The role for social enterprise within Scotland continues to grow in importance, economically, socially, and environmentally. The 2019 Social Enterprise in Scotland Census tells us that there are 6,025 social enterprises across Scotland, involved in a wide range of industries and delivering an even wider range of positive social and environmental impacts. According to the census, across Stirlingshire there are 157 social enterprises, reaching out beyond the city into rural areas.
There are 157 social enterprises, reaching out beyond the city into rural areas.
Sarah Cameron
These organisations are based at the very heart of our communities and have been set up to deliver a specific social or environmental mission. They are trading businesses that tackle social problems, strengthen communities, work to improve outcomes and people’s life chances, protect the environment and they reinvest all profits back into the business or for the benefit of the people they serve. The values and behaviours of social enterprises in Scotland are laid out in the Voluntary Code of Practice.
Social Enterprises Operating in Stirling Area
In Stirling we are lucky to have a huge range of social enterprises operating in different industries:
- The MacRobert Arts Centre at Stirling University doesn’t just offer live performances and cinema, they work to provide a cultural hub for the city, making active connections with people and communities.
- The McLaren Leisure Centre in Callander provides sport and leisure facilities for the local school and community within their own facility and work in partnership to ensure that good quality services are available to the rural community.
- Stirling Community Enterprise provides training to support people into employment. As well as delivering SQA certified programmes they work with local employers to create supportive work placements and job opportunities.
- Creative Stirling is a place where people would connect and be able to participate in artist-led projects and creative workshops and enjoy performances, talks and screenings. Made in Stirling is a creative hub in the centre of the city selling products made by local artists.
- Talking Mats is an innovative communication tool that improves the lives of people with communication difficulties, and those close to them, by increasing their capacity to communicate effectively about things that matter to them.
- Picture Possible uses photography as a medium to work with groups and individuals teaching new skills and creating opportunities to inspire and to succeed.
- Ceangail uses events to inspire and work with young people, providing training and supporting young people into employment. They deliver Stirling Highland Games, an annual feature on the Stirling events calendar, and provide employability opportunities through the organisation and delivery process.
