Immediate Release 02/02/2014
DUNDEE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE COMPANIES HELP SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF THE SCOTTISH WELFARE FUND
Social Enterprise companies in Dundee are helping out people who need essential one-off household items like beds, cookers, washing machines or carpets but don’t have the money to buy them.
Dovetail Enterprises, the Clean Carpet Company and the Tayside Re-use Centre, all members of the Dundee Social Enterprise Network (DSEN) are providing essential goods to hundreds of Dundee families who are getting support from the new Scottish Welfare Fund.
The Scottish Welfare Fund is available in two forms, Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants.
Crisis Grants act as a safety net in the event of disaster like a fire or flood, or an emergency like losing all your money.
Community Care Grants can help if you are about to leave care to live on your own in the community, for example after being in hospital or in prison, or if you face going into care because you don’t have the things you need to continue living at home.
Dundee’s share of the total Scottish Government fund of £32 million is £1.336 million and since its introduction last April, there have been over 3,800 awards made in the city.
Derek Marshall, Chairman of the Dundee Social Enterprise Network said: “Our member organisations are committed to helping out people who are facing a crisis in their lives or need support to start or maintain their independent living.
“We are working in partnership with the city council, who administer the fund in Dundee, to help publicise and implement the new Scottish Welfare Fund.
“By using local social enterprise companies to provide essential household items, the city council are helping to sustain jobs in the city and support the growth of the social enterprise sector.”
There are currently over 30 social enterprises, small and large, that are members of DSEN, trading in the city. Together, they employ 500 people and have a business turnover of £17 million.
Dundee City Council administration leader Councillor Ken Guild said: “The pressure on the emergency welfare fund is growing as the full impact of the Westminster Government’s welfare reforms start to bite.
“I am pleased that the council is working in partnership with the Dundee Social Enterprise Network in the effort to help local people who are affected by these cuts.”
Dovetail Enterprises employ 55 people, 36 of whom have a disability, in their impressive 100,000sq feet workshop at Dunsinane Avenue. The business uses the latest design and manufacturing technology to produce a range of furniture, beds, mattresses, and fire doors.
The Clean Carpet Company is part of the Clean Close Company which provides cleaning and janitorial services, grounds maintenance, carpet cleaning, uplifting and disposal of bulky items, graffiti removal and prevention. The social enterprise has a turnover of £340,000 and provides jobs for 15 people on full time contracts and 5 part-time.
Tayside Re-Use Centre at Units 1 & 2 South Dudhope Mill, take in, recycle and sell white goods, household and office furniture.
More details on the Scottish Welfare Fund are available at http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/welfarereform/crisisgrants or you can telephone 01382 431188.
Note to Editors: What is social enterprise?
Social enterprise is a dynamic and inspiring way of doing business. Social enterprises are innovative, independent businesses that exist to deliver a specific social and/or environmental mission.
Social enterprises trade in all markets, selling goods and services to individual consumers, local authorities, government and private businesses.
Social enterprises exist to make a profit just like any private sector business. However, profits or surpluses are always reinvested into their social and environmental purposes. There is no profit distribution. Social enterprises also have an "asset lock" on all their buildings, land and other assets.
Contact: Derek Marshall 01382 509586 mobile 07950 026 736
Susan Smith 01382 315727 mobile 07928 688 207
Issued on behalf of Dundee Social Enterprise Network (DSEN) by Clear Circle Communications (CIC): Les Roy mob: 07914 641 072
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