Scottish Government
Printable version

Tackling social problems

Scottish approach highlighted at international conference.

Scottish businesses that help in tackling social problems are being showcased as part of an international conference being held in Italy this week.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney has visited a project in Cumbernauld, which is offering vulnerable young offenders the opportunity for voluntary work experience in their catering company and bistro.

CANAPE works with young people aged 16-24 who have previously offended, and offers them support and therapy, aswell as voluntary catering work experience.

Mr Swinney will this week highlight how Scotland is leading the way in businesses which aim to help people and communities improve their lives for the better, when he speaks at the Social Enterprise World Forum in Milan.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Swinney said:

“I was delighted to visit CANAPE to see the great work they are doing in helping young people who have offended in the past get valuable work experience.

“I believe that projects like this, combining sustainable economic growth and social purpose, have a key role to play in Scotland – and across the world.

“This is also important in meeting Scotland’s employment challenge including helping the most disadvantaged individuals to reach their full potential and play a full role in society.

“We are already working closely with the third sector, and in 2015/16 we will continue to significantly invest in the third sector by maintaining funding of £24.5m.

“I look forward to speaking at the world forum in Milan this week, and highlighting Scotland’s continued success in this area.”

Jane Bainbridge, Managing Director of CANAPE said:

"CANAPE - Choosing A New And Positive Employment SCIO wants to show the difference it makes to young people who have offended in the past, when they are given the right support from the right people and also when they are given the opportunity to work, they will and they will work hard.

"We use our private therapists to deal with negative incidents from their past, which have led a majority of offenders to self medicate, either with drugs or with alcohol, leading to offending. Young people can only look forward to a positive future once they have dealt with a negative past.”

Gerry Higgins, Chief Executive of Community Enterprise in Scotland and Director of the Social Enterprise World Forum, said:

"Scotland is viewed as one of the leading social enterprise nations worldwide as the Government and the sector are working together to develop progressive policy and achieve strong economic and social outcomes.

“Many countries look to Scotland to understand our social enterprise environment and how it has developed in urban areas and rural communities. With over 20 Scottish participants and twelve speakers and moderators throughout the World Forum programme, there will be considerable Scottish presence and influence throughout the event.”

Notes To Editors

For more information on CANAPE visit www.canape.org.uk

The 2015 Social Enterprise World Forum Forum will be held 1-3 July in Milan. http://sewf2015.org/

Mr Swinney will be speaking at the event on Wednesday afternoon, as well as hosting a lunch for Scottish participants in the World Forum and other participants from countries such as Ghana, Pakistan and Canada.

During his trip he will also take part in a number of business engagements.

The forum is being held as part of the Milan Expo, which is running from 1 May to 31 October.www.expo2015.org

 

Channel website: http://www.gov.scot/

Share this article

Latest News from
Scottish Government