Unlock Your Potential!

Join Us for an Exciting Social Enterprise Event in Stirling!

SVE invites social enterprises from across Stirling to participate in a dynamic and informative event focused on Service Design, Procurement, and Building Acquisition. This event is a fantastic opportunity for social enterprises to gain an understanding of these three topics, network with peers, and enhance their operational strategies.

Programme:

Coffee and Pastries Start your day with a warm welcome and some delicious refreshments.

Welcome and Introductions Kick off the event with an introduction from Natalie Masterson, who will set the stage for the morning’s activities.

SVE Support Learn about the support available from SVE, presented by Lee Stevenson

Service Design Insights into effective service design from Colin Duff, an expert in the field.

Building Acquisition Discover the ins and outs of building acquisition, with guidance from Stirling Council's Community Team.

Understanding Procurement Understand procurement and the complexities of tendering with insights from Jim Bennett, a specialist in social enterprise.

Small Groups for Questions and Further Info on Each Topic Engage in small group discussions to delve deeper into each topic and get your questions answered.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and connect with other social enterprises in Stirling. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Those who register from Stirling will have the opportunity to unlock 4 days of FREE expert support in Service Design, Building Acquisition or Procurement!

To register your free space, click here.

For further information, or a brief chat about what is involved, please contact Lee Stevenson on 01786 430000 - email leestevenson@sventerterprise.org.uk

Springboard are having another fantastic hospitality course in Stirling – starting on 5th May.

Please see details below of this.  

Monday 5th May - Friday 13th June 2025 - 

Barclays Destination Hospitality course

6 weeks which involves 5 weeks of training (which is 4 days a week) plus 1 week work placement.

Anyone over age of 16 age or over who are looking for a career in hospitality.

A mix of employability skills sessions (CV, interview skills, confidence skills etc), industry qualifications, practical hospitality skills, online modules, face to face and TEAMS sessions, industry visits, support and a one week work placement.

Chamber Updates

Let’s Network: Stenhousemuir Warriors for Strathcarron’s Big Birthday Tea Party – SOLD OUT

Join us at Let’s Network where we will be heading to Warriors in the Community at Stenhousemuir Football Club to celebrate Strathcarron’s Big Birthday Tea! The Warriors is the community arm of the club which aims to have a positive impact on every household in Stenhousemuir and the surrounding areas; either directly through club activity or through the Tryst Community Sports Club partnership. We strive to encourage more boys, girls, men and women to participate in regular physical activity and to be an active part of their local football club and community; regardless of their level of ability.

Episode 2/3 IP Unlocked: Turning your IP into Investment Gold, Tuesday 29th April, Scion House, 9.30am – 11.30am

How do you spot a trademark or patent worth protecting? What makes the perfect patent or trademark? In this session, we’ll explore how Intellectual Property (IP) can be your competitive edge, helping your business grow and attract investment. This session will dive into due diligence processes, common pitfalls and ensuring the freedom to operate in your market.
Click here to register 

Take a Walk Outdoors: The Kelpies, Wednesday 30th April, Falkirk, 9.30am – 10.30am

TAWO is a great event to develop meaningful connections while boosting your well-being, clearing your mind and energising your body! Let’s walk, talk and discover how nature and networking go hand in hand for you and your business!

The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy, pulling the wagons, ploughs, barges and coalships that shaped the geographical layout of Falkirk.
Click here to register 

Let’s Network: After Dark, Thursday 1st May, Stirling County Rugby Football Club, 5.30pm – 7.30pm

For members who can’t make it to our daytime events After Dark is the perfect opportunity to step out of the office and into a relaxed evening of connections, insights and behind-the-scene experience!

Join us at Stirling County Rugby Football Club, where you will enjoy networking with fellow Chamber members, a delicious buffet and refreshments courtesy of SCRFC, a tour of the club’s facilities as well as talks from the team at SCRFC
Click here to register 

Hub Club, Friday 9th May, Scion House, 8.30am – 10.30am 

Providing excellent opportunities for you to gain insightful and practical advice to help manage the challenges that we face every day in our businesses through discussing a wide range of business topics. The facilitated networking event will also ensure everyone has an opportunity to introduce their business, your current are of focus and where you could use or offer help.
Click here to register 

Westfield Health Mental Health Awareness Week Webinar, Monday 12th May, Online, 2pm – 2.50pm

Aimed at HR professionals, people managers and wellbeing champions, our experts will share their advice for creating inclusive, connected workplaces that empower your people to thrive. You will learn; the importance of workplace connection for mental health and overall wellbeing, how to create an inclusive culture that strengthens employee engagement and retention, ways to build a strong sense of community at work to help employees create meaningful connections and reduce loneliness.
Click here to register 

Member Spotlight Podcast – King Street Aparthotel and WorKing Flexispaces 

FV Chamber are excited to announce our new Member Spotlight Podcast bringing you inspiring conversations that highlight the journeys, challenges, and successes of our members. Each episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the people driving our local economy forward, offering valuable insights and inspiration.
Click here to listen on Spotify 

Member Updates

UBWIS Club – ‘CHILDREN’ Documentary Viewing, Saturday 3rd May, Working Flexi Spaces, Stirling, 3pm

The film shares the emotional stories of four Ukrainian children and their mothers who were forced to flee the war and rebuild their lives in the UK. It’s a touching reflection on identity, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of family. Welcome drinks will be provided, followed by a 50-minute screening of the documentary. As well as finishing the afternoon with a Q&A from the director Lora Arkhypenko and networking with the UBWIS CLUB community.
Click here to purchase your tickets 

The Mortgage Advice Club Charity Golf Day, Friday 18th July, Tulliallan Golf Club
The Mortgage Advice Club are looking for Chamber members to join their golf day or possibly sponsor a prize for their prize giving challenges that will take place throughout the day!
All proceeds raised will go to ‘Wee Jamies Journey’ and ‘SDW’.
For more information please email – liam@themaclub.co.uk

Vacancy - Operations & Finance Manager at Reach out with Arts in Mind

This position based in Clackmannanshire is currently looking to recruit a well organised, conscientious, and proactive individual to join our small and dedicated team – this role is for three days a week, however potential job share. Reachout with Arts in Mind provides services for members who are at various stages of managing their wellbeing. The position will involve interaction with members on a regular basis, and as we are a small staff team, the list of duties is not exhaustive.
Click here for more information 

Please note* you can upload events, exclusive member offers and job vacancies to our website at www.forthvalleychamber.co.uk 

100,000 funding for Regional Food Fund

The Scottish Government is providing £100,000 funding for the sixth round of the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Regional Food Fund.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to Scottish food business for projects aimed at elevating Scotland’s food and drink industry, enhancing food tourism and showcasing the best local produce the country has to offer.

Since 2021, the Scottish Government has provided over £500,000 to the fund, which has supported 104 collaborative projects, varying from creative artwork to increase customer numbers, new equipment and regional marketing campaigns.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: 

“Scotland’s food and drink industry is worth £15 billion to the Scottish economy; it is one of the country's largest employers and is already well-recognised and established across the world.  However, we realise how vital engaging with regional markets is in achieving our industry strategy and growth ambitions for the next ten years. That’s why, through remarkable initiatives like the Regional Food Fund, we are providing small projects the opportunity to promote and showcase their regional goods.  This funding enables businesses to raise awareness of locally available produce to communities and showcase some of Scotland's most exciting food and drink ventures.”

Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, Fiona Richmond said: 

"As the Regional Food Fund enters its sixth round, we look forward to reviewing a diverse range of applications. Over the years, the fund has supported everything from food and drink festivals and campaigns to collaborative initiatives showcasing the journey from field to fork. This highlights the strength of the desire for local produce and the growing food tourism scene in Scotland. The fund encourages regional collaboration and celebrates unique food and drink stories that continue to nurture and elevate Scotland’s thriving food culture, making it a renowned destination for food experiences." 

Background 

Applications for the sixth round of the fund are now open on the Scotland Food & Drink website  The closing date for applications is 17:00 on 30 April 2025.

All application guidance and application forms now open on the Scotland Food & Drink website , along with previous successful applicants and success stories.

Join Us for the Next Finance Forum – In Person!

CTSI and SVE are excited to invite you to the next Clacks and Stirling Finance Forum for the Voluntary Sector which is taking place in person. 

This is a great opportunity to stay up to date with the latest finance developments, connect with peers, and discuss key topics affecting the sector.

Date:  Thursday 15th May 2025 

Time:  2.00 pm 

Venue: Dumyat Community Centre, Menstrie FK11 7BL

The agenda will include important updates on finance alongside opportunities for discussion and networking.

To help us shape the forum content, we’d love to hear your views! Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey which you can find here. 

Book your place here. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Our next Conference will be held on Tues 20th May at the Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling. This year's theme is Setting the Standard: Driving Quality in Specialist Employability Support. At this crucial time for the sector we hope for as many voices as possible to be part of the discussions. 

We're delighted to confirm Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Employment and Investment, as our keynote speaker and Andy Bell, CEO of HelpFirst, who will be presenting on AI in Action: the use of AI in service delivery.

Our panel discussion will focus on: what does success look like for the new specialist employability services? Our panel of experts include: Pegs Bailey, Cameron Smith, Arlene Callan and Chris O'Hanlon. Ian Bruce will chair the panel as they discuss what success looks like around quality, impact, choice, co-production, equity and resources.

As part of the day, we offer a diverse range of workshops designed to inspire, challenge and equip you with new skills and perspectives. From hands-on sessions delving into digital tools to support young people, and thought-provoking discussions about empowering people effectively, to examining how to work effectively with Local Employability Partnerships. 

You can find out more and register for workshops on the SUSE website 

Tickets are available on Eventbrite 

We hope to see you there.

Proposed Tourism Visitor Levy (TVL) Have Your Say

Stirling Council is consulting with individuals and businesses on whether to introduce a Tourism Visitor Levy (TVL). The goal is to ensure the proposed scheme meets the needs of Stirling’s visitors, residents, and businesses.

Please ensure you engage with Stirling Council’s  survey  This survey closes on Sunday, May 4th.

In addition to this, Go Forth Stirling wants to represent our levy payers with a collective response that reflects the views of our members. We invite you to share your thoughts on the proposed TVL to help shape our position by completing this short questionnaire. 

If you wish to express your concerns or support for the introduction of the TVL, Stirling Council has arranged a series of Drop-In Sessions from 11 am - 6 pm. 

Friday, March 14th - Albert Halls, Stirling

Tuesday, March 18th - McLaren Hall, Killin

Wednesday, April 9th - Callander Youth Project, Callander

Wednesday, April 16th - Drymen Village Hall, Drymen

For more information regarding the TVL, email visitorlevy@stirling.gov.uk

Other Updates and Consultations from Stirling Council

Reduced operations of Welgreen MSCP

In an effort to bridge funding gaps, Stirling Council are proposing to reduce the opening hours of the Welgreen MSCP. 

The proposal seeks to change the operating hours to reduce costs.   New operating hours would be 07:00 -20:00 Monday - Sat (this is 30 30-minute reduction on current times) and 08:00 - 16:30 Sunday (this is the reduction of 2HR on a Sunday).  

You can email your thoughts on this proposal to admin@goforthstirling.co.uk

Rise in Counterfeit Goods- Issued by SC

Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils’ Trading Standards Service has taken action against a local business that is suspected to have been involved in the large-scale sale of counterfeit goods.

If anyone has concerns about illicit goods, they can report their concerns and receive advice from Trading Standards partner agency Advice Direct Scotland on telephone 0808 164 6000 or at www.consumeradvice.scot.

Stirling and Clackmannanshire businesses can contact Trading Standards with specific queries on tradingstandards@stirling.gov.uk.  

For more info on the work of our Trading Standards Service, visit: www.stirling.gov.uk/business-and-licences/trading-standards 

The UK Poverty 2025 report  provides in-depth analysis of poverty levels in the UK, covering trends in child poverty, working-age poverty, pensioner poverty, and the effects of economic, social and policy factors. 

Much of the data on which the UK Poverty 2025 report is based ends prior to the 2024 General Election. The report highlights the unique challenges that Scotland faces, as well as the impact and opportunities presented by the nation’s differing policy landscape.

Key findings include:

• Rising poverty rates: 14.3 million people in the UK (21%) are living in poverty, including 4.3 million children, 8.1 million working-age adults, and 1.9 million pensioners.

o In Scotland, 1 in 5 people (21%) were in poverty between 2021/22 and 2022/23, higher than the 18-19% average seen through the 2010s.

o Child poverty rates in Scotland (24%) are lower than England and Wales, however many areas have higher than average child poverty rates including Glasgow constituencies with rates at or exceeding 33%.

• Declining life expectancy in deprived areas: In Scotland, male life expectancy in the most deprived areas fell by 12 months, and female life expectancy fell by 17 months between 2013-15 to 2021-23.

o Both men and women in the most deprived areas of Scotland are expected to have 26 fewer years in good health than their counterparts in the least deprived areas.

 • Work and income disparities: 68% of working-age adults in poverty live in a household where at least one person works.

o The share of working-age adults in work in Scotland was lower than the UK average, and households with someone in work took home a lower level of earnings than the UK average.

 • Barriers to accessing healthcare: People from the most deprived areas have a higher likelihood of waiting long periods for non-urgent care, as well as higher rates of emergency admissions.

 • Impact of social security policies: 48% of Universal Credit claimants remain in poverty, highlighting the insufficiency of benefits in lifting people out of hardship.  The Scottish Child Payment has helped reduce child poverty in Scotland, but the full effects are not yet reflected in official data.

• Free Bikes for Young People in Stirling area only – we have an allocation to give away bike packages for 10- to 17-year-old young people living within 400 meters of the Walk, Cycle, Live path (stipulated by funders) which includes some of the following areas – Raploch, Cornton, City Centre and top of the town, Springkerse, Causewayhead and Fallin. This project is for children from families who would not ordinarily be able to afford the cost of a new bike, with a key focus SIMD 1 and 2 areas. Please note this project is referral only (school, support worker etc) and is not to be shared publicly. Please email me for more information. If you have already referred someone to this project and they’ve not yet received their bike please do not worry, we are currently in the process of building all the bikes and will be in touch as soon as theirs is ready.

• Free Bikes for Adults – 18 and above, same locations as above and for people who ordinarily couldn’t afford the cost of a bike. Individuals would also be given confidence boosting cycling sessions as part of this project (typically 4 sessions), as well as roadside repair maintenance sessions and a small selection of tools/parts and once they’ve completed these sessions they will be given the bike package. Please note this project is referral only (Job Centre, support worker etc) and is not to be shared publicly. Please email me for more information. 

• Discounted Silver Service – we have funding to provide 50% off our silver services. Normally this service (which includes a brake and gear service, overall safety check and adjustment to the headset and bottom bracket) is £50 but for under this funding we can offer it at £25, for a limited time. No restrictions on who accesses the funded service. Public information, please share.

• Training and Employability Program InspiRide – Our next course starts on November 25th and runs for 4 weeks, from Monday to Thursday. We accept people 16+ who are not currently in training, education or employment. The course comprises of bike mechanic skills (participants will fix up a bike that they will get to keep at the end of the course, bike riding skills, volunteering, employability skills, route planning and wellness activities. Potential participants can be referred or self-refer. Public information, please share. Email inspiride@recyke-a-bike.co.uk for more information.

• Volunteering at Recyke-a-bike – We have some spaces available for new volunteers at Recyke-a-bike. No restrictions on who can join our volunteer program, although minors will need to be accompanied by an adult for at least their first session. We have availability Monday to Thursday. Our volunteer team are a big part of our community at Recyke-a-bike and help us scrap and build bikes, organise our workshop and warehouses and enable us to keep on top of our used spare parts. Public information, please share. Email volunteers@recyke-a-bike.co.uk for more information.

• AGM – Our AGM will be on November 13th at 6pm, showcasing our work from 23/24. We’d love for you to join us. We will be sending out the formal invite via email to our AGM mailing list later this month – please reply to this email should you wish to be put on the mailing list.

A combined total of over 4,100 new homes are expected to be built on the sites situated between Bannockburn, Plean and the Pirnhall M9 junction after developers were given approval to proceed with the Durieshill project last August with South Stirling Gateway being approved in October.

It is estimated that the level of housebuilding at Durieshill will produce around 600 primary school pupils by the time that the development is fully completed. Likewise, an estimated 300 pupils are expected to be residing in South Stirling Gateway when construction is finished.

At a recent meeting of the Children and Young People Committee (26 September) it was agreed to establish the primary schools and catchment areas to serve the new communities following public consultations on the proposals.

'Emerging communities'

Children and Young People Convener, Cllr Danny Gibson said: “The population of Stirling will increase as families move into the homes created in Durieshill and South Stirling Gateway. The initial creation of two new primary schools and catchment areas will serve these emerging communities as building and construction work progresses over the coming years.

“As Stirling continues to grow and flourish, this decision underlines our commitment to provide infrastructure for children’s learning and development and develop new thriving and sustainable communities.”

Following the confirmed decision of the Committee, an initial seven classroom school will be built in South Stirling Gateway, expected to be required by the 2026/27 academic term, followed by a 4 classroom extension in 2033/34 depending on roll projection estimates.

Durieshill’s new primary school will initially comprise of 10 classrooms, also with an ability to extend by another 4 classrooms if required. An additional primary school will be delivered at Durieshill in a later phase of work.

Children from both South Stirling Gateway and Durieshill will be accommodated at Bannockburn Primary School until construction of the primary schools are complete. Initially, both primary schools will feed into Bannockburn High School when completed.

Our Creating Change, Creating Futures Programme provides creative opportunities as a steppingstone to build experiences and skill sets, for volunteering, further education, and employment. The programme aims to support unemployed people of all ages to overcome barriers to employment. Additionally, it supports individuals with long term health conditions, mental health issues, or disabilities in improving their health and wellbeing and progressing towards employment.

Participants will receive free Reachout membership, choose which workshops, activities, and events to participate in, make new connections and be inspired to make short term goals and aspirations. 

Creative programmes are a safe inclusive space, delivered in Reachout’s large, flexible, fully equipped arts studio. They promote self-directed and lifelong learning opportunities through co-producing artwork, empowering personalisation and choice alongside fellow members. Led by professional artists, these programmes build on the skills, confidence, and self-worth of participants with long term conditions.

This research being carried out by Dundee University on behalf of the Scottish Government.  Only takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.  I’ll share it with the LEP, 

We invite you to contribute to our important research project,  to participate in a brief survey as part of our research project titled "Exploring the Dynamics of Employability Funding Allocation in Scotland."  conducted under the Scottish Parliament Fellowship. Your insights and experience as a local authority, third-sector provider and/or involved in delivering employability services would be incredibly valuable in helping us understand the current landscape and identify areas for improvement.

The survey is designed to take no more than 10-15 minutes of your time and will cover key aspects of employability funding, including allocation processes, timelines, and the challenges faced by local authorities and delivery partners. Your participation will provide crucial data that will inform our research and potentially influence future policy decisions in this area.

Please be assured that your responses will be completely anonymous, and all data will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. The information you provide will be securely stored and will only be used for the purposes of this research. Your participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time without any consequences.

To take part in the survey, please click on the following link: (Please skip questions which are not relevant to you. Survey does not allow backtracking. Please use open ended questions for more detailed insights)

Are you a creatively minded person? Do you like to be working outside and getting stuck in? What job will best suit your personality and qualifications?

Our career explorer tool helps you find the right jobs for you in the construction industry.

This is the link to Sands Bereavement in the Workplace Training webpage. After the training you receive access to Sands Learning Hub which offers an eLearning training session for those who may have missed the webinar, videos, resources in easy read, audio, and 12 languages which include template policy docs, support resources for managers and colleagues too.

Until the end of March our Bereavement in the Workplace training is free for SMEs but we do have to cover our costs so fees are charged for everyone else, please find the details attached.

Because you have such a wide range of contacts they may also be interested in the rest of our training so I’m sharing the link to our free open access webinars: Open Access Webinars - Sands.

If you have questions in relation to Sands Training then please contact our Head of Training, Clare Worgan on clare.worgan@sands.org.uk

What are your plans to encourage your colleagues to eat healthier options in the workplace?  Have a look for some ideas and information.  

We work with people who have been involved with the criminal justice system, to help them to navigate the unique challenges, stigma and discrimination that they can face.

In addition to our website,  peer support group, and blog, on 1st June we launched a brand new support helpline.

The helpline is there to provide non-judgemental information, support and signposting.

We cover the following areas:

• Work

• Health

• Housing

• Money Matters

• Family and Society

• Living Life

• The Criminal Justice System

• Defend Your Rights

We can also provide support directly to professionals on any of the above topic areas.

The helpline can be accessed by phone, text, WhatsApp (07591 339 618) or email (support@nextchapterscotland.org.uk).

We support:

• People with a criminal record

• The family members of someone with a criminal record

• Anyone under investigation for a crime, where they are facing stigma and discrimination as a result

The helpline is not staffed 24/7 - although we aim to respond to messages within 48 hours - so please encourage anyone who needs us to leave a message and we will get back to them as soon as possible.  

🚌✅The C60 bus will return to service from Mon (1 Jul) for residents and visitors between #Callander and #Killin.

An initial two-year in-house pilot by Stirling Council will replace the service previously provided by local operator Kingshouse Travel.

As the school year winds down and summer approaches, we understand the importance of keeping students engaged and learning. That's why QA is thrilled to offer a series of free Digital & Tech workshops designed specifically for beginners over the summer break.

Our "Tech4Futures" initiative is dedicated to equipping young people with essential digital skills and a foundational understanding of technology. These workshops are an excellent opportunity for students to explore new interests, enhance their knowledge, and prepare for the future in a fun and engaging way.

Workshop Highlights:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering a range of topics from website design to problem solving in IT, digital marketing, and data analysis.

• Interactive Learning: Hands-on activities and real-world projects to make learning enjoyable and practical.

• Expert Instructors: Led by experienced professionals passionate about tech education.

That’s not all! QA are offering weekly employability workshops from CV Building to How to Ace your Apprenticeship Interview.

Workshop Details:

1. CV Writing

• Objective: Teach students how to craft a compelling CV that stands out to potential employers.

• Content: Structuring a CV, highlighting strengths and achievements, and tailoring the CV to specific job roles.

• Outcome: Students will have a polished, professional CV ready for their job applications.

2. Ace Your Apprenticeship Interview

• Objective: Equip students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in apprenticeship interviews.

• Content: Mock interviews, common interview questions, and effective communication techniques.

• Outcome: Students will leave the workshop with a clear understanding of how to present themselves and respond to interview questions effectively.

Who Can Join: These workshops are ideal for young people looking to start their careers through apprenticeships.

SVE are extending an invitation to local partners and businesses to support their upcoming Inspire Volunteering Awards, scheduled for the 18th September 2024, at the Albert Halls. 

The Inspire Volunteering Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the unsung heroes of our community - the local volunteers and the organisations that support them. By shining a spotlight on their selfless contributions, we not only acknowledge their dedication but also inspire others to get involved, fostering a culture of giving back within our community.

This year, as we commemorate Stirling's 900th anniversary, the Inspire Volunteering Awards hold special significance, celebrating not only our rich history but also the vibrant spirit of community engagement that has shaped our community over the centuries.

SVE are offering different levels of sponsorship, providing flexibility to align with your company goals and values. Whether you choose to sponsor a specific named award or support the overall event, your involvement will demonstrate your organisation's commitment to making a tangible difference in our local community. If this is something you would be interested in, please contact Chief Executive, Natalie on natalie@sventerprise.org.uk

Thank you for considering this opportunity to partner with SVE in celebrating local heroes and community spirit. Together, we can make the 2024 Inspire Volunteering Awards a resounding success.

Natalie Masterson, Chief Executive at SVE

We’re helping support people across Scotland who are looking for work by offering free travel to interviews and a Monthly Season ticket for their first month at work. 

The Wellbeing for Wee Ones Campaign looks to reassure parents that the natural interactions they already have with their babies are having a huge impact on their emotional and social wellbeing, both now and in the future. The campaign also shows that interacting with babies from the moment they’re born is important for their child’s brain development. 

This campaign was developed in consultation with key stakeholders and parents to make sure messaging was as widely accessible as possible. The strategy and creative highlight the importance for parents to interact with their infant in a way that promotes their infant’s wellbeing (mental health) and demonstrates simple, effective behaviours that parents can adopt as part of their everyday life.

There is information and tips for parents on the Parent Club Website, along with more on the ‘science’ behind it: Wellbeing for Wee Ones - Parent Club Website

The Scottish Government has a plan for a new law they think will make life better for people with learning disabilities, this will be called the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill. We will call this the LDAN Bill for short.

SCLD believes that the Bill could make a big difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities in Scotland. Before they write the Bill, the Scottish Government wants to hear what people with learning disabilities think about their ideas for the Bill. This is called a consultation.

It is important that as many people with learning disabilities, family carers and organisations respond to the consultation.

Your response counts! #HaveYourSayLDAN

QA Apprenticeships is one of the UK's leading providers of tech, IT, and digital apprenticeships. Our opportunities span across the UK, providing an ideal moment for collaboration.

Our dedicated Community Engagement Team is committed to bridging the digital skills gap and empowering your learners/participants.

We are reaching out today to introduce the impressive range of free engagement activities we can provide to inspire your organisation's learners.

Our Engagement Activities

Teach the Nation Sessions: Access free entry - level coding workshops online or if we have the capacity opt for bespoke in-person sessions tailored to your learners' needs.

Apprenticeship Ambassadors: Let our talented ambassadors share their journey and insights, motivating participants to explore exciting tech careers.

Explore QA Apprenticeships: Experience interactive workshops and assemblies delivered by our recruitment teams or ambassadors, featuring videos, quizzes, and more.

Careers Fairs: Invite QA to your upcoming events for support and guidance, enriching participants' understanding of potential career paths.

Referrals: Directly refer participants through a simple form, and our team will reach out to guide them through their next steps.

Bespoke Events: Collaborate with QA to create tailored events, including interactions with our business partners, opening up new horizons for your participants. 

Let's Collaborate

If you're excited about enhancing your organisation's offerings and empowering your learners/participants, let's join forces.

Please note that all our services are entirely free of charge.

Stirling Council is looking for stakeholders and organisations to work with them to co-design and co-deliver a programme of work across Stirling. Potential partners should have demonstrable expertise and expertise in:

• Community engagement

• Facilitating change - Place-based working

• Enabling and embedding lived experience in the design of services 

• Co-designing services with communities

• Community capacity-building

• Community Asset Transfer

• Realising and management community benefits from procurement and commissioning activity

 https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT490926 Please feel free to share this with any networks or partners who you feel may be interested For more information – please contact Joanna Bassett (Lead Officer) via bassettj@stirling.gov.uk

The SDS Careers Centre at Forth Valley College, Kildean Campus, Drip Road, Stirling FK8 1SE will be open on a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.

FVC – Monday and Thursday 9am – 5pm

Wednesday 10.30am - 5pm (lunch 12.30-1.30 each day)

We will also now be available in the Bannockburn Enterprise Hub,

25 Quakerfield, Bannockburn FK7 8JA (old bank building)

Bannockburn - Tuesday and Friday 9am – 4pm (lunch 12.30 - 1.30)

Our telephone number is 01786 462036 and you can call us to arrange an appointment to meet an adviser at either venue.

You would also be welcome to drop in to either venue to speak to us, although we may need to arrange a further appointment depending on the support you require.

Kooth.com is an online counselling, advice and support service for 10-26 year olds in Stirling. It provides a safe, secure means of accessing help via the internet from a professional team of counsellors. 

Our qualified counsellors are online 365 days a year. Monday to Friday, from 12noon - 10pm and between 6pm - 10pm on weekends we have a chat queue young people can join to access counselling. We also have an email-like messaging service to get in contact with our counsellors. Kooth has no waiting list or referral process. Children and young people can access support for ANY issue they may be experiencing. 

To access, young people simply register at www.kooth.com 

As well as chatting to our counsellors through a text-based service, young people can get peer support 24 hours a day by access our fully-moderated support forums and discussion boards. We also have online magazines, self-care activities and other self-help tools. 

If you would like to ask any questions to a Kooth representative directly, please use the following email- shatch@kooth.com

We want everyone to be able to access information on our website. Our accessibility toolbar changes font, colours and language and reads content out loud. Look for the icon on every page and choose your settings. 

Toolbar by @reciteme

NHS – Care & Wellbeing Dashboard The Care and Wellbeing Dashboard is live scotland.shinyapps.io/phs-care-and-wellbeing-dashboard/

 Currently about 15 indicators have been added but over the next 6 months the plan is to increase this to about 50 including SHS data. The SHPM group are engaged with PHS on this so if you have any comments happy to feedback. We have already asked for the potential to look at datazones within our Local Authority areas. 

Child Poverty (PHS) online learning hub 

I am writing to let you know that Public Health Scotland has launched a new online learning hub focused on Child Poverty. 

The hub is aimed at those working in local authorities, the NHS, HSCPs and the third sector, and anyone interested in reducing child poverty in Scotland. The hub is pitched at foundation level. The hub will support understanding about child poverty. It also identifies some key actions that staff, particularly those in local authorities and NHS Boards might take to support families living on a low income. 

The hub is comprised of five relatively short modules that could be worked through alone or in a team and learners can dip in and out of the hub dependent on their learning needs. The hub is free and can be accessed through the PHS Virtual Learning Environment. We would be grateful if you could cascade news of the hub to any relevant colleagues and partners. 

If you require any further support or information, please contact phs.wdteam@phs.scot.

Welcome to January's edition of the Employability in Scotland E-Bulletin 

This guidance is for employers and managers. It will help you support employees and understand any legal requirements. There are links to government and other organisations that can help. 

The guidance will help you with:  

• managing absences and keeping in touch

• having conversations with your employee, in and out of work

• deciding on changes to help them stay or come back to work

• protecting your business and your employees with policies and procedures

• managing complex situations 

How this service works You will see questions about your situation and advice based on your answers. The service does not store personal information, but you can save and print the guidance. Support with employee health and disability – GOV.UK (dwp.gov.uk)

A new fund has been launched to spark fresh ways to engage young people in entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneurial Education Pathways Fund offers public and private sector organisations grants of up to £250,000 to deliver new and innovative courses and projects to under-18s to encourage more young people, from a wide range of backgrounds, to choose business ownership as a career path.
The Fund is part of Scottish Government work to establish a world-class entrepreneurial nation and deliver on the recommendations of the independent Pathways review that highlighted the importance of education to widening participation in entrepreneurship to all. 

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy Kate Forbes said:
“Entrepreneurship is key to a productive and growing economy. Tapping into a more diverse talent pool to drive the creation and growth of new businesses is an ethical and economic imperative.
“Scotland has the potential to be one of Europe’s fastest-growing start-up economies: an economy that is strong, successful, and dynamic. The Scottish Government will continue to play its part to make this a reality, which starts with establishing a culture that encourages, promotes, and celebrates entrepreneurial learning from an early age.
“We want every young person to have the opportunity to experience entrepreneurial learning and this funding will help offer the next generation of business founders new and exciting ways to take the first crucial steps on their entrepreneurial journey.”

The Entrepreneurial Education Pathways Fund is open for applications until 9 September 2024. For more information click here

Member Events  

We’re keen to share the autumn edition of the University of Stirling’s Business Magazine, highlighting student projects and work placements.

The University is seeking work-based projects and placements from local businesses to support students across various programs in the coming semesters. It’s a great opportunity to offer hands-on experience while benefiting your organisation.

You can read how your fellow Chamber Member, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, has built a lasting partnership with the University, providing students with valuable work placements in a professional, historical setting.

Additionally, did you know you can advertise your job vacancies through the University? Their recent article, How to Maximise Your Recruitment Potential with Stirling TARGETconnect, provides a useful guide for businesses looking to enhance their recruitment efforts.

We encourage you to take a look!

Register now for Strathcarron Hospice 10k!, 13th October 2024, Denny, 11am – 1pm

Sign up today and pound the pavements in support of your local hospice this October! This 10K route around Denny & Bonnybridge begins at Denny High School, not too far from the hospice. All runners aged 15+ are welcome, from first-timers to seasoned athletes!

Fellow Chamber member’s Life Fit Wellness will be there with there niggle clinic and Central FM providing some motivational music!

Use code – 10KRUN for £5 off standard entry!

Sign up here - Strathcarron 10K

Please see this offering from your fellow Chamber Member, University of Stirling – Scotland’s International Environment Centre, on how they can improve your capacity for developing a carbon reduction plan to set net zero targets.

Help Us to Help You

Through dedicated intern support, we are offering you additional capacity to develop a carbon reduction plan. It is a specialist service, unique in its approach and completely FREE. It is not consultancy or theoretical analysis.

To accelerate the development on your carbon reduction net zero plan, we offer you an intern who will:

• Learn more about your business and visit you on site

• Gather your data to get a better understanding of your scope emissions

• Focus on carbon hot spots to prioritise your time and efforts

• Develop a bespoke plan that is S.M.A.R.T and phased to allow time for improvements

• Further, you will understand policy drivers and how your plan has been developed. You will be in the driving seat and have the confidence to own, speak to, and deliver your plan

“You can’t manage

what you don’t measure”. Peter Drucker.

Business Benefits of developing a carbon reduction plan to meet net zero targets

• Efficiencies. Reducing both carbon emissions and costs

• Reduced risk of energy supply and improved security

• Better success at securing funding by being able to provide evidence that you have net zero commitment plans in place

• Higher scoring on tenders as a carbon reduction plan trumps environmental or sustainability policies

• Competitive advantage by securing and maintaining contracts from organisations actively seeking suppliers who are putting in place measures to lessen their environmental impacts

• Grow your business by attracting/retaining customers. A third of consumers actively seek out brands with sustainable and ethical credentials.

• Easier compliance reporting for Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR)

• Feel better about how you are running your affairs, because it’s the right thing to do.

Eligibility

Intern support is only available to organisations (private, public and third sector) operating in the Stirlingshire region.

How to Apply

Please register your interest to be added to the waiting list.

We expect to be over-subscribed, so in the interest of fairness are operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have expertise in this area, please can you contact lbaillie@clacks.gov.uk You can be invited to compete for the contract if you are registered on Public Contracts Scotland. 

For people interested in joining the chamber Lynn Harris at lynn.harris@forthvalleychamber.co.uk

We subsidise the cost of Retailers Against Crime (RAC) membership to all of the BID’s independent businesses (levy-paying and voluntary members)

Gain access to informative, in-depth training programmes and use SentrySIS system to log incidents, gather intelligence and immediately receive alerts about situations or individuals to be aware of. Reply to this e-mail to become a member.

In addition we're working on rolling out a pilot radio scheme for retailers - find out more here and get in touch if you're interested.

Over a year ago we switched on the Stirling Free City Centre WiFi. Every BID levy payer has the opportunity to advertise their business on the system or gain insights from the data gathered by the system.

View this information pack or get in touch to learn more and to arrange your advertising space.

Is the cost of your utilities through the roof?

We have engaged Eyebright utilities to work with businesses in the BID zone to secure the best costs for utilities, water and telecoms. Find out more.

You could also save by improving energy efficiency of your premises - Contact Business Energy Scotland today to find out how much you could save and how you could take advantage of an interest free loan from the Scottish Government - with cashback grants of up to £20,000, while funds last. Find out more https://bit.ly/3zNgjaE

Our platform gives organisations the opportunity for flexible, cost-free training which could help them train new staff at no cost.

The programme is particularly aimed at the city’s hospitality sector and includes a number of key courses that are a mandatory requirement for some businesses and may be enforced by your respective departments. See the list of available courses.

Network with other businesses, offer them your services, share your feedback, ask questions, make suggestions and interact with us.

Join The Stirling City Centre Business Group on Facebook now.

Independent Stirling is our campaign that is all about celebrating and promoting Stirling independent businesses. Each of the businesses displays the ‘I’m In’ sticker so everybody that passes by notices and chooses to support local. 

All of the businesses are included on the independentstirling.co.uk interactive map of businesses and we create regular blog posts on different topics about them.

Thanks to us, Stirling City Centre now has footfall counters in key City Centre Streets. Footfall data reports can be accessed at goforthstirling.co.uk/footfall-data-reports