stand international

STAND INTERNATIONAL is a small Scottish charity [37667] dedicated to working with marginalised groups . It does this in part by utilising the skills and talents of homeless people in Scotland. It is governed by a Voluntary Board of Directors. After some very successful joint work between two Edinburgh homeless charities and an international aid agency during it was agreed that the volunteer programme STAND International [Start a new Day] should be given a priority of its own. To this end Stand International was set up as a separate charity at the beginning of 2007. Principally STAND allows homeless people form Scotland to use their first hand experience of being without a home, close family and social networks to harness their talents and genuine feelings of compassion and look at ways to assist those who are in similar situations themselves in developing countries. This can include renovation and construction work, helping with basic care of Or providing outdoor activities for disadvantaged children. These groups are generally stigmatised by their local communities and receive no support or help locally. One of its objectives is to provide homeless people in Scotland with opportunities to use their time and skills to benefit those who were less fortunate than themselves and in doing so allow them to increase in their own self belief whilst contributing to the wider society. Volunteering is seen an important first step for vulnerable clients wishing to enter employment, as it allows clients to develop relevant employability skills in a non-pressured environment. We see this as a way to empower homeless people to fulfil their potential, integrate more with their local communities and thereby reduce their risk of social isolation and enhance their employment opportunities. At the core of our philosophy is that people should be the objects of transformation rather than its subjects and thus excluded. Homeless people in Scotland without excess finance to donate, or the usual life securities like home and families to fall back on can use their skills to assist their fellow man.