Isles charity shortlisted for national award

The finalists for this year's Scottish Charity Awards have been announced, and the public are invited to vote for their choice in an online poll.

 

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

 

This year’s shortlist includes 32 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country.

 

While a judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.scot/vote - before 5pm on Wednesday 24 May.

 

The shortlist includes Western Isles Violence Against Women Partnership - Safer Outer Hebrides (Campaign of the Year).

 

Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands & Islands, congratulated the Western Isles Violence Against Women Partnership.

 

Ms Burgess nominated the partnership for the award for their Safer Outer Hebrides website which acts as a directory of public protection organisations, events calendar and news source for the people of the Outer Hebrides.

 

The website was created in response to the Scottish Government’s Equally Safe quality standard and enables clear signposting to support services addressing violence against women and girls. The website is funded by Western Isles Rape Crisis Centre.

 

Ms Burgess said: “The Scottish Charity Awards are a wonderful opportunity to highlight the incredible work that goes on in the charity and voluntary sector across Scotland.

 

"Too often smaller, rural groups get over-looked so I was delighted to be able to shine a light on some of the wonderful organisations and volunteers across the Highlands & Islands. It’s marvellous to see the Safer Outer Hebrides campaign earning recognition and praise.

 

“Safer Outer Hebrides took a challenging problem – how to get physically, emotionally and geographically isolated women access to support and services across a large area – and came up with an innovative and impactful solution. They are a great example of what community groups and volunteers achieve everyday to make life better for communities in the Highlands & Islands.”

 

Winners will be announced on June 23 in a celebratory awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson at the Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh.

 

Anna Fowlie, SCVO chief executive, said: “This year’s record-breaking number of nominations underlines the strength of Scotland’s voluntary sector, and the crucial work that we see from charities and voluntary organisations across the country.

 

"The hard work and dedication of people and organisations like these 32 finalists are making Scotland a better place to live and work.

 

“There is still a chance to have your own voice heard by voting in the People’s Choice Award. Don’t be late – participate!”