Dates-n-Mates has been recognised as a finalist in the Small Charity of the Year category at SCVO’s Scottish Charity of the Year Awards 2024 and needs your vote!
This year’s shortlist includes 39 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country following a record-breaking number of nominations. While a judging panel will determine the winners under ten distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.scot/vote – before 5pm on Friday 24 May 2024.
Dates-n-Mates has been recognised as a finalist in the small charity of the year category and is encouraging people to vote for them. Dates-n-Mates are a friendship and dating charity for adults with learning disabilities. They deliver a regular programme of social events, workshops, and date chaperoning for their members across Scotland. This last year has seen big changes as they launched as an independent charity in April 2023, following 15 years as a project of social care charity, C-Change.
Louise McEwan, Dates-n-Mates Communications Lead and Aberdeen Regional Lead said
“We are delighted to be a finalist in the Scottish Charity Awards. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our first year as an independent charity. We have hosted over 630 events for adults with learning disabilities across Scotland since April 2023.”
“Our members have made new friends, increased their confidence and some are dating for the very first time. Dates-n-Mates won the ‘Pioneering Project’ award in 2017 so to now be a finalist in the Charity of the Year category is a fantastic celebration of everything our teams have achieved.”
The 2024 Scottish Charity Awards winners will be announced at a celebratory awards ceremony in Glasgow on 20 June 2024 – hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson.
Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: “Our 39 finalists demonstrate just how essential the voluntary sector is to Scottish society, with dedicated organisations and individuals going above and beyond to make a positive and often life-changing impact in their communities. Everyone at SCVO is looking forward to shining a light on their essential contributions at our awards ceremony in June.
“The public has the chance to celebrate each of our finalists through the People’s Choice vote, so don’t miss your opportunity to get involved and get behind your favourite finalist by voting now!”
To view the full list of finalists, visit the SCVO website.
