News and Events

Employer Engagement Forum – October 2024

Employer Engagement Forum – October 2024

🎃 Scary biscuits! That was the limit of Halloween's impact on our Employer Engagement Forum meeting yesterday morning.

Huge thanks again to Codebase for hosting us; great to see so many people in attendance with lots of other events taking place on the same day!

Another varied and really interesting agenda along with some very special guests visiting us at the close of the meeting! We heard from Matty Dixon regarding his business journey with Sheep in Wolf's Clothing Brewery and his commitment to employing people from neurodiverse or physical disability backgrounds. Matty is a champion of real diversity and wants to embed that in his business model as it grows. Sheep in Wolf's Clothing Brewery 

Louise Humpington introduced herself as the new CEO of Positive Changes and spoke passionately about trauma-informed recovery and the need for businesses to engage with best practice methods of supporting people in the workplace that are impacted by trauma. Grace Chocolates - Chocolates for Change 

Progress Partners are delivering Managing People for Growth in the Forth Valley area and Sarah-Jane Dale introduced herself and the offer they are currently delivering. MPFG is a skills building programme for new & emerging managers, or those who want to brush up their skills. It focusses on how fair work principles can release productivity, innovation & growth, excellence in people management, balancing the needs of employees and the needs of the business. Managing People for Growth programme – Scottish Enterprise | Scottish Enterprise 

Cherene Robertson from Lunar Eclipse EFL Therapy Horses CIC (Non Profit) spoke about her professional journey from aviation to the NHS to equine therapy. Cherene introduced as to Lunar Eclipse’s ‘Hoof Gang’ and brought along two very special guests to meet those in attendance; Bubbles and Teddy! Please contact Cherene if you wish to speak with her about how their tiny horses can help with emotional wellbeing, physical activity, cognitive engagement, companionship and comfort. lunar-eclipse.co.uk 

Steve McGuire from Reach 4 Business spoke to the EEF about drug & alcohol testing services. Something that’s prevalent in the news currently following a study by Edinburgh City Council and will no doubt continue to have an increased need across a large number of sectors in the coming years. Steve is keen to speak with any business, trade union, sector or SME about the services and how they can be implemented. www.reach4business.co.uk 

Techscaler was the focus of Onyinye Igbokwe's presentation. Techscaler is a nationwide programme which supports founders and employees to accelerate the creation of and growth of tech start-ups in Scotland. It focuses on building core start-up and scale up skills, fostering social infrastructure development, improving investor and international connectivity, and supporting a vibrant network of ecosystem partnerships. There are Techscaler hubs across the country and Onyinye is happy to speak to anyone with an interest in finding out more. Codebase Stirling 

Adam Harris introduced Myriad Wind to the group and their plans to develop modular wind energy for a more affordable and sustainable future. The company are receiving accelerated growth support from Scottish Enterprise and despite being a start-up, recognised a recruitment need to support the administration and organisation of the business. Adam spoke positively of the support they had received in both recruiting and supporting the professional development of their new employee through the support of both Stirling Council’s Learning & Employability Team and STEP. Myriad Wind Energy Systems 

Myriad Wind’s Presentation is available here:  Myriad_EEF_Pres.pptx.pptx 

Noelle Mackay is the Employability lead for NHS Forth Valley and is currently implementing processes within the area to ensure the organisation is accessible and supportive to people who aspire to work within the National Health Service. As an ‘anchor’ institution, the NHS has a number or roles – as employer, service provider and procurer, commissioner and steward. Noelle is working to ensure employment pathways to NHS Forth Valley are increasingly more accessible to all. The presentation reflected all of this and more (please access the presentation for more details). 

STEP’s Annual Business Survey starts today! We’re encouraging everyone to fill it in and share it with their networks now that it has launched. This survey is crucial as it helps shape the business support that  EEF partners offer for the next year, ensuring we meet the needs and priorities of the local business community. 

EFF Slides.pptx
Intro to Techscaler - New Slides, September 2024.pptx
MPFG Info slides.pptx
SiWC Brewery.pdf
Stirling Council Presentation - PP (006).pptx

Stirling Apprenticeship Event

Recyke a Bike Quarterly Newsletter 

Newsletter July - September 2024 updated.docx

Regional Skills Assessments

The latest Regional Skills Assessments (RSAs) for 2024 have been published and are now available on the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) website. These reports provide a robust and consistent evidence base to support partners in strategic skills investment planning. 


This year, the RSAs have been enhanced with region-specific Green Evidence, which has been developed as part of the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan (CESAP) Pathfinder work. You can access the reports here:https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/skills-planning/regional-skills-assessments  


The RSA Summary Infographics have also been developed to provide additional measures down to local authority level. They cover the economy and current and future demand in local areas across Scotland. These can be found through the RSA reports or on the RSA website here.


To provide additional context, SDS have also published a new standalone report on Scotland’s Labour Market Drivers which provides an overview of the drivers expected to have the greatest influence on Scotland’s labour market outlook.  


As was the case last year, to complement these publications, SDS will host a series of one-hour webinars, where they will explore the latest regional labour market insight from the Regional Skills Assessment reports. These sessions will offer the opportunity to ask questions and hear from SDS Regional Skills Planning Leads on regional insight, investment and initiatives. See below for the full list of webinars and sign-up details:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Your support in sharing the links to the reports and encouraging colleagues and stakeholders to sign up for the webinars would be appreciated. 


Sectoral Skills Assessments have also been published and a series of sectoral webinars will also be delivered.

Department for Work and Pensions - Upcoming Recruitment Events 04/11/2024

Please contact the Lead Contact for each event for further information and to confirm final event details.

DWP are connecting current opportunities and people searching for work. To do this, we are:

 

 

The benefits of having a job are clear – both financially and for general wellbeing. DWP are helping people move swiftly back into the world of work and are helping employers fill the roles they and our economy need too.

SCOTLAND RECRUITMENT EVENTS 4th November 2024.pdf
Atlantic Quay Employability Suite (003).pdf

Scottish Enterprise - Fully Funded Innovation Academy

Scottish Enterprise - Innovation Academy

Join us and our partners Defankle Innovation, in our fully funded Innovation Academy programme where we will guide you through a series of facilitated workshops, interactive tools and one to one specialist support. The programme will:

Give you the tools, techniques and approaches you need to develop your own Innovation Roadmap.

Help you innovate more successfully to reduce risk and maximise returns.

Speed up your time to market, grow profits and outpace competitors.

Introduce you to IP and funding considerations to help move your ideas to reality.

Introductory session

13th November 2024 9:30am until 4pm at Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, Dundee.

Two day Innovation Retreat

9:30am on 26th until 4pm on 27th November 2024 at Apex Hotel Dundee

This includes a one night stay for all delegates with a cohort evening dinner and networking opportunity.

Roadmap Poster Session

23rd January 2025 10am until 4pm at V&A Dundee

Who should attend?

We’re looking for companies that have a minimum of 10 employees and a turnover of at least £800K. Ideally, you’ll be a member of the senior management team, a key decision maker with the ability to inspire, initiate and implement change. You’ll have a curiosity for innovation, a desire to challenge the status quo and be a change agent. You’ll also have the capacity to commit to and develop the physical roadmap. We find it best if two people from a company attend so it’s worth thinking about what the best pairing might be for you.

Innovation Academy Flyer - Programme 1.pdf
Innovation Academy - FAQs - Programme 1.pdf

Community Development Bulletin November 2024 

2024_11_cdnews.pdf

Central Scotland Business Support Round Up

 SVE November E-bulletin

 Working Health Services Scotland

WHSS General Information Leaflet PIL1188CG.pdf

 Ask Tell Respond 

Briefing document - Ask Tell Respond - Mental Health Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Learning Resources October 2024 Final.pdf

 Historic Sundays with Historic Scotland

Historic Sundays A4 Posters.pdf

 Central Scotland Free Business Support - STEP

Recyke-a-Bike Partners Update 

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.


Managing Menopause and CBT for Menopause Courses

Information for staff on the Managing Menopause and CBT for Menopause courses provided by FDAMH - Copy.docx
NOLB - Dates and times for Managing Menopause CBT for Menopause 20241.docx
Information on the Managing Menopause and CBT for Menopause courses for participants.docx

Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Work Ready Programme

Trainee Maintenance Operative Leaflet Final.pdf

Durieshill & South Stirling Gateway Announcements

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.

Community and Media Matters

Community and Media Matters Pathway Overview.pdf

Creating Change, Creating Futures - Reachout With Arts In Mind

October 2024 - March 2025

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.

Go Forth Stirling BID News & Updates

Worrying About Money? 

Worrying about money 2.pdf
Worrying about Money.pdf

Reachout with arts in mind 

Reachout_General Service_Leaflet.pdf

Surevey - Exploring the Dynamics of Employability Funding Allocation in Scotland.

This is an anonymous link and does not track your email at all.

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)

Go Forth Stirling BID News & Updates 28/08/2024

Health Improvement Service Plan

Last April saw the formation of a new Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health Improvement Service as part of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership Clackmannanshire and Stirling HSCP (clacksandstirlinghscp.org).

 

We are delighted to share with you for your perusal and information, our new Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health Improvement Service Plan for 2024-2026.  We very much look forward to continuing to work with you throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond, to continue to make a difference together to the health and wellbeing of our local people and communities.   

Health Improvement Service Plan.pdf

LGBTQ+ Youth Scotland

Central Advocacy Partners

CAP 2022 Leaflet.pdf

NEW Referral Forms - Central Advocacy Partners

CAP Third Party Referral Form.docx
CAP Self Referral Form.docx

Career Explorer Tool - Go Construct 

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.

Recyke-a-bike Newsletter Update

A few projects from Recyke-a-bike to make you aware of, which might be useful for yourselves or the people you support:

 

-   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 for more information.

 

-          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 be given confidence boosting cycling sessions as part of this project, as well as roadside repair maintenance sessions and a small selection of tools/parts. Please note this project is referral only (Job Centre, support worker etc) and is not to be shared publicly. Please email for more information.

 

-          Free Bikes for Adults in Falkirk and Clacks – we have a very small allocation of free bike packages to give away to adults who ordinarily couldn’t afford their own bike in Falkirk and Clacks. Please note this project is referral only (Job Centre, support worker etc) and is not to be shared publicly. Please email for more information.

 

-          We are still running our adult Wellness rides Tailwinds – with great success. Free to attend with a free coffee too! For more information and to book on our Stirling rides check out - Tailwinds - Wellness Rides - Stirling Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite Clacks - Tailwinds - Ride Clackmannanshire Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite Falkirk - Tailwinds - Wellness Rides - Falkirk Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite No eligibility required to attend. Public information, please share.

 

-          City&Guilds Level 1 Bike Mechanic Course­ – we have a few spaces left for our next free to attend 4-day City&Guilds mechanics course on the w/c 19th August. Those attending must not be in education, training or regular employment at the time of attending the course. Public information, please share. Please email for more information.

 

-          Bike Library – Free to hire for one month - electric bikes, trikes, cargo bikes, adapted bikes and family bikes as well as standard bikes via our library. No eligibility required except riders must be 18 and above. More information and to book check out E-Bike/E-Trike Library Info | recyke-a-bike. Public information, please share.

Newsletter April - June 2024 (002).docx

Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Sands Bereavement in the Workplace Training webpage

Workplace training is free for SMEs until March 2025

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

Healthy Eating at Work

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

Next Chapter Scotland

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 websitepeer 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:

 

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:

 

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.  

C60 bus will return to service 1st July

🚌✅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.

NEW Green Space - Stirling Health Care Village

Health care village green space.pdf

Tech4Futures - QA

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:

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

 

Workshop Details:

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

Working Health Services - NHS

Working Health Services is a free NHS service available to self employed and SME businesses where no occupational health service is currently available.  The service can support people with a long term health condition or injury which is impacting on their work.  

June 2024 General Information Leaflet PIL1188CG.pdf

Employer Brochure - Career Ready

Scotland Career Ready Employer Brochure (Claire Meikle).pdf

Stirling Library of Things - Stirling Reuse Hub

We are now ready to launch our new project, the leisure-based Stirling Library of Things, aimed at engaging tourists and locals in reuse, offering them the opportunity to hire high-quality preloved items, for less. I wanted to share the details with you before we launch.  From wet suits and paddleboards to rainy-day packs and popcorn makers, there’s something for everyone. 

Smart Works

For more information please contact Carys.Roberts@smartworks.org.uk

Smart Works offer FREE clothing and coaching to help women get the job

Referrer Flyer 1h - Glasgow (1).pdf
Client Flyer 1h - Glasgow.pdf

Money Works Scotland - MyBnk

For more information please contact Jennifer Graham at jennifer.graham@mybnk.org 

MyBnk are a financial education charity delivering financial literacy for young people. We achieve this using a suite of programmes that map to the curriculum, engage young people and deliver age relevant content in an interactive and captivating way. 

Our award-winning Money Works programme is aimed at young adults who are disengaged from education. Money Works is a 2-day course for aimed at the 16-25 age range that focuses on budgeting, spending habits, tax, banking and borrowing. Please see attached for more detail.

We also offer interactive shorter sessions (~100 minutes suitable for young people of school age S3-S6).

We are fully funded so there is no cost to voluntary organisations.

I look forward to hearing from you, please feel free to contact me with any questions or to arrange a suitable booking date with the MyBnk team.

Kind Regards Jennifer Graham

Money-Works-Scotland 2024.pdf

Inspire Volunteering Awards - Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise

For more informatation contact Chief Executive, Natalie at natalie@sventerprise.org.uk

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

Bike Library - Recyke-a-bike

Our Bike library is now open and can be booked via E-Bike/E-Trike Loan - Booking System | recyke-a-bike The library includes e-bikes, e-trikes and standard bikes that can be hired by adults over 18 years old for 25 days for free! 

Ebike Info Sheet.pdf

Side by Side Cycling - Recyke-a-bike 

Email:eloise@recyke-a-bike.co.uk  for more information

Our Van Raam Fun2Go side by side bike continues to put smiles on the faces of its riders! 

Great for people with balance, mobility, cognitive or visual impairments this electric assist bike allows people to cycle together side by side, with the pilot steering and stopping and the rider pedaling, or not! Sessions are free of charge. 

Stirling Community Enterprise Men's Group

Job Centre Plus Travel Discount Scheme - ScotRail

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. 

Wellbeing for Wee Ones Campaign 

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

Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill consultation – Information

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

Free Outreach and Engagement from QA Apprenticeships

For more information contact David Cunningham at David.Cunningham@qa.com

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’s Thriving Communities 

Prior Information Notice (PIN)

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:

 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

 


Stirling Careers Centre

New Public Office Arrangements

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.


Skills Development Scotland Employer Hub

Kooth - Counselling Service for 10 – 26 year olds

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

Dyslexia Scotland – New Website Resources

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

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.

Employability in Scotland E-Bullitin

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

Support with employee health and disability

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:  



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)

Chamber Events 

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:

 

“You can’t manage

what you don’t measure”. Peter Drucker.

 

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

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

Retailers Against Crime Free Membership

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.


Advertise Your Business on Stirling Free WiFi

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.

Cost Savings

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


Free Online Training

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.

Business Forum

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

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.

Footfall Data

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