mPower 

The mPower project continued to run across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, working in communities to enable people aged 65+ and living with long term conditions to take the steps needed to live well, safely and independently in their own homes. 

Community navigators supported people to develop wellbeing plans, connecting them to activities in their community and connecting them to technology to enhance support for health and wellbeing. The project exceeded all targets and expectations, achieving:  

Internal achievements

Despite another challenging year, SCVO is proud of our many achievements and the achievements of the sector. We continue to be a credible and trusted partner by voluntary sector organisations, the public and private sectors, and continue to see our member and supporter base grow. This have continued to support, promote and develop the voluntary sector in Scotland.

Our people have been central to the work SCVO has been able to do to support Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector. We are proud to not only have been able to
bring new talent to the organisation, but to have enhanced what we offer our team through initiatives including:

Gaining our Gold Investors in People status

Becoming a top 10 Flexibility Works Employer

Introducing our CIPD recognised staff wellbeing project

Challenges

Like most organisations in the sector, we faced significant challenges in managing work throughout the changing coronavirus restrictions. We lost some tenants in our buildings, but also welcomed some new ones and staff wellbeing remained a focus as everyone’s personal and working lives continued to be disrupted.

Working with Scottish Government and local government on employability, particularly the implications of implementing Phase 2 of No One Left Behind has proved frustrating, however, we are now making some headway engaging with local stakeholders.

Dealing with European funding for the sector at a Scottish Government, UK Government and EU level has remained a significant challenge, but SCVO has continued to engage with key stakeholders including the SCDI, STUC, COSLA, Scottish Government and our sister organisations across the UK on the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and the wider impact of Brexit.

Looking ahead, SCVO’s focus will be on developing our services to support the sector and identifying new opportunities to replace lost income to continue to support our work.