On Tuesday 7th November, the Grassmarket Community Project, developed by our member Church of Scotland, won the award for Scottish Social Enterprise of the year. The occasion represents Scotland’s annual awards to celebrate innovation and success in social enterprise that work to build a better economy and a fairer society.

The Grassmarket Community Project has been developed in partnership by Greyfriars Kirk (Church of Scotland) and the Grassmarket Mission, and uses social innovation, practical skills training and volunteering to address youth unemployment, to tackle anti-social behaviour, and early school leaving in Scotland.

The Grassmarket Community Project is a social enterprise initiative that supports socially isolated vulnerable adults and provides them with a range of support services as well as the opportunity to train, volunteer or work in anyone of their 5 social enterprises which include: an events space, a café, a staff canteen, a recycled wood workshop and textiles enterprise.

Through mentoring, social enterprise, training and education in a nurturing environment, the Project develops skills which enable participants to develop to their full potential and move away from cycles of failure.

We offer our congratulations to the project for its approach to creating community and providing a sanctuary to many of the most vulnerable of our citizens.

You can learn more about the project, and its activities on the Grassmarket website.