Glasgow charity named Scottish Charity of the Year
Gary Meek, chief executive officer of Blue Triangle, said: "Blue Triangle is delighted to be recognised by the Scottish Charity Awards for Charity of the Year.
Jonathon McNaughton, chair of Blue Triangle board (Image: SCVO) "It is even more special to receive this award as we are celebrating our 50th anniversary.
"This honour is only made possible by our hardworking staff, many of whom have supported some of the most vulnerable members of society during decades of service.
Read more:
Workers to receive share of £2m pay-out after legal battle
Former Rangers chairman 'do not screw it up' warning after US takeover
Former Sky News presenter diagnosed with stage four cancer
"Blue Triangle will continue to provide life-changing support, while highlighting the urgent need for action against the backdrop of a housing crisis."
Founded in June 1975, Blue Triangle has grown into a national provider of housing and social care, operating 29 services across 10 local authorities.
The charity supports hundreds of people every day, including young people, families, asylum seekers, and individuals in recovery.
Its services go beyond providing a safe place to stay, offering people the tools and support to rebuild their lives.
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Blue Triangle has also launched a podcast called A Voice in the Dark, which shares stories from staff and people who have used its services.
One episode features Jonathon McNaughton, who became homeless at 16 and was supported by Blue Triangle.
Mr McNaughton later joined the charity's board and was recently elected chair.
The podcast is available on Acast, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
With more than 6,000 people currently on Glasgow's homeless housing waiting list, the charity is expanding its services through new funding and partnerships.
This includes a £5 million investment from Social and Sustainable Capital's SASH II fund to purchase additional properties and extend support services.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
03-08-2025
- Glasgow Times
Paisley charity marks 50 years with 1970s barbecue
Blue Triangle's Abercorn service, based in Paisley, marked the milestone on August 1 by inviting staff members and supported individuals to join in the sunny celebrations. The event honoured the charity's five decades of efforts in combating homelessness across Scotland. Read more: Govan housing association to be honoured with civic reception at City Chambers Having first started its Renfrewshire operations in 1992, the charity has since expanded and currently runs various services in [[Paisley]] and [[Renfrew]]. Its mission is to support and uplift those without a home, or at risk of losing one, to help them build a stable future. The Abercorn service, which opened in 2022, provides a safe place for individuals to live while receiving necessary support. Their assistance extends beyond just providing shelter, as they also help with cooking, budgeting, job applications, mental health management and planning permanent home moves. The 50th anniversary celebrations included music, food and fancy dress, all with a 70s twist. Lorraine Cameron, the Lord Provost of Renfrewshire, also attended the event, chatting with staff and supported people to learn more about their impact in the local community. Sarah Louise McQuilter, Blue Triangle area manager, said: 'This is a really big year for us at Blue Triangle, and such a special one to celebrate. 'We're incredibly proud of the work we've done here at Abercorn. 'It was lovely to come together with our dedicated staff team and the people we support to mark the occasion, and we're so grateful to the Lord Provost of Renfrewshire for joining us.' Abercorn was recently praised in a Care Inspectorate report for the strong relationships and trust the staff have built with those they support. Across Renfrewshire, Blue Triangle supports people of all ages – from young individuals setting out on their own to adults dealing with complex challenges. They extend their support beyond accommodation, helping people within their local communities, reducing isolation and assisting them in thriving within their own tenancies. The Abercorn event is part of a series of celebrations being held nationwide to commemorate Blue Triangle's 50th year. (Image: Supplied) Read more: Glasgow homelessness charity marks 50 year anniversary Most recently, the charity hosted a civic reception at Glasgow City Chambers. Founded in 1975, Blue Triangle has now grown into a national social care provider and registered charity, and was recently named Charity of the Year at the 2025 SCVO Scottish [[Charity]] Awards. To mark its 50th anniversary, Blue Triangle has launched a podcast titled A Voice in the Dark, available on various podcast platforms.
The Guardian
31-07-2025
- The Guardian
‘My wife reminds me to bring bear spray': a day in the life of a wildlife ranger
We're often quick to celebrate when natural land is saved: a rainforest spared, a vital habitat conserved. But what happens if there's nobody there to protect it? That's a problem international conservation charity World Land Trust was aiming to solve when it set up its Keepers of the Wild programme, which provides salaries for rangers on partner reserves all over the world. 'You need people there every day,' says Dan Bradbury, director of brand and communications at World Land Trust. He points out that those working as keepers of the wild are not only rangers but often firefighters, community organisers, medics, animal rescuers, research assistants and general guardians. Through the programme, those living in nearby villages are hired to protect natural heritage. Some are even former hunters. 'They become amazing guides, because they know the forests,' says Bradbury. He offers the example of a Colombian bird hunter who once used his talent for mimicking bird calls to 'whip away birds and take them to market'. Now employed as a keeper of the wild, he uses the same bird call, but for good, as a bird guide in the reserve. 'They're the peacemakers there, on the frontline of conservation,' says Bradbury. Located in Armenia, you'll find the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge, created in 2011 by World Land Trust's partner organisation, Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC). There, Keepers of the Wild-funded rangers Boris Vanyan and Manuk Manukyan take on arduous and often perilous work as part of an award-winning ranger team. On a given day, they could deal with wildfires, armed intruders or animals injured by landmines. But, as they explain, the work comes with plenty of pinch-me moments among the leopards and lynxes, too. Here's how Vanyan and Manukyan spend a typical day at work. Vanyan: Before my workday even begins, we start planning. Friends call – shepherds or other community members – who may have seen something or heard something we should check out. Sometimes we finalise plans the day before. Vanyan: Our clothes are light, with long sleeves for sun protection. Sturdy shoes are a must – there are many poisonous snakes. I pack binoculars, trap-cameras, food, a knife, and a first aid kit. I'll even take needles in case something major happens and we need stitches. My wife reminds me to bring bear spray. Manukyan: Some people say that when you're out in the wild, you should have a weapon in case a bear attacks. But there is no reason for a bear to attack if you know not to go into his den, or near his cubs. I'll usually just pack trap-cameras, plus camera batteries and memory chips. Vanyan: Depending on the plan, I take horses, walk or drive. That depends on the landscape. Our hours are according to wildlife, not what is comfortable to us – if the wildlife wakes up at 5.30am, we move with their schedule. Manukyan: I wish I could start as early as 5am, but instead I go to the village to collect colleagues and guide them to the eco centre, where we have greenhouses, lodges and a bear rehabilitation centre. Vanyan: There are three main threats to wildlife in this area. First, illegal poaching. Then there's wildfires, which can mean animals migrate to areas that are dangerous to them, or they lose their habitat. The third is the many landmines on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Crossing the mines, an animal could lose a limb, or could even be blown up. Manukyan: Recently, we had fires in three different places. A storm had begun destroying the juniper forests – the lightning was setting these ancient trees on fire. They have oil inside, and they burn like hell. But we have horses trained that can carry water up the mountain, and, together with the other rangers, the fire department and the state reserve, we managed to distinguish all three fires. Vanyan: Usually if I work close to home, I'll go home for lunch, but I'm reluctant to take a break like this, because being in nature is the most relaxing thing. Vanyan: I also manage tree planting for the reforestation programme in degraded areas of the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge – organising villagers, showing them where and how to plant. Sometimes we have to negotiate with locals who let their cattle roam, as they can eat the young trees, which can be a challenge. Vanyan: In the evening, the mammals come with their youngsters to the wetland. I'll hide somewhere near a watering hole and wait for them to turn up – golden hour is the best time to film the animals, such as the bezoar goats, with a very high zoom. Manukyan: Animals often recognise me. For a while there was a Eurasian lynx – very risk-averse animals – which I would spot, only from far away. One time we stood, just four or five metres apart, just looking at each other for a long time. I tried to take photos, but the clicking sound made him run off. I've observed him many times, in many places. There is also a herd of bezoar goats who pose when I'm coming to check the trap-camera. Vanyan: We recently spotted two different Caucasian leopards as far as 3km from one another, which is a very good sign – it shows that the leopards have enough prey to come and stay, to feel secure in the area and to roam. We also monitor for three species of vultures, and observe lots of bears. Manukyan: I'll drop off my team and travel home. But I have a live camera on my phone, and I'm constantly checking it to see if there's something alarming. One time, close to New Year's Eve, we spotted a torchlight on the top of the mountain, and identified that it was people – with weapons. We immediately drove to the mountain – a 90-minute drive. I called the police and the rangers from the state reserve, and, of course Boris, and together, we encircled them. It turned out they were not armed with hunting guns, but military guns. Their guns were taken and there was a police case – it took the whole night, until 4am or 5am. This type of thing is quite usual – everything depends on the needs of nature. Manukyan: Sometimes I don't see my three children for a few days at a time, because I come home after they go to bed, and leave before they wake up. When that happens, they demand I organise a barbecue! Vanyan: My son is nine, and he's very proud. He wants to learn about everything, to see all the materials I'm gathering. Maybe someday he will come with me, maybe he'll continue my journey. Manukyan: The real richness, the real value of this country is its biodiversity. It's very important to understand that the love of a country starts from nature – from rivers to trees, and forests to wildlife. Everything we are keeping now is not only for us, but for future generations. You can support Rangers like Manuk Manukyan and Boris Vanyan by donating to World Land Trust's Keepers of the Wild Programme
The Independent
27-07-2025
- The Independent
Girlguiding's new badges are a vital ‘woke' revamp for Gen Alpha
Forget Cobbler, Rabbit Keeper, Farmer and Sea Lore badges – Girlguiding has had a revamp. And rather than demonstrating a strong knowledge of the deep blue sea, the ocean floor and associated trade routes, as their young bearers needed to do in 1935; or the 1943 challenge of 'keeping rabbits for one year, including rearing a litter' – the charity, which is the largest youth organisation in the UK dedicated to empowering girls and young women, has gone modern (and as some critics would say, 'woke'). And it's about time, too. In a nod to a new generation of wannabe vloggers and YouTubers, Gen Alpha can now swap the old-fashioned Book Lover badge (which used to specify reading six books from a list of authors like Mary Molesworth, Charlotte May Yongel and AA Milne) for BookTok to earn a Book Reviewer or Blogging badge. There's even a brand new books and activism (or, Booktivist) badge! How fitting for 2025 – an age when we've become accustomed to Just Stop Oil chucking soup at priceless Van Gogh works of art; when Youth Demand activists are getting arrested for sharing biscuits at Quaker meeting houses; when hundreds are battling heavy rain each weekend to protest for Palestine. Young people are impassioned and active – and Girlguiding, uniquely, appreciates that. In fact, the organisation says that Rangers (members aged 14-18) will now be able to take their reading habits to the next level by exploring 'what empowers them through books,' such as 'feminism, stories by Black British authors or the environment'. Right on. Girlguiding was never this cool when I was at school. I remember quite distinctly the disgust I felt when I realised my first Brownies uniform was actually brown (the clue was in the name, but there we go). I also have vague memories of a church hall, a mirror on the floor representing water, and a lot of outdoor pursuits. My hatred of camping remains well-documented to this day, as does the memory of falling in the King George's Reservoir where we went to practice kayaking (the horror, the horror). My leader decided it would be a really fun game to make us get out of the boats to race up and down the length of the kayaks, right next to the sign warning us there was 'toxic blue-green algae' in the water. Fabulous. Is there a Dunking badge I should have earned? Reluctantly, I will admit that being a Brownie was mostly life-affirming and quite fun – if more than a little damp. I still have fond, if reluctant, memories of trying – and failing – to build a fire out of soggy sticks and flint; of getting completely lost in the woods because none of my group knew how to use a compass or the meaning of the word 'orienteering'; and of eating cold beans out of a tin because of the aforementioned fire failure. But we're not in the 1990s anymore. There's a whole new digital, Taylor Swift-infused world out there in 2025 – and I applaud Girlguiding's attempts to keep up with the times. It's not only refreshing, it's vital. If an organisation like Girlguides doesn't modernise and appeal to a very different generation this time around, it risks dying out altogether. And who will be getting their Healthy Sleep, Clean Planet and Laughter or Fandom badges then? What's more, the organisation has proven that it really understands what's important to teens today. What use is a Hostess badge – earned by putting on a tea party – in 2025? Gen Alpha are impassioned mini- Greta Thunbergs, and they really care about the climate crisis. The stats prove it: almost two-thirds of the youngest job seekers have expressed interest in pursuing 'green' jobs, according to recent data, while college administrators say soaring numbers of students are pursuing environmental-related degrees and careers. Other research has shown that younger generations – including us wizened old millennials and Gen-Zers, all radicalised by Blue Peter – experience greater levels of fear, guilt and outrage about the impacts of climate change compared to older Gen-X, baby boomer and post-war groups. With that in mind, the new Girlguiding Bee Rescuer or Conscious Consumer badges are spot on. We don't live in Enid Blyton times anymore – given the racism and xenophobia, it's just as well – we live in a world in which screens are second-nature to our kids; where I get eye-rolls from my 13-year-old because I have no idea how to set a self-timer, let alone use Snapchat – and if I did use Snapchat, she'd be mortified. It is a world in which more young boys than ever are listening to the likes of Andrew Tate and where lessons on misogyny have joined the curriculum; where programmes like Adolescence have become mandatory viewing (even according to the prime minister). With the very tricky trials facing girls today, we need My Voice and My Views badges more than ever. That's what Girlguiding is doing: modernising the way they interact with young people. Speaking their language. After all, what use is an organisation for girls if nobody wants to join it?
