BORDERS charity Newcastleton and District Community Trust (NCDT) is the latest star in a nationwide campaign highlighting the work of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

#EssentialSector, a campaign developed by and about the voluntary sector, has been launched to great acclaim, with voices from across Scotland praising the opportunities provided for grassroots groups that are often overlooked.

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Work towards #EssentialSector began earlier this year, with ten organisations selected as part of a new programme to highlight how voluntary organisations change people’s lives for the better, bring communities together, improve policy and contribute to the economy.

The films feature real people, telling their stories in their own words and paint an inspiring and raw picture of the value, diversity, and impact of the voluntary sector. They show the challenges the sector faces, as well as its many achievements.

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Now, the general public have their chance to view the series of short films which capture the everyday work done by the dedicated individuals behind charities and voluntary groups in every corner of Scotland.

The #EssentialSector campaign partners are led by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), Scotland’s national membership body for the voluntary sector, and include: ACOSVO, the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Evaluation Support Scotland, Social Enterprise Scotland, the TSI Scotland Network, and Volunteer Scotland.

The films were premiered at SCVO’s Gathering 2023, the largest voluntary sector event in the UK, in Edinburgh last month and are now being showcased on a weekly basis.

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The project saw the ten groups given support and access to everyday equipment to make their own films, with training provided by ethical media production group media co-op. Charities were given the skills to produce their own video content, which was edited by SCVO’s video content creator, James Ewen.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “The #EssentialSector films tell the stories of just 10 of Scotland’s 46,500 voluntary organisations. The films are a lovely celebration of the work they do.

“We want to highlight as many stories as we can on a national stage to bring to life the vital role of voluntary organisations in communities across Scotland.”

Just over 750 people live in Newcastleton, the small village in the rural Scottish Borders.

But punching well above their weight are Newcastleton and District Community Trust (NCDT), who - after forming in 2015, now run a range of projects for the benefit of the whole community, and with sustainable outcomes.

Since its inception, NDCT has acquired assets on behalf of the community including Buccleuch House - a 14-bed bunkhouse and event hub, and Holm Hill where the creation of new pathways and cycle routes will prove to be a valuable asset for the health and wellbeing of the local community and will encourage more visitors into the area to support local businesses.

Vicky Hawes, NDCT Development Officer, said: "Newcastleton & District Community Trust was thrilled to be selected to make a community film.

“We face a number of challenges living where we do and don’t always have the same access to things others elsewhere take for granted. Everything we do is about providing a better place for all our futures.

“This film was made by our young people who are helping us determine what that future should be. We are very proud of all of them for contributing."