Examples of how Creating Connections has helped build Sustainable Empowered Communities

Project Management & Development

I manage and deliver community based projects that span several months to several years in time. I'm able to locate and manage reliable contractors, work with volunteers and your staff to deliver the objectives, to budget and on time.

Founder and Director – The Melting Pot

I work in all capacities with a voluntary team to establish a new social enterprise. The Melting Pot aims to inspire and support social innovators to realise creative initiatives for a radically better world. My clear vision and opportunistic inclusive approach has created a strong team, secured core funding and gained much support for this important new community resource.

Sept 05 – present

The Melting Pot's Core Development Team The Melting Pot attendance at the Social Enterprise S2S Event 2006

Development Coordinator for ‘Award Inclusive’ project based in Greater Pilton (SIP area) for Friends of the Award in Edinburgh and the Lothians (charity)

I identified potential new groups through multi-agency liaison and communication; promoted the Award as a method of personal development for all young people; supported volunteers and their groups in activities and professional development opportunities; complete administration procedures.

1995-99 then 2001-3 contracted Testimony

young women happily resting in woods having completed their 3 day expedition

Coordinator for new eco-design kitchen installation in housing co-op

Many meetings over several years, 3 months of demolition, lots of dust , hard graft, skilled crafts and generous friends have transformed a defunct and badly designed space into a beautiful ‘heart of the home’. Although this was a collective effort, I contributed to the collective design process, contractual tendering and managed the build-phase. I like a practical project...

2003-5

the kitchen as it was past its sell buy date more views of the old kitchen view of new and still shiney handmade kitchen a delighted gang in our new kitchen

Development Coordinator for the new Young Co-operatives programme across Scotland

Pilot and evaluate this new and now successful enterprise initiative through liaison with 12 secondary school based groups across Scotland. Liaise with and support groups (leaders and young people) and their activities, involve stakeholders (including steering committee, the Scottish Co-op and Traidcraft), make recommendations about the role Young Co-op's could make through 'Determined to Succeed' (the new Enterprise in Education agenda for Scotland).

2003-4 Testimony

a Young Co-op group and their stall of goods Young Co-op representatives in London for event at Parliament a Young Co-op talks to the media

SNH & Auchinleck Housing Society Ltd – Co-ordinate a Community Garden

Secured a small grant that enabled a host of volunteers to transform a small jungle into a productive garden. I coordinated individuals and 3 local conservation organisations who worked over 3 months to cut back, build, dig and plant the beginnings of a permaculture vegetable garden.

Winter 01-02 (and continual improvements and mini projects since)

fresh peas in their pod Ali Jeffries placing her large ceramic sculpture in garden