Opportunities to access training and employment support services for community improve as social enterprise obtains loan for new vehicle
A community-based construction company has secured a loan from Co-op Loan Fund to purchase a new van enabling services that will provide training and supported employment for young people in the East Lothian area.
The Ridge Foundations CIC is a construction company and social enterprise in Dunbar formed in 2016 as part of the Ridge SCIO charity. The core focus of The Ridge Foundations is to provide high quality training in traditional skills and supported employment for those who would otherwise struggle to access or sustain either, particularly in areas of geographical isolation in the East Lothian region.
As a CITB (construction industry trade body) registered company, and SQA (Scottish Qualifications Association) centre, The Ridge Foundations offer modern apprenticeships, alongside qualifications such as the ‘National Progression Award in Construction’ for local school pupils and for unemployed adults. The social enterprise also has a close working partnership with East Lothian Council and the regional Jobcentre Plus.
Receiving a loan from Co-op Loan Fund has meant The Ridge Foundations are now able to purchase a van replacing their existing vehicle sustaining transportation and access for the organisation and trainees. Kevin Lloyd-Evans, Lending and Relationship Manager at Co-op Loan Fund said: “We are delighted to make our second loan in Dunbar to The Ridge Foundations following on from Dunbar Community Bakery. This is an excellent group working with young people and the local community.”
One of The Ridge Foundations projects includes ‘Building Four’ located at Black Bull Close in Dunbar where the local building is currently being used by students working on the joinery element of the NPA in Construction on the ground floor, while hemp plastering work is carried out upstairs in the building. The invaluable use of the building ensures students can work on their own projects and hone their skills outside of college and other working environments.
Chrisann Morrison Regan from The Ridge Foundations said: “We at The Ridge Foundations are extremely grateful to the Co-op Loan Fund for their support. Having a second van will enable us to enhance the learning experience for our modern apprentices by providing them with the opportunity to work on a variety of sites. This in turn gives them a better range of avenues for their future work, supports the development of their individual skills and interests and builds their confidence – all by exposing them to a variety of situations and working environments. The van will also mean that we can develop additional income streams to support ongoing delivery of our wider services.”
Co-op Loan Fund exists to support the cultural, supportive and economic benefits co-operatives and social enterprises can bring to a strong and healthy community where residents, volunteers, employees, employers and the wider public are brought together under a common goal. We are incredibly proud to be a co-op, providing support to communities and an altogether different route to ethical, accessible loan finance. Visit loanfund.coop to find out more about our services and the co-operatives we work with.
You can keep up to date with The Ridge Foundations by visiting their website.
Unique lending: to co-ops, from co-ops.
