MANDATORY BYLINE Lenny Warren / Warren Media 07860 830050 01355 229700 lenny@warrenmedia.co.uk www.warrenmedia.co.uk

Enterprising approach to social challenges

Turning Point Scotland is making social enterprise a key strategic priority as it prepares to enter a landmark 20th year. Set up in 1999, Turning Point Scotland is one of the country’s leading social care charities. According to the Scottish Government, the social enterprise sector is worth £1.68 billion to our economy each year and supports more than 100,000 people in employment.

Turning Point Scotland board member, Sheila Fazal, believes developing existing social enterprise activity into a core part of what Turning Point Scotland does will have huge benefits:

‘The Turning Point Scotland Board are aware that the services we provide primarily support people part way through their life journey. However, we can see the improved confidence and social interactions of the people who are involved in Rosie’s cafe and gift shop in Aberdeen for example, our Rosie’s Retro retailer in Ayr and Rosie’s Orchard View cafe in Inverclyde. Many of our people go on to work at other social enterprises and we have seen the direct benefits to them through the development of life skills, improved mental health and the value of self within society. These are all key components of what we call our ‘Citizenship approach.’

Boards of charities are also acutely aware of the pressure on funding and in order to be able to continue to meet their charitable objectives, achieve their social outcomes and deliver their services, alternative funding sources need to be sought out. Social Enterprise is also a way of developing alternative income streams.’

54 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 1JL

0141 427 8200 / turningpointscotland.com

Registered charity SC028827