Charity has a double date with award schemes
A Renfrewshire charity has scooped two great awards in one week.
C-Change Scotland’s datesn-mates project won a Scottish Social Services Award for having “the courage to take a risk” by developing it as Scotland’s first national dating and friendship agency run by and for people with learning disabilities.
And there was more to come in again as C-Change also picked up a Scottish Charity Award for the best Pioneering Project.
The dates- n- mates project aims to reduces social isolation, increase self-esteem and build confidence among some of the most vulnerable people in society.
The two awards schemes celebrate the work of the social services and charity sectors in Scotland.
They both recognise best practice as well as the individuals and organisations who aim to lead the way in making a difference to the lives of the people they help to support.
The awards reception for the Scottish Social Services Awards took place at Crieff Hydro and was jointly compered by the minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald MSP, and Scottish broadcaster and Reporting Scotland presenter Sally Magnusson. The Scottish Charity Awards were held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and was also hosted by Sally Magnusson.
John Paul Moffat, who is both a director and a member of dates- n- mates, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive these awards. Dates-nmates transforms the lives of its members simply by giving people with learning disabilities the opportunity to make friends and find love.
“I feel so proud that our work has been recognised by the Scottish Social Services Forum”.
Mark McDonald MSP said: “I’ve been immensely impressed by the calibre of the entries from across Scotland and the demonstration of dedication, compassion and resilience across the sector.”