bOunceT

Callum set up bOunceT (formerly Forth Valley Rebound Therapy Service CIC) in 2016 at just 23 years of age and whilst still at GCU working towards an Occupational Therapist degree.

Having qualified as a Rebound Therapy Coach, Callum was passionate about this intervention and realised that while there were private and open services across the UK and other countries, there were no open services for this therapy in Scotland.
"I wanted to set up the social enterprise initially as I just wanted to see something different in my local area, that I knew would benefit the people I was trying to help. I had a lot of experience working with children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, and I felt as though there could be more available to them to meet their health and social care needs.”

Armed with his knowledge and experience, plus a huge amount of enthusiasm, he decided to address this gap by setting up the first and only open referral service for Rebound Therapy in the whole of Scotland. Due to the success of this innovative approach, the service re-branded to ‘bOunceT: Innovative Occupational Therapy’.

bOunceT uses a trampoline as a tool to engage children and adults with a wide range of disabilities and additional support needs. Working on 1:1 therapy sessions that promote the improvement of physical, social and sensory goals, they create personalised ‘Therapy Plans’ for each child or adult based on their individual support needs and health condition. Callum's track record to date is impressive, he has quickly generated a solid client base - supporting over 65 families in his first year - and has engaged with local councils, care agencies, schools and charities for referral services.

I love what I do and I am delighted that my work has been recognised by so many different individuals and organisations - it feels unreal going from only running sessions at weekends whilst studying to now working on the enterprise seven days a week and employing staff! This would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of Firstport right at the start of my journey.

For anyone thinking of starting a similar journey: it is hard work and you have to engage with the right people - but as long as you enjoy what you do and are passionate then the success will follow!

It is fair to say that Callum’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. He secured both Start it and Build It Awards from Firstport, allowing him to test and now consolidate the enterprise. He was also won the runner-up award in Converge Challenge’s Social Enterprise category and won an Awards for All Big Lottery Fund grant to purchase a hoist that has now allowed wheelchair users to safely transfer onto the trampoline and access bOunceT's therapy service.

We have - and still are - experiencing change, development & learning experiences both personally and professionally since launching our idea at a very small level that will allow us to grow and maximise our social & therapeutic impact. Our plans for the future stretch beyond just delivering a service as we have identified opportunities to package what we do into various products. The future of bOunceT looks bright.....it looks blue & yellow!

Triple Tech Tap

Fraser Fleming, founder of Triple Tap Tech, works to provide support and training in technology from a visually impaired perspective.

Triple Tap Tech is a social enterprise offering support and training in digital technology. Their focus is to develop skills from a visually impaired viewpoint. Fraser does this by holding one to one sessions and classes, that engage with people in the community, and teaches people how to adapt and create, digital content that is suitable for those with visual impairment, as well as working to help improve the visually impaired access technology. On top of this, Fraser holds information open days and visits people in their own homes to provide his tech service. He initially wanted to set up the Triple Tap Tech to try and react to the changing environment in both business and technology.

“We thought this would be the best way to freely develop our services and provide support and training across all technology from a visually impaired perspective. We also believe this gives us the best structure to react to the changing environment in both business and technology.”

Since seeking advice from Firstport Fraser has gone on to secure Start It funding to get Triple Tap Tech up and running. He aims to become the first stop for people, organisations, and charities seeking advice about digital services from a visually impaired viewpoint, being the best at what they do across the UK.

“We plan to be the first stop for people, organisations, and charities to come to for digital services from a visually impaired viewpoint. We will be the best in the UK at what we do.”

For Enjoyment

For Enjoyment, founded by frank hayes, is a social enterprise and creative movement that nurtures artistic ability. it improves mental and social health through the power of Art and creativity.

Frank got his inspiration for his social enterprise after being involved in the arts in South West Scotland for a number of years. During this time, he slowly became aware that a large proportion of the population for a number of reasons didn’t have access to accessible Art workshops. High prices, exclusive language, and the need for previous experience barred a large section of potential creatives from accessing a creative outlet.

“I developed, trialed, and refined the model of inclusive and accessible Art workshops and we were completely taken aback by the demand, and numbers of those who wanted to take part once we launched.”

For Enjoyment CIC now runs drawing, photography, and printing based workshops and events in Dumfries and Galloway that are accessed by people of all ages, all abilities, and all walks of life.

What For Enjoyment does for people through the power of Art is Frank’s driving force and when he get testimonials from people about how For Enjoyment has helped them in their lives he knows what For Enjoyment does is not only incredibly worthwhile but also needed in communities.

“I would say to anyone with a passion and an idea is to give it a go, give it your all and no half measures, don’t be afraid to ask for help and believe in what you’re doing. Work hard and rewards will come, you get out what you put in! What I’m doing now is the most rewarding work I’ve ever been involved in.”

For Enjoyment CIC continues to grow from strength to strength and has come into its own in the last couple of years. It has become a service that is used by anyone who wants to start a creative journey, be it through photography, drawing or printing. They provide anything from one-to-one work through the NHS to day-long events and workshops with groups such as Whizz-Kidz and The Carers organisation.

“For Enjoyment has proved to be extremely successful in Dumfries and Galloway and we pride ourselves on the high quality of provision and I see no reason why it shouldn’t be easily transferable and could be taken into any community in any area. I feel extremely lucky to be involved in the arts and I’m proud of what has been achieved through the company and the positive impact that has been made so far.”