Social Enterprise Champion Award 2022 Winner Spotlight: Catherine Jones
Posted: 07 June 2023, in Awards
One Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2023 Category is the Social Enterprise Champion Award which in 2022 recognised an individual working in a social enterprise who went above and beyond to make a difference. We are proud to include this Award which honours and celebrates the work of individuals in social enterprise organisations.
Please meet Catherine Jones who was nominated by the team in 2022 as part of the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland from the Grassmarket Community Project and won the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2022 Champion Award.
Name: Catherine Jones
Job Title: Director of Social Enterprises
Organisation: Grassmarket Community Project
Nomination information by Catherine Jones:
I felt very humbled to be nominated and shortlisted for this award, I never actually expected to win it! Our organisation had already won the “One to Watch” category in 2022 for our brand Coffee Saints, so I went into a state of disbelief when my name was called out as the winner and my daughter who was with me at the ceremony burst into tears!
Did I feel deserving of such a coveted award – probably not, as the way I see it I’m just doing my job, but it does confirm that you are doing a good job, but I am not the Social Enterprise Champion, my entire team are, as without them I wouldn’t have been able to achieve the things that I have done if it was not for them.
Through winning this award, I was automatically put through for the ‘women in social enterprise award UK’, here I was shortlisted with 10 phenomenal female social entrepreneurs, I didn’t win this one (nor did I expect to) but I was recognised as being highly commended, so I like to say that I came 2nd in the whole of the UK!
Winning an Award as an individual certainly does boost your confidence, especially when you are pitted against so many other amazing people. It gives not only you exposure, but also your organisation. It’s good for business because it lets your stakeholders and customers know that they are dealing with the best (which I have taken FULL advantage of!). I still feel very honoured to have won this Award. I hope it inspires others and shows that hard work and dedication is recognised and does pay off!
Organisation description:
The Grassmarket Community Project takes an innovative approach to creating community, providing sanctuary and support to people dealing with multiple complex issues. These include homelessness, mental/physical health problems, learning difficulties, poverty, substance misuse, physical abuse and more.
Through social enterprise, mentoring, education and support in a nurturing environment, the Project creates opportunities for those furthest from mainstream education and employment opportunities. Individuals develop skills and confidence, re-connect with themselves and their community, and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Social Enterprise Scotland Awards 2023 are open!
The awards are a real opportunity to showcase the very best of the sector, highlighting the agility, ability and active role that social enterprises play in building places, supporting communities and making a positive impact on our environment and wellbeing. Apply before July 10th!
We have 9 categories available. This is your chance to spotlight the incredible work of your organisation, celebrate your achievements, demonstrate social impact and be recognised as best in sector. All Social Enterprises that operate in Scotland or individuals/organisations that work/volunteer in Scotland are eligible to enter. We have a helpful criteria which can guide you through your application. Simples!
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