An autism employment project and a news outlet for the community of Raasay are two of the projects to win a share of the latest Awards for All grants
A Scottish charity helping people with autism spectrum conditions into self-employment is one of 66 group across Scotland sharing nearly £500,000 from Awards For All Scotland.
Based in Edinburgh, the charity Iworkforme provides help to those who don’t have access to mainstream self employment opportunities.
The group received £10,000 for a self-employment coach to run a series of specialised coaching sessions addressing individuals needs and giving people the skills, confidence and information to start up their own business.
Susan Hope, Iworkforme development manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been successful in achieving our Awards for All grant.
"We’re Scotland's only charity to champion self-employment as an achievable, beneficial and fresh career solution for people with Autism spectrum conditions.
"This is an exciting time of development within the charity and this award will enable us to further enhance the support service we can provide, ensuring clients experience a renewed sense of purpose and increased self-esteem, leading to a reduced sense of social isolation and anxiety and greater financial and personal independence.”
Also receiving funding is Raasay Development Trust Limited which will use its £10,000 award to create a community tapestry and online newsletter that will connect the community together both digitally and with the rest of the world.
This award will enable us to further enhance the support service we can provide - Susan Hope
The grant will also train volunteers in writing copy, taking photographs, upkeeping webpages and contributing to social media.
Meanwhile in Aberdeenshire, an award of £9,950 will enable Garioch Carriage Driving For Disabled Group to teach individuals with a disability how to ride horse-drawn carriages. This will allow them to experience a new activity while enjoying being outdoors.
Awards for All Scotland gives out grants of between £500 and £10,000 to projects that bring communities together to enjoy a range of activities.
A spokesperson for the funder said: “These awards highlight the the range of projects that can be funded through Awards For All.
"From helping people to access employment opportunities through to bringing communities together to celebrate their local heritage, today’s funding shows how a relatively small amount of money can go a long way in communities across Scotland.”
