We are looking for several trustees who can play an integral role in the governance of our charity.
You do not need to have been a Trustee before, nor hold a senior position elsewhere. What we are looking for is people with; A passion for developing the charity, Confidence and eagerness to be involved and lead within the board, An understanding of Scottish governance/a commitment to learning, A commitment to understanding trustee responsibilities, A willingness to undertake training offered.
We would particularly like to speak to individuals with a background in:
Finance
Legal
Advocacy
Activism
Policies
Business
Mental health
Intersectionality
Transformative justice
However, if you have a background in an alternative area, but are interested in the work of with us and believe you could bring energy and value to our organisation, please do get in touch.Who we are
Spit it Out (SiO) is a grassroots community-led organisation established in 2020 that is dedicated to opening conversations around mental health and healing through creativity, accountability and community care. We deliver free inclusive activities and resources to fight loneliness, learn together and create a lasting change in our community through an intersectional Transformative Justice lens. We welcome everybody but are committed to reducing barriers for under-represented groups by giving opportunities to people with lived experiences of marginalisation and mental ill health.
Our services cover:
We host up to 130 events a year across our projects to help people find community and learn new skills to support their mental health.
A short overview of our projects is; Aye Breathe 2-3 Workshops a month on connection to the breath, nature and body Aye Thrive 2-3 Workshops a month on thriving mentally, creatively and financially. Aye Right 2 Workshop a month on Transformative justice and the creation of resource booklets. Aye Connect 1 Space a month for the community to come together and connect Aye Share 6 performance events a year to share the voices of our community The Festival 10 day Festival across Edinburgh, Glasgow & Online raising marginalised voices Podcast 1 series a year covering topics important to our community Phlegm zine 1 magazine a year covering topics important to our community
Our programme benefits our public by providing:
Free resources as a way to empower vulnerable communities in Scotland, using art and creativity as a tool for inclusivity, education and activism.
Free creative activities, allowing people to come together, to learn, share perspectives and find a community of peers.
Opportunities for our volunteers, partners and members to further their knowledge regarding mental health, advocacy and, inclusivity.
Paid opportunities for artists, and performers and workshop facilitators who are currently underrepresented in the industry.
Personal Journey PlanningOpportunities for community members to receive 1:1 support towards the development and implementation of their ideas or projects.
A necessary platform for discussion, debate, learning, and support for the general public in Scotland, using multi-art forms to inspire them to learn about important issues
Our Audience and Outreach:
We work with 18+ people who experience mental ill health or are recovering from trauma.
Throughout the year we are a team of 5, have 6 permanent volunteers, 68 members and 25 partners.
Our outreach is constantly growing with 330 people in our newsletter, 680 people following our Eventbrite and 4500 on our Instagram with all of our events frequently reaching capacity.
During the festival, we have 6 team members, 30+ volunteers and 95 collaborators.
Our Vision
To open conversations around consent, mental health and healing through creativity, accountability and community care
To provide non-judgemental and inclusive spaces to explore lived experiences in a trauma-informed way.
To collaborate with our community in delivering free activities and resources to learn together
To reduce the feeling of isolation as a byproduct of marginalisation and create lasting change within our community using an intersectional Transformative Justice lens
To celebrate our differences and acknowledge each others’ “window to the world”
To develop inclusive, creative projects that unitebring together people with different backgrounds and life experiences to tell their stories, challenge societal views and find a community of peers.
To support allowing people from marginalised communities who are often isolated and experiencing mental ill health to find a sense of community and belonging thanks to art and creativity.
Our Mission
We achieve the key strategic aims of our project by collaborating with our community and our partners in delivering free creative activities and resources in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Online. We work to create a lasting change in our community and develop a support network for people who feel isolated, marginalised and have experienced trauma and mental ill health. Our approach to all the work we do is founded in the provision of education, open discussion and support on these subjects, which are often underrepresented in our society.
Our goal is to develop inclusive, creative projects that bring together people with different backgrounds and life experiences to tell their stories, challenge societal views and find a community of peers. It allows people from marginalised communities who are often isolated and experiencing mental ill health to find a sense of community and belonging thanks to art and creativity.
We believe that by providing a platform for LGBTQIA+ communities, BPoC communities, disabled or neurodiverse communities, and all those at the intersection of these, we can create a sustainable, trauma-informed environment for creativity and education that is available to all, crucially acting as a bridge between those already integrated into ostracised groups and those who find themselves in the majority.
Our Values
Non Judgmental
Inclusive
Community Driven
Transformative Justice-focussed
Accountability
Sustainable support
Cathartic Creativity
Purpose of the board and the position of Trustee
The Board provides leadership and direction to the organisation, determining strategy and ensuring that people and financial resources are available to support its delivery.
The Board promotes high standards of governance to ensure that the organisation complies with legal and regulatory requirements, both as a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The Board monitors performance ensuring that risks are assessed, monitored and managed, and that quality service provision and innovation is thought through and implemented. Working collectively, Board Members share and accept responsibility for the decisions made by the Board.
The role of Board Member is non-executive and unpaid; They are responsible for operational management within a framework of controls established by the Board. In practice, the Board and co-directors work in partnership to develop innovative approaches to business development and delivery and to safeguard the organisation’s future.
Application notes
Please send an up to date CV and covering letter, indicating why you are interested in the role of Trustee, to our existing board : theboard@spititoutproject.com
For an informal conversation before application, please get in touch with either of our co-directors either via email or phone: info@spititoutproject.com
