As this is my first newsletter as the new Chief Executive of Circle, I would like to say a warm hello to those I have yet to meet. It has been a busy but productive few months and I have been very privileged to meet a range of funders, key partners and people who support the organisation including our Advisory Panel who have helped to shape our thinking and plan for the future.
I would like to thank Ben Macpherson, MSP who has not only supported us but has worked hard to help promote the work of the organisation. Ben recently arranged for us to meet with Carolyn Wales and Maggie Fallon, Scottish Government Officials to discuss our ISSEP Project and how this helps bridge the attainment gap. We were able to take two Mentors and two Mentees to the meeting and our trip to Scottish Parliament was hugely enjoyable for all.
We have been lucky to consolidate some current work including securing our project in West Lothian through the procurement process. Our work in Addiewell Prison was supported for five years by the Big Lottery Fund and although this has now come to an end, we have been lucky to secure one post through the Henry Smith Charity which will continue for two years. We would like to thank Big Lottery for all their support during those five years. We have also secured our Pregnancy Post in East Lothian through a number of small and private funders, again for two years.
I would like to say a huge well done to Lyndsay Fraser-Robertson who has been successful in her application to undertake a Travelling Fellowship with the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. Lyndsay will be travelling to the United States in the summer to undertake her research and we look forward to her findings when she returns.
I am looking forward to the next few months when we begin to look at our plans for the future and meeting with partners and stakeholders to consider how best to deliver our services together.
Rhona Hunter
Chief Executive