Crimestoppers and Fearless celebrate Scotland’s communities

Celebrating the vital work of Scotland’s communities was the focus of a special event held in Maryhill, Glasgow (Friday, 6 October 2023).

Crimestoppers CEO Mark Hallas, speaking to Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety.

Supported by Network Rail Scotland, our charity awarded six youth-focused groups and six adult-focused groups £500 to spend on creating a special day during the summer that provided an opportunity to learn about our 100% anonymous reporting service.

Whilst Crimestoppers doesn’t usually offer grants, this project was an exceptional effort to show support for the very local groups who play an invaluable role in making communities stronger.

Guests at the celebration included Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown MSP and representatives from community partners, safety projects and other charities. 

Over 120 invited guests heard from the award winners about the fantastic work they undertake in communities and the difference the funding provided by Crimestoppers and Network Rail Scotland made to their summer.

Lyndsay McDade, National Youth Projects Coordinator for Crimestoppers Scotland, said:

"Both I and the Crimestoppers Scotland National Manager have worked in the charity sector for the duration of our professional careers. We have seen first-hand the difference youth workers, community workers and local charities make to so many lives - every single day.

"Today's celebration was an important reminder that everyone has a right to feel safe wherever they live, and that through Crimestoppers and our youth service Fearless, we help communities to achieve that."

The six Fearless winners are:

• Man on! Inverclyde, Greenock
• Girvan Youth Trust, Girvan 
• Oor Space Youthy, Peebles
• G20 Works, Glasgow
• The 3Rs Horse Rescue Centre, Gatehouse of Fleet

Click here to learn about these community groups on our Fearless website.

The six Crimestoppers winners are:

• ROAR Connections for Life, Paisley 
• Milnbank Housing Association Community Sports Hub
• Addictions on Recovery, Dunoon
• Milan Senior Welfare, Edinburgh
• Dunbartonshire Action on Addictions
• LIFT Millennium Centre, Edinburgh

Mark Hallas, Chief Executive at Crimestoppers, said: 

“What really struck me, listening to all the voluntary groups telling their stories, is just how committed they all are about making Scotland safer.

"Throughout this process of awarding grants, I have been genuinely impressed and have thoroughly enjoyed finding out about the wide and varied activities and vital support that all of you are giving. Quite remarkable. You are the unsung heroes, and you absolutely deserve to be recognised.”