Education / Skills / Training

South East Integration Network (SEIN) is a member-led organisation made up of voluntary organisations and community groups. Our members work with local residents from all backgrounds, countries and cultures providing services from advice & advocacy, to musical activities, to family support – and everything in between. We are an anti-racist, intersectional organisation working to create a community free from prejudice and discrimination.

Cove Park is an international residency based on an outstanding 50-acre rural site in Argyll on Scotland’s west coast. Our programme of residencies, commissions, and collaborative projects respond to and promote the diversity of contemporary artistic practice. We support artists, creative practitioners, and researchers to develop and produce ambitious, innovative, and ground-breaking new work for audiences and participants across Scotland and beyond.

Cut Out Club is a series of collage zine-making workshops open to all backgrounds and experience levels, run by crafty duo Iona and Tasch. All workshops have a distinct theme that encourages attendees to reflect and meaningfully create in a collaborative, community environment free from the pressure to make perfect art.

I’m applying as part of the Sustainability Team as the Sustainability Engagement Officer. I’m looking to engage with our community and provide benefits and see if theirs is opportunities for collaboration.

In October 2022 Livingston Community Shed was created from an observation by a lady at The United Parish Church in Carmondean who became concerned that many elderly gentlemen were sitting around in the church café with no social contact or involvement in the community. A meeting was called via a newsletter organised by two charity workers and from this a decision was made to register the group with the International Men’s Shed organisation. Early meetings were held in a small storeroom above the church where a committee of trustees was voted in, and the current Chairman was elected. Since those days 18 months ago when meetings were held in what became known as the little yellow room the Shed has grown into a fully fledged Scottish Charity with a strong membership base of over 20 people. In December of 2022 the shed opened talks with West Lothian Council on the possible community lease of a huge derelict area of garden located on the South side of Carmondean Community Centre where we planned to build a workshop and possibly renovate a derelict farmhouse in the grounds. The negotiations with the council lasted for over a year but eventually in February of 2024 (this year) a 10-year community lease on the land was signed and the shed are now building a workshop and developing a community garden with plans to construct greenhouses and raised beds for growing vegetables to be donated to the church café which provides a free weekly community meal to the residents of nearby Knightsridge. Whilst the negotiations were going on with the council the shed rented a small container located in the grounds of Knightsridge community garden which they have transformed into a fully fledged woodwork shop filled with tools and machinery donated by members of the public and associated Men’s Shed charities. As a result of this workshop the Community Shed has developed the following community services which are all provided free of charge, we only accept donations from those who can manage it. A major highlight of our short but busy life was our winning some tools and garden equipment in the Dobbies Garden centre competition in 2023.

Uig Development Trust exists for the benefit of the community of Uig, Isle of Lewis. The trust works with individuals, community groups and other trusts to support sustainable community development in a collective and responsible manner. The Trust acts as landlord for Uig Community Shop.

We run an organic small holding on the south end of the Isle of Arran with regenerative agriculture, permaculture and food forest gardens. We offer education and site tours to our local community and visitors to the island. Alongside we run an eco glamping site and offer the same tours etc to guests. In addition to the food growing (mostly soft & top fruit), we use food from site to make food and drinks, offering activities and also sharing processes and knowledge online through social media. Our main specialisation is food forest gardening but we demonstrate many nature based solutions to minimise climate change and protect and enhance biodiversity. We also work with the Permaculture Association Britain (PAB) and Permaculture Scotland and we are an accredited PAB demonstration site (ScotLAND site). Drop us an email if you would like to visit.

Dumfries and Galloway College is a further education institution and a leading voice in green skills development to help tackle climate change. With campuses in Dumfries and Stranraer, we are one of the main employers and providers of learning and training across the South of Scotland, with programmes ranging from senior-phase school partnerships to higher education. We strive to equip all members of our college community with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience they need to get ahead, whether that’s moving further into education or going onto employment. As Scotland moves towards hitting its net zero targets, we recognise the need to ensure our region is equipped to deal with the demands of this transition by providing specialised training and education in sustainable practices and technologies. Our centre offers a comprehensive range of courses designed to equip professionals with the skills and qualifications needed to upgrade domestic homes and commercial settings to meet modern environmental standards. From understanding domestic retrofit to advanced certifications in renewable energy technologies, our courses provide the practical knowledge and expertise required to drive sustainable change.

The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) is a community-led organisation that has made a huge difference to the conservation and restoration of the seas around Arran and the Clyde for the past 29 years. We stand for a diverse, abundant and beautiful marine environment for everyone.

Pattiesmuir is a training and education provider in sustainability topics, including carbon accounting and management, climate change, circular economy, and net zero.

Climate Ready South East Scotland is the first climate risk and opportunity assessment for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland region.

Castle Douglas Development Forum is a Scottish Incorporated Charitable Trust and the Castle Douglas Anchor and Resilience Organisation. We believe in improving the sustainability of the town and surrounds health, wealth and wellbeing so that everyone can thrive, grow, and innovate. Our volunteers help to run the community-owned Heart of Galloway Visitor Centre, the Castle Douglas Town Charity Shop, and the Stepping Stones Community Larder and food bank. We created a Playpark for All and a Changing Places toilet in Lochside park. We are now investing in an ambitious project to convert the old outdoor activity centre in Lochside park into an exemplar, sustainably constructed, Crannog: a place for everyone to gather, learn and thrive.

The Stove is an arts organisation with a national and international reputation in place-based practice. We are a values-led organisation founded on a central belief in the power of creativity and working co-creatively to improve the lives of people, the wider environment, and the systems by which we live in the region Southwest Scotland The Stove can be understood as a place-based creative movement or practice guided by a set of values. It’s organisational form and programme are constantly evolving to maximise the quality of output and effective impacts for people and the wider environment.

New Roots teaches food growing to neurodivergent members of our community. We also run horticultural 'how to' day courses for the wider public.

NotAlone Empowerment Centre (NEC) are grassroot organisations that aim to develop and promote rights and responsibilities for the BAME community through ongoing capacity building, training mutual learning, skill information, and knowledge sharing to improve confidence. We promote inclusion and equality, treat individuals with respect and dignity, and take transformative actions to address their needs.

We plant and maintain 50 planters, two small orchards, two herb areas and two gardens in the centre of Dundee growing a substantial amount from seed. Because of climate change we aim to build on our understanding of plants and gardening increasing environmental resilience, sustainability, biodiversity (especially pollinators) and encourage the public to join us on our journey. We pass on information via our notice board, Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter, notices in our gardens and by holding events. We work closely with Dundee City Council, local shops and businesses, Dundee Community Garden Network and Dundee Changemakers hub.

We are a local community green space; we work with our learning community (by running outdoor learning, Forest School and outdoor play); we run gardening sessions and land maintenance; we offer free outdoor community events to our community and beyond.

New College Lanarkshire is dedicated to climate action and sustainability efforts in education. Joining the Climate Action Network reinforces our commitment to responsible environmental stewardship. Through collaboration, we'll share best practices, exchange ideas, and inspire meaningful change to address the climate crisis.

Growing together supports community growing, activity and engagement within the area of Craigshill. Supporting Well being, Mental health and anti poverty through a broad program of community engagement and participation across multiple sites.

Inchinnan Development Trust is a not-for-profit organisation focused on community-led preservation and enhancement of Inchinnan's greenspaces and woodlands, for the benefit of both our local communities and wildlife populations.

We are Scotland's first cafe making food with insects. Insects are high in protein and have a low carbon footprint. They require significantly fewer resources compared to traditional sources of protein, making them an eco-friendly option to enjoy.

Educating high school students in horticulture, biodiversity, outdoor learning and climate change. We are are a sustainable school and strive to educate about environmental and local conservation projects

Kirkcaldy YMCA provides local children, young people and families within the local community with a programme of activities, groups and support services which helps enable their personal growth, development and involvement in the wider community.

BCMG has been set up to benefit the community of Biggar and surrounding areas by growing fruit and vegetables to provide to residents of the area. Involving some of the community in training and working on the project will provide an outlet to improve their physical and mental health.