At the TOiL Awards on Monday evening (2nd November 2015) at the Edinburgh City Chambers, Cre8te Opportunities were awarded “Partnership Organisation of the Year 2015” for their work with Port of Leith Housing Association.

The second award came the following night at the Social Enterprise Scotland Awards 2015 ceremony at the Scottish Parliament when Cre8te were presented with the “Prove It: Social Impact 2015” Award from Deputy First Minister John Swinney. Fraser Kelly the CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland was very complimentary of our work in making a huge difference in a difficult area. In the words of Social Enterprise Scotland:-

Based in the Craigmillar area in South East Edinburgh, Cre8te has specialised in nurturing enterprise in a very difficult neighbourhood where worklessness is endemic and there is intense social and economic deprivation. We have focussed our attention on under-represented groups, including support for long term unemployed, individuals with mental health issues and addictions, females and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) entrepreneurs.

Why did we win?

Clearly set out mission and objectives
Genuine example of community led economic and social impact
Diversity of activities established as part of a long term growth plan
Independently verified Social Return on Investment evaluation of £13.26 for every £1 invested
Clear evdience of impact in Craigmillar but also on the wider community

Neil Scott, Cre8te’s Chief Executive, said “Two awards in two days was unexpected but nevertheless most welcome in recognition of the hard work of the team in Cre8te Opportunites. We know we achieve great things with the various client groups we work with but don’t blow our own trumpet enough. Our Board of Directors and all the staff are delighted with the awards and we hope we can continue our work with our stakeholders for years to come”.