for our members into Scottish society. Our goal is to support African Women to be active citizens in the community they now call home. As women migrants they often face challenges based on various factors such as their race, ethnicity, educational status, disability, religion, sexuality, immigration status which compounds the inequalities that they may already be experiencing based on their gender. In addition, the women also face inner challenges such as low self-esteem and confidence, poor mental health, and physical health too. At Sharpen Her, we work towards mitigating as many of the consequences of these challenges within our capacity as much as we can. We share information, signpost, collaborate with other organisations, offer emotional and practical support, connect women at a social level utilising the skills assets, knowledge, and experience within our group to support each other. We deliver workshops, social outings for women and families, deliver training, participate in confidence building work and take part in consultations that ensure our voices are heard in decision making spaces. So far, we have contributed to the Scottish Government's Women's Health Plan, Mental Health Law Review, Online Harm Strategy, Covid Hesitancy Research, engaged in sensitisation for the Scottish Census, NHS Digital Healthcare "Telecare" consultation. This ensures that we get our voices heard and thereby we can influence policy and decisions that affect us.</p>
Sonic Bothy
Joined SCVO on 27 March
<p>Sonic Bothy is an award-winning arts charity that supports Disabled people and people with additional support learning needs, to create and play original contemporary music. Founded in 2012 by Claire Docherty, we have engaged and supported over 500 participants living with a range of complex underlying health conditions including epilepsy, autism and mild to complex learning Disabilities. We are based in Glasgow, Scotland.</p> <p>Our comprehensive suite of open workshops, professional performance and artistic development opportunities offer natural progression pathways for any Disabled person to be inspired, engaged and develop artistic identities. We are Disability-led, and our programmes are shaped by our people. There is a significant need and demand for more personal and professional development opportunities in Disabled communities, and cause for advocacy for Disabled people’s rights. Sonic Bothy will respond by advocating for autonomy – seeing an artist before Disability.</p> <p>Our highly trained freelance Staff Musicians facilitate the inclusive workshop programmes and support the ensemble. Our participants engage with their peers and perform, nurturing creativity and social engagement. Our activities are designed to empower Disabled people, reduce social isolation, and support physical and mental well-being.</p>
Rait Community Assoc
Joined SCVO on 26 March
<p>Our small hamlet of Rait in the Carse of Gowrie has a community owned village hall, an old building in need of constant maintenance and repair. We hold various meetings, classes, and parties. Every 2 years our main fund raiser is the Glen of Rait Games, a traditional Scottish Highland Games event on a small scale.</p>
Rutherglen & Cambuslang Foodbank
Joined SCVO on 26 March
<p>we are a volunteer led charity that provides emergency food and support to local people facing financial crisis. It is part of Trussell Network and operates through a referral system to ensure help reaches those in most need.</p>
Scottish Wider Access Programme - East (Swap East)
Joined SCVO on 26 March
<p>Access routes into university for adults with few or no qualifications</p>
The BIG Project
Joined SCVO on 26 March
<p>Established in 2002, The BIG Project is a trusted and much valued community-based Youth Project which adopts a preventative approach in supporting children and young people aged 5-18 years, living in the Broomhouse area of Edinburgh (SIMD 1 &2). The Project delivers continuing long-term support in the form of a programme of compelling and enriching educational opportunities and experiences incorporating universal youth/ children’s work, holiday activity programmes, targeted small group-work, and individual support ensuring a continuum of support. The main aim of the project is to provide positive and consistent role models for the children and young people, disrupting the cycle of poverty, unemployment and crime that otherwise exists in this area. Investing in children and young people, we deliver an innovative programme, promoting activities and interests not as an end in themselves but as part of a wider process of building relationships and aspirations ensuring that children and young people have opportunities to regularly participate in activities that strengthen their self-awareness and self-confidence, equipping them with crucial skills for a successful future. This programme complements but does not replicate the school curriculum.</p>
Afghan Women Association of Scotland
Joined SCVO on 25 March
<p>The Afghan Women’s Association in Scotland (AWAS) is a newly established organisation dedicated to empowering Afghan women and supporting them to achieve their personal, social, and economic potential. Our mission is to create opportunities for women to build confidence, develop skills, and become active and independent members of society.</p> <p>Afghan women, like many women from minority and refugee backgrounds, often face significant challenges both in their home country and after resettlement. While migration offers safety and new opportunities, many Afghan women arriving in Glasgow, Scotland, continue to experience isolation and barriers to integration. These challenges include limited English language skills, low levels of literacy, lack of awareness of their rights, and difficulty navigating public services such as healthcare, education, and employment support.</p> <p>Many of the women we support also lack strong social networks, which can lead to loneliness and reduced confidence in engaging with the wider community. Cultural and family responsibilities can further limit their ability to access opportunities. In addition, there are concerns among families about preserving language, culture, and religious identity, particularly for children growing up in a new environment.</p> <p>AWAS works to address these issues by providing a safe, welcoming, and culturally sensitive space where women can come together, share experiences, and support one another. We aim to deliver a range of activities and services, including basic English and IT classes, skills development workshops, confidence-building sessions, and information sessions on rights, health, and accessing local services. We also support mothers by creating opportunities for children to stay connected to their language and cultural heritage.</p> <p>Through our work, we seek to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and empower women with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their lives. By building confidence and independence, we help women take positive steps towards education, training, and employment.</p> <p>Ultimately, AWAS is committed to strengthening the role of Afghan women within their families and communities, while promoting inclusion, equality, and long-term integration into Scottish society.</p>
Granton: Hub
Joined SCVO on 25 March
<p>We are a volunteer-run charitable organisation that aims to elevate Granton's profile and provide a focus for Granton's diverse and evolving communities. We support the Arts: we deliver a year-long program of art classes and exhibitions with community art workshops. We advance local heritage: we have a substantial and unique collection of historical documents related to Granton and North Edinburgh and deliver regular educational events. We manage the ground floor of the Madelvic house in which we have three community meeting rooms and three artist's studio space for hire.</p>
Oromo Community in Scotland
Joined SCVO on 25 March
<p>The Oromo Community in Scotland (Registered Charity SC050737) was founded in 2015 in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom. It works to enhance and facilitate education, pathways to employment, counselling, youth empowerment, social integration, promoting and creating a vibrant, cohesive community that is well connected to the values of the larger Scottish society.</p> <p>Football Team Project Kids & Children Women's Project Integration Education Human Rights</p>
Rosneath Peninsula West Community Development Trust
Joined SCVO on 25 March
<p>We are dedicated to developing a sustainable and thriving Cove & Kilcreggan. It will be a place that nurtures the well-being of current and future generations, where residents and visitors find joy in living, exploring, and working.</p>
The Forge Banff CIC
Joined SCVO on 25 March
<p>The Forge Banff CIC is a community arts hub, which has been created to serve the community of Banff, Macduff, and the surrounding areas with classes, activities, and community events. We offer classes in art, craft, and jewellery making, and provide space for studio, gallery and retail for local artists. We also endeavour to work with community groups, schools, and other local businesses to raise the profile of the area, and play our part in keeping our local community thriving.</p>
Community Land Outer Hebrides (SCIO)
Joined SCVO on 24 March
<p>Community Land Outer Hebrides is the membership organisation of 17 existing and aspiring community land trusts in the Outer Hebrides. Over 50% of all land in the Outer Hebrides is owned by communities, and over 70% of the islands' population lives on community owned land.</p> <p>CLOH builds on the strengths of community landownership, enabling members to work together to deliver positive impacts for people and the environment, and to demonstrate how community empowerment amplifies such impacts. CLOH does this through activities like sharing knowledge and ideas, practice and resources, and training; enabling members to engage in collective action and new opportunities; strengthening their collective voice; supporting them to develop and set high standards; and promoting partnership working.</p> <p>Core parts of CLOH's strategy over the next 3 years focus on expanding collective action by our members for nature restoration and biodiversity, and developing resilient, sustainable and inclusive communities.</p>
Dunfermline Events CIC
Joined SCVO on 24 March
<p>Visit Dunfermline is an advocate for all things Dunfermline Organising events, publicising and organising local events and news</p>
UK Values Alliance
Joined SCVO on 24 March
<p>The UK Values Alliance is a non-profit, membership organisation with CIC status which supports people to explore personal, organisational and/or societal values and put these into practice to improve well-being.</p>
Food Flow CIC
Joined SCVO on 23 March
<p>FoodFlow is a recently formed Community Interest Company, currently working on developing an App to assist in managing food waste from food banks and other food initiatives. We aim to advance this work to a fully functional app with potential for further development. This project will reduce the amount of food going to landfill by diverting excess food to three different pathways through information sharing. </p> <ol> <li><p>Excess food made available for ongoing human consumption. (reducing waste and increasing choice for those accessing food banks and similar food services).</p> </li> <li><p>Where food is no longer suitable for human consumption, it can be made available for animal feed in zoos or pig feed. (food waste to landfill reduced, variety added to animal diets, reduced animal feed costs).</p> </li> <li><p>Where food is no longer suitable for animal feed, it is made available for growers to produce compost. (food waste to landfill reduced, soil improvement, reduced growing costs).</p> </li> </ol> <p>A stock control function is included, which enables food charities to measure and evidence their impact, as well as improve stock management and supply. Those benefiting from the App are the food charities, livestock producers and growers. </p> <p>Individuals benefit from greater choice and availability of food. </p> <p>The environmental benefit is reduced CO2 and methane emissions. </p> <p>Estimated full development is expected to run until March 2028. People are aware that development is already underway, thanks to consultations and communication with local food charities. Continued communication and demonstration events will be held once the prototype is available. Continuous feedback and monitoring of use and progress will identify areas for ongoing improvement and development. This app is new in that it is being developed for food charities and donors to use and benefit from, continuously improving service and food choice whilst reducing the amount of food sent to landfills.</p>
Moray Junior Ice Hockey Club
Joined SCVO on 23 March
<p>Provide ice hockey training to children aged 5-18</p>