South of Scotland Enterprise has awarded landscape maintenance contracts to two South of Scotland social enterprisesthat provide work experience for those with disabilities.
After a successful tender process, Dumfries and Galloway Care Trust and the Borders Green Team were both awarded three-year contracts.
The agreements, which last until 2025, see the charities committed to carrying out landscaping services across SOSE offices in Selkirk and Dumfries.
Dumfries and Galloway Care Trust is based in Dumfries and provides supported real life work placements for adults 16+ with learning disabilities/autism.
Their focus is on providing working experiences through gardening work and woodwork projects.
They offer a range of garden services and fencing work for private clients and public sector, with all of the profits reinvested into the charity.
The Trust carries out work across a number of locations in Dumfries and Galloway, with their main area being Dumfries.
Both contracts tie into SOSE’s Fair Work commitment, to give everyone an effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect in the workplace.
Darren Johnstone, SOSE’s Facilities and Office Services Manager, said: “SOSE is delighted to have secured the services of both the Green Team and Dumfries and Galloway Care Trust to help maintain our properties.
“As the region’s economic and community development agency, it is important to us that we use local services where possible and this agreement allows us to work with two social enterprises doing great work in the South of Scotland.”
Trisha McWilliam, Manager, Dumfries and Galloway Care Trust said: “The Care Trust was delighted to have been awarded the three year contract with South of Scotland Enterprise. It is testament to the fantastic work that is carried out by everyone at The Care Trust.
“The funding that has been secured through this contract will be beneficial in the future development of the project.
“The new contract has provided us with an opportunity to offer additional learning and training through the varied work within the different sites for the benefit of all our attendees.”