Update on what's happening in the third sector #NeverMoreNeeded
Soccer Aid hits record target
Soccer Aid has hit a new record for donations. The annual fundraising football match has raised £11,552,577 for UNICEF.
For the first time in the match’s history, donations have been matched by both the UK government and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, meaning every £1 donated becomes £3 – up to £3 million – until Tuesday 6 October.
This year’s teams of celebrities and former professional footballers played for Generation Covid, and the money raised will help UNICEF stop the spread of coronavirus and limit the impact on children’s lives around the world.
The match, which was played behind-closed-doors at Manchester United FC’s Old Trafford, ended 1-1 and so went to penalties.
It was another enthralling contest between England, led by Olly Murs and the Soccer Aid World XI FC, captained by Mo Gilligan. England, co-managed by Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney and Sam Allardyce were up against Soccer Aid for Unicef stalwart Harry Redknapp and another former United and England star Bryan Robson.
With the sides unable to be separated at the end of ninety minutes, the match went to a penalty shootout for the third year running with the Soccer Aid World XI FC eventually winning for the second consecutive year.
Online summit plans for the future
An online conference was held this week to discuss how the community will bounce back from the coronavirus.
Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian held a partnership summit yesterday (Monday 7 September) to discuss creating a new West Lothian.
More than 100 participants joined in on Zoom, with SCVO chief executive Anna Fowlie the key note speaker, followed by Elaine Cook, deputy leader of West Lothian Council, who both made contributions about the potential for exciting and outcomes based partnerships to support the social and economic recovery.
It’s good to talk
Edinburgh based youth mental health charity, U-Evolve, have received a grant from from The National Lottery Community Fund to ensure that young people, parents and frontline professionals can access the resources they need to build good mental health, through their new online service- TALK hub.
U-Evolve, which was established in 2015, works with young people age 11-18 years old, providing therapeutic coaching, youth mental health awareness workshops and training for frontline professionals, such as teachers and youth workers.
The TALK hub will be a virtual one stop shop for trusted resources and tools to support good mental health and wellbeing. These resources for young people, their parents and teachers will include a series of videos and podcasts responding to the questions and concerns U-Evolve hear most.
Becky Duff, U-Evolve’s chief executive, said: “This support means that we can create our TALK hub and reach more young people and families than ever before. We’re seeing firsthand the impact the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have on young people and their families, and it’s more important than ever that these people can access the support they need, when they need it.”
Gifts help to brighten up community
Staff at a housing development in Edinburgh have gifted 27 customers with a memoir to remember their lockdown in a positive light and celebrate the easing of restrictions.
Bield’s Johnny Moat Place in Prestonpans kept spirits high by going above and beyond to support customers throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Ada Johnston, a member of staff at the development, said: “It’s been really fortunate that no one at the development has contracted the virus, however, like many, it has been a tough time for our customers who have not been able to receive any visitors and have been restricted to their flats.
“As we started to move out of lockdown, staff got together to think of ways to show our appreciation and to cheer everyone up.
“We found a Ceramic Bear in a Box gift and thought it was quite fitting as the message was ‘Sometimes all you need is a big bear hug’ – which is something many will resonate with after the last few months.
“We put the gifts into individual bags and delivered to each customer’s door, they were delighted – many quite overwhelmed – which made our gesture totally worthwhile.”
