Link Up
Link Up was established in 2012 without a set model or framework, just the premise that the ingredients for lasting change already lie in our communities in the shape of the passion, strengths, skills, knowledge and interests of local people, and when people are connected and energised, radical change can and does happen.
Our Link Up workers are embedded in the community and work directly with local people to harness these existing resources. The community establishes activities that local people want to take part in and help run.
But these are not just activities; they help people to build relationships with their fellow residents, creating new social connections where they look out for each other.
The Place-based Programme Learning Exchange, a collaboration of national organisations that champion ‘place’ in their practices, has released a report highlighting what works and what doesn’t in place-based approaches. This report aims to share these key learnings to enhance both the scale and quality of place-based working across Scotland, and draws on over 50 years of combined organisational experience and learning across dozens of urban and rural place settings.
Link Up: Transforming Relationships
Link Up is among the largest and longest-running programmes of its kind in Scotland, bringing people together to create activities and events by and for the community.
Our new collaborative report for 2020 illustrates the work of Link Up, and the special contributions the Link Up teams make to communities across Scotland, showing how lives are being improved through positive relationships, shared purpose, and kindness.
A range of testimony from our local host organisations further illuminate why Link Up was so effective in its response during 2020. These statements also spell-out why Link Up’s continued presence will be fundamental to the recovery and renewal of these communities.
Our Team
Andrew Magowan
Programme Manager - Link Up
Andrew is a passionate advocate for the ability of people and communities to do big things and change society for the better. He leads on our Link Up programme where his enthusiasm for unlocking the potential in people, partnerships and innovative ideas has helped shape not just Link Up but the community development landscape in....
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Funded Services
Craigmillar, Edinburgh (Thistle Foundation)
The Thistle Foundation is the host organisation in Craigmillar. Link Up started in Craigmillar in 2016.
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Gallatown, Kirkcaldy (Kirkcaldy YMCA)
Kirkcaldy YMCA is the host organisation for the Link Up worker. Gary Hughes started as the Link Up Worker early in March 2012. Gallatown is a suburb in north east Kirkcaldy near Dysart in coastal Fife. Originally called Gallowstown, (from the frequent execution of criminals in feudal times, or from the special
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Gorbals (Crossroads Youth and Community Association)
Community: Gorbals (Laurieston). Crossroads Youth and Community Association is the host organisation partnering with Inspiring Scotland on Link Up. The Gorbals is an area on the south bank of the river Clyde in Glasgow made up of the districts of Laurieston, Tradeston, Kingston, and Hutchesontown.
Learn MoreResources
13.09.2023
Ullapool Sea Savers
Janis Patterson of Ullapool Sea Savers tells us about the difference Specialist Volunteering has made to her organisation.
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13.04.2023
We Are Brass Tacks
In this video, Tommy Seymour talks with We Are Brass Tacks about the support they provided to visual impairment charity, Seescape.
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13.03.2023
How to Recruit Trustees
We have some top tips and best practice on how you can find suitable trustees for your charity.
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29.11.2022
Insights on the cost-of-living
At Inspiring Scotland, we are very aware of the pressure that the increased cost-of living is having on people and the funded charities we support. Throughout Autumn 2022 our fund teams gathered and shared information from portfolio partners about: How concerned they are about cost-of-living crisis for people they support, their organisations, their staff and
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26.08.2021
Saltcoats Link Up ‘Wins’ The Lottery
The National Lottery Community Fund announced today that Inspiring Scotland’s Link Up project in Saltcoats will benefit from an additional two-year funding of £95,400. “Our success in securing this new funding through National Lottery’s Community-led Fund will be critical in helping us to enable local people to drive the change they want for Saltcoats.” Brian
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10.08.2020
SiRD projects secure £2.9m in extended funding for social care
Funding for 31 third sector projects in social care has been extended to March 2022 with the announcement of an additional £2.9 million in Scottish Government backing. Inspiring Scotland’s ‘Support in the Right Direction’ programme was initially funded until March 2021 with the organisations receiving funding providing information, advice and advocacy for people accessing
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ENQUIRIES
For all enquiries about the Link Up programme, please email linkup@inspiringscotland.org.uk
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