Although over 400 years old, ScotsCare is a modern charity that not stood still, and has evolved to best meet the needs of its clients today – first and second generation Scots in Greater London.
The organisation first came to be just after the Union of the Crowns in 1603, and has been supporting Scots in need ever since. Today the charity delivers financial, practical and emotional support through the services of financial grants, advocacy support, homelessness, counselling, family support, job coaching, sheltered housing, volunteering and social events. The charities needs led holistic assessment connects clients with either their services or, through referral, to the required specialist help, to help break the cycle of deprivation experienced by some Scots in London.
It’s an exciting time for the charity, with a number of projects underway and as it looks to execute its current strategy, reach new clients, expand the volunteer programme and continue to be the best it can be to help the thousands of Scots on its books.
New podcast series
The charity has also recently launched series two of The ScotsCare Podcast, featuring famous Scots. Each episode features a well-known Scots guest talking about how Scotland has influenced them and who they’ve become, as well as their life’s journey and careers. Although the guests are successful, many have faced challenges that our clients have experienced, as Scots away from home, forging new lives and connections.
The series has already aired episodes with football legend Pat Nevin (Chelsea, Everton and Scotland), bestselling cookbook author The Hebridean Baker and comedy actress Michelle Gomez (Green Wing, Doctor Who) with many more to come. One episode will feature Brett Grellier, who provides psychotherapy support to their homeless and sheltered housing clients, an interesting insight into some of the challenges their clients face.
The series will be released in three blocks over the course of the next year. Tune in on all regular podcast platforms such as Spotify, and on the ScotsCare website here.
Missed series 1? It’s all available on podcast platforms and the website, with guests such as broadcaster and singer Isla St. Clair, Star Wars and Andor actor Duncan Pow and celebrity chef Tony Singh MBE, to name a few.
Other news
New Chairman
In January, the charity appointed Kevin Lynch as their new Chairman. Kevin has served on the Board of Trustees in varying roles over the last six years and says, “I am looking forward to working with my fellow trustees and ScotsCare staff during my time as Chair and would like to express my appreciation to our outgoing Chair James Chestnut for all he has done to help ScotsCare over the last 12 years.”
Events
Looking across the summer, the charity will have a stall at various street outreach events, such as the Angel Canal Festival, Queen’s Park Day, Black Pride, following a successful appearance at Pride in London in June.
The charity will also produce its own inaugural St Andrew’s Day Festival Ceilidh on Saturday 16th November at St Columba’s Church of Scotland, Pont St, Knightsbridge, from 7.00pm. The public event includes entertainment from the Craigievar Ceilidh Band and London Scottish Pipes and Drums with the £20 ticket also including a light supper. For more information, please keep a look out on ScotsCare’s social media in the coming months.
Fundraising
Would you like to fundraise for ScotsCare? They are looking for fundraisers at the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday 13 October and CEO Sleepout on Monday 25 November. If you are interested in taking part, please call ScotsCare Fundraiser Jacqueline on 0207 240 3718 or email on fundraising@scotscare.com.
As ever, all updates about ScotsCare can be found on their website and social media channels.
Follow ScotsCare on social media:
- X (Twitter) @scotscare
- Instagram @scotscareldn
- Facebook @scotscare
- Linkedin ScotsCare