New Start Highland, a charity based in Inverness, has recently received a generous grant of £210,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation. This grant will allow the organization to expand its supported work placement program, providing opportunities for more individuals in need.
New Start Highland, a social enterprise, works with nearly 1,500 families and individuals each year who are experiencing vulnerability in various forms. The organization offers practical work experience and qualifications to help these individuals achieve employment. These volunteer and placement opportunities not only teach valuable life skills, but also provide a sense of community for those who may be struggling with mental health issues, loneliness, or social isolation.
James Dunbar, chief executive of New Start Highland, expressed his pride in the organization’s supported placement program, stating that it helps break down barriers to personal progression. He also acknowledged the increased need for this type of support service and credited the program’s success to the dedicated team of employees, trainers, mentors, and peers.
The impact of New Start Highland’s work is evident in the transformations seen in those who have completed placements with the organization. Mary-Anne Morrison, a client referred by her occupational therapist, credits New Start Highland with saving her life. She spoke highly of the organization’s gardens and the people involved, stating that they have given her purpose and helped her on her journey towards recovery.
Neil Davidson, a volunteer in the gardens and joinery workshop, echoed Mary-Anne’s sentiment, stating that the support and sense of community at New Start Highland are second to none. He emphasized the importance of connection to nature and the powerful impact it can have on one’s life.
In addition to its supported placement program, New Start Highland also operates five retail outlets in Inverness, Thurso, and Dingwall. These shops provide low and no-cost furniture and household items, diverting thousands of items from landfill and benefiting both the environment and the community. The organization’s profits from its various enterprise activities, such as removals, storage, and house clearances, are reinvested back into the organization to fund its charitable services.
Over the past year, New Start Highland has served the Highland community over 103,000 times, diverted 9,000 items from landfill, and distributed 540 furniture packs. In the past month alone, the organization has supported 265 households in maintaining their tenancy.
To learn more about New Start Highland and how to get involved, please visit their website at newstarthighland.org.
Media contact:Marion Cordinermarion@newstarthighland.org07368 594 724
About New Start Highland:New Start Highland was founded in 2000 by James Dunbar and is committed to a triple bottom line approach that considers social and environmental factors in addition to financial outcomes. The organization provides furniture and household items through a program of re-use, with the goal of creating positive social and environmental impacts. New Start Highland also offers housing support services and employment training programs to help individuals facing barriers to employment. Their enterprise activities, such as a bike outlet and professional services like order fulfillment, house clearance, and removals, fund the organization’s charitable services. Follow New Start Highland on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates. This press release is distributed by Pressat on behalf of New Start Highland.