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Outside the Box

@otbcommunities.bsky.social
148 followers 182 following 147 posts

Helping to build strong, inclusive communities across Scotland

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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 15h
We recently visited the Kinghorn Meeting Centre in Fife to chat about food, changing eating habits, the impact of climate change on food production, and the memories and traditions that connect us all through food #LetsDoNetZero #ScotClimateWeek otbds.org/food-memorie...
otbds.org
Food, Memories and Climate: A Conversation at Kinghorn Meeting Centre - Outside the Box
Food, Memories and Climate: A Conversation at Kinghorn Meeting Centre Climate Wisdom is a dementia-inclusive climate action project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Recently, we visited ...
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 22h
Some great indoor gardening for wellbeing this week with Moments of Freedom. We learned about the benefits of different herbs and what delicious dishes we could make with them. We're looking forward to hear how they grow at home! 🪴#ScotClimateWeek #Let'sDoNetZero
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Are you interested in climate action in Scotland? Come along on Monday 5th Oct to the Intergenerational National Network meeting in Kirkcaldy to find out what's going on across Scotland and what we can do to make climate action inclusive tinyurl.com/ycxutpuz
tinyurl.com
Intergenerational National Network Meeting - October
Join us in Kirkcaldy for the October meeting of the Intergenerational National Network (INN) focusing on inclusive climate action.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Are you interested in climate action in Scotland? Come along on Monday 5th Oct to the Intergenerational National Network meeting in Kirkcaldy to find out what's going on across Scotland and what we can do to make climate action inclusive tinyurl.com/ycxutpuz
tinyurl.com
Intergenerational National Network Meeting - October
Join us in Kirkcaldy for the October meeting of the Intergenerational National Network (INN) focusing on inclusive climate action.
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Reposted by Outside the Box
Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting the next Intergenerational National Network meeting in October. The day will provide a supportive space to connect with others exchange ideas, and build confidence to take meaningful climate action. Get tickets here: tinyurl.com/ycxutpuz
events.humanitix.com
Intergenerational National Network Meeting - October
Join us in Kirkcaldy for the October meeting of the Intergenerational National Network (INN) focusing on inclusive climate action.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Our vision is a society where communities are welcoming and inclusive, and where people can contribute to making their communities work well for them and for everyone. otbds.org/about/our-ap...
otbds.org
Our Approach - Outside the Box
We provide development support to groups and people across Scotland who want to make a difference in their communities. This is our approach.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Yesterday the New Scots women's group, Moments of Freedom, took part in a relaxing decoupage workshop. We learned how to decoupage onto various items and each women took home some finished shells! These shells had been found on a beach in Skye and travelled all the way to Clydebank! 🐚
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
From seedlings to exhibiting at flower shows, the Climate Wisdom project has supported wellbeing and climate action for those living with dementia in Angus and Fife 🍓 otbds.org/it-started-w... #Itstarted @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
otbds.org
It started with a seedling - Outside the Box
In Forfar, the Climate Wisdom project has helped support the members to really develop their garden space.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting the next Intergenerational National Network meeting in October. The day will provide a supportive space to connect with others exchange ideas, and build confidence to take meaningful climate action. Get tickets here: tinyurl.com/ycxutpuz
events.humanitix.com
Intergenerational National Network Meeting - October
Join us in Kirkcaldy for the October meeting of the Intergenerational National Network (INN) focusing on inclusive climate action.
001
Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Last week the women of Moments of Freedom decided to go for a wellbeing walk along the canal in Clydebank. Walking safely as the nights draw in can be difficult and it was lovely to do this together in the daylight 🦢👣
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
It was great to attend the Third Sector Forum in West Dunbartonshire last week. There is always so much going on across the local authority, and it was lovely to new and old faces
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Outwith our project work across Scotland, we also offer bespoke consultation and evaluation. Consultations can bring a range of positive outcomes and support organisations to gather evidence for funding applications. Find out more otbds.org/what-we-do/c...
otbds.org
Consultation - Outside the Box
Good consultations can be a powerful way to support community voice. It helps people feel connected, and included in how things are done.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Last week we visited Killin Agricultural Show to get feedback about Wild Strathfillan, a National Lottery Heritage Fund project which supports the local community to engage in nature restoration, cultural and heritage activities. Thanks Trust in the Park and everyone we spoke to🦋
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Almost all our work is carried out in partnership with other groups or organisations. We support people to create a safe, non-judgmental space in which to share ideas and stories otbds.org/about/our-ap...
otbds.org
Our Approach - Outside the Box
We provide development support to groups and people across Scotland who want to make a difference in their communities. This is our approach.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
“I'm starting to look at the world differently, my granddaughter is learning about climate change at school, it’s great we are sharing what we are learning and showing the family.” Find out more about our #ClimateWisdom project otbds.org/it-started-w... #Itstarted @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
otbds.org
It started with...a trip to the Ecology Centre - Outside the Box
In May we joined STAND Meeting Centres at the Ecology Centre in Kinghorn for 2 days of shared learning and fun climate related activities.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Our team have been visiting Arbroath Connections and Kirrie Connections as part of our Climate Wisdom project. Foraged summer wreaths, upcycled bags and recycled raft building...there is something for everyone. otbds.org/projects/cli...
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JustRight Scotland @justrightscotland.org.uk · 13/07/2026
📢 Together with the @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social, we've created downloadable resources providing legal information and advice for people seeking asylum. 🌍 Available in multiple languages 🆓 Free to access 🔗 scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/resources-fo... 📲 Please share widely
scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk
Resources for people seeking asylum - Scottish Refugee Council
<   Back to asylum information Downloadable resources for people seeking asylum Getting legal advice Getting...
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
We had a lovely trip to Angus to meet with Montrose Connections and Lochside Connections Meeting Centres last week. We heard all about what the members have been getting up to as part of our #ClimateWisdom project and we got stuck into making summer wreaths and bug hotels. otbds.org/projects/cli...
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
We have over 20 years’ experience in creating and delivering creative and professional community engagement activities and events, with a range of audiences in different locations otbds.org/what-we-do/c...
otbds.org
Consultation - Outside the Box
Good consultations can be a powerful way to support community voice. It helps people feel connected, and included in how things are done.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Thanks to Irvine Seniors Forum for inviting us to their Open Day yesterday. It was great to chat with everyone, find out what's going on and make new contacts #community ☕️
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Great to hear from Restore Glasgow about their important work and nice to meet folk at Invisible Cities' #networking event today at Byres Community Hub ☕️
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
A huge thank you to @scotmid.bsky.social for their kind donation to the Moments of Freedom group. These vouchers will be put to good use over the next few months at their group sessions and community events.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
It’s important to remember that politics doesn’t just happen on polling and election days, it happens all year round. By working with your local elected members you can work towards making your community better. otbds.org/what-to-do-a...
otbds.org
What to do after an election - Outside the Box
It’s important to remember that politics doesn’t just happen on polling and election days, it happens all year round.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
A huge thank you to all who attended Moments of Freedom's #RefugeeFestivalWeek event earlier this week in Centre81. We had a brilliant day, full of great conversations and lovely food ☕️
Decorated glasses and jars on a white tablecloth on a table with Moments of Freedom postcards and badgesAn embroidery of a vase with the saltire on it, on a peach coloured background. There are flowers in the vase and green and yellow falling leaves from the vase with words embroidered on the leaves including 'kindness', 'joy', 'love', and 'hope'.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Come join us for Moments of Freedom's #RefugeeFestivalWeek event next Tues 16th June at Centre 81, Clydebank from 12.30pm. Look forward to seeing you there!
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Reposted by Outside the Box
Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
It's not long until Moments of Freedom's #RefugeeFestivalWeek event. Please come and join us on Tuesday 16th June from 12:30pm in Centre 81, Clydebank!
Join the Moments of Freedom group for their community gathering as part of Scotland's Refugee Festival Week. Come along and hear more about what the group has been up to over the past few months, meet new people, and enjoy some free refreshments and creative activities. 
All are welcome - we'd love to see you there!
With funding from West Dunbartonshire Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
We had a brilliant time at The Riverside Museum yesterday with the Moments of Freedom group. Thanks so much to Glasgow Life for a personalised tour and fun activities. We learnt so much!
Ceramic hot water pig and a small coin purse on a table on top of laminated photos of tenement closes.Screen printed tenement tilesFake street inside the Riverside Museum with two antique cars.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Today is World Environment Day Last year on World Environment Day we launched our Climate Wisdom project. Find out more about the broad aims of the project and how we are achieving them in our latest blog otbds.org/world-enviro...
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
A lovely spring session with Moments of Freedom celebrating Eid and doing some arts and crafts. We also managed to fit in the final preparations ahead of their #RefugeeFestivalWeek event too 🍵
Two tables covered in food, snacks, cups of tea and arts and crafts materials.4 glass tealight holders with flower embellishments.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
It's not long until Moments of Freedom's #RefugeeFestivalWeek event. Please come and join us on Tuesday 16th June from 12:30pm in Centre 81, Clydebank!
Join the Moments of Freedom group for their community gathering as part of Scotland's Refugee Festival Week. Come along and hear more about what the group has been up to over the past few months, meet new people, and enjoy some free refreshments and creative activities. 
All are welcome - we'd love to see you there!
With funding from West Dunbartonshire Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
We’re exploring what it means to live well in a changing climate through our partnership project Climate Wisdom. Working in partnership with people living with dementia, we’re exploring the relationship between living well and topics like extreme weather. otbds.org/projects/cli...
otbds.org
Climate Wisdom - Outside the Box
Climate Wisdom is a 5-year inclusive, dementia-friendly climate action project. The project will be delivered within Meeting Centres.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Last week two our Team attended 'Developing Sustainability' @visitdundreggan.bsky.social delivered by skilled facilitators from Social Enterprise Academy for grantees of The National Lottery Community Fund. Excellent tools, resources and discussions and great to connect with inspiring projects 😍
Photo of white tape on a wooden floor to make a cross. Within each section of the cross is a hand-drawn picture; on the top left a heart, on the top right a star, on the bottom left a question mark and bottom right a leaf.Dundreggan Rewilding Centre at bottom of a path surrounded by trees, bracken and grass.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
We’ve joined over 40 organisations, including the Human Rights Consortium Scotland, to call on the new First Minister to strengthen human rights in Scotland. You can find out more and read the letter in full: www.hrcscotland.org/news/news/hu...
hrcscotland.org
News | Human rights organisations urge First Minister to prioritise Human Rights Bill and Cabinet leadership
The Consortium, along with a coalition of civil society organisations, have written to the new First Minister, calling for urgent action to strengthen human rights protections across Scotland.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
The Moments of Freedom group invite you to their 'Built Together' event in Clydebank as part of #RefugeeFestivalWeek. Come and join us over free food and refreshments and celebrate the group's next stage in their journey. www.refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk/events/event...
refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk
Built Together - Refugee Festival Scotland
The Moments of Freedom group will host a community gathering bringing together local residents, community groups, local workers, elected representatives, organisations and New Scots to celebrate the n...
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
The Scottish Government consultation on the right to breaks for unpaid carers seeks views from unpaid carers, people receiving care, carer support organisations, and others. Visit bit.ly/3RniMEN to share your views by Fri 22 May.
bit.ly
Unpaid carers - right to breaks and timescales for support plans: consultation
The right to breaks provisions in the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 will make changes to the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 to deliver a right to personalised short breaks support for carers who can’t c...
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
With our new MSPs now in Holyrood and beginning to return to casework or set up offices in communities across Scotland, now is a good time to get in touch them. Make sure your voice is heard! otbds.org/what-to-do-a...
otbds.org
What to do after an election - Outside the Box
It’s important to remember that politics doesn’t just happen on polling and election days, it happens all year round.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
The Scottish Government consultation on the right to breaks for unpaid carers seeks views from unpaid carers, people receiving care, carer support organisations, and others. Visit bit.ly/3RniMEN to share your views by Fri 22 May.
bit.ly
Unpaid carers - right to breaks and timescales for support plans: consultation
The right to breaks provisions in the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 will make changes to the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 to deliver a right to personalised short breaks support for carers who can’t c...
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Gardening and getting outdoors is great for our mental wellbeing. Last week we got outdoors in Kinghorn with our Climate Wisdom project and made beautiful nature collages! #mentalhealthawarenessweek
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
With our new MSPs now in Holyrood and beginning to return to casework or set up offices in communities across Scotland, now is a good time to get in touch them. Make sure your voice is heard! otbds.org/what-to-do-a...
otbds.org
What to do after an election - Outside the Box
It’s important to remember that politics doesn’t just happen on polling and election days, it happens all year round.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Following Moments of Freedom's milestone of becoming a constituted group, they are hosting an event during Refugee Festival Week. Please join us to celebrate this new step in their journey! 🍵https://www.refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk/events/event/built-together/
refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk
Built Together - Refugee Festival Scotland
The Moments of Freedom group will host a community gathering bringing together local residents, community groups, local workers, elected representatives, organisations and New Scots to celebrate the n...
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we're flipping back to our 2020 blog where Dani shares some of thoughts on how crafting can help our mental health and wellbeing. otbds.org/left-handed-...
otbds.org
Left-handed crafts and mental health - Outside the Box
This Permission to Dream project blog shares new ways we've been learning to enjoy crafting for mental health - like left-handed embroidery!
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
For over 20 years, our development has been shaped by listening. We have always worked a bit differently. As a community-led organisation we’re committed to building leadership at every level – with the communities we work with, and increasingly in our own organisation. otbds.org/about/our-st...
otbds.org
Our Story - Outside the Box
Outside the Box began in 2004, to help people create changes they wanted to see in their communities and services they use.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
We had a lovely time on Monday with the New Beginnings Club at the opening of their new memorial garden in East Lothian. It was so special to share stories in the sunshine. www.facebook.com/groups/20823...
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
We work in partnership – in almost everything we do – with different organisations. If you have an idea you want to develop together, we want to hear from you! Email admin@otbds.org or use our contact form to start a conversation about work we could do in partnership. otbds.org/what-we-do/p...
otbds.org
Partnerships - Outside the Box
We help people develop and keep good partnerships, and help them make existing arrangements that are a bit fraught work better.
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Reposted by Outside the Box
Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Join us for a storytelling session celebrating the River Clyde and its river woodlands on 23 May 🌊 #Riverwoods are hosting two free events at the Falls of Clyde reserve. 🍃 11am–12pm: seated storytelling (accessible) 📖 1pm–3pm: storytelling walk and creative session Sign up at the link below 👇
A view across to a cluster of historic mill buildings next to a wide flowing river. The buildings are surrounded by tall green trees and the sky above is bright blue with several small white clouds.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
On Friday our #ClimateWisdom team visited the Ecology Centre with STAND. We had so much fun and learned so much too! 🍃🦇🐝 otbds.org/projects/cli...
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
For the last year, whilst developing our collaborative leadership model, we have meeting in-person once a month as a team. A big thanks to Lanark Development Trust, their grounds filled with hives of bees, butterflies and even a labyrinth were a gorgeous base! lnkd.in/eY2sKZ8D
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Last week our #ClimateWisdom team attended a lovely Daffodil Tea filled with singing, dancing and lots of cake. We even learned that daffodils are a source of galamantamine which is used to treat alzheimers. It helps to manage cogntive decline such as memory loss and confusion.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
📣Some organisational news from OTB! Find out more about our new collaborative leadership model on our latest blog otbds.org/collaborativ...
otbds.org
Collaborative Leadership - Outside the Box
In summer 2025 our former CEO retired, and with support from the Board, we piloted a new collaborative leadership model.
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Outside the Box @otbcommunities.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
A big thanks to West Dunbartonshire @citizensadvicescot.bsky.social for coming out speak to the Moments of Freedom group about what support they can offer members. We are looking forward to this continuing partnership! 🔈
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