Thriving Futures Fund launched in Edinburgh

Biddy Kelly, Managing Director, Fresh Start interviewed by Turn2us. 

The Thriving Futures Fund is a three-year grant-making programme from Turn2us Edinburgh Trust, delivered in partnership with five organisations across Edinburgh and supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Born from an ambition to support people in Edinburgh not only to survive but to thrive, their vision is for everyone in Edinburgh to have enough money to live well now and the resources—as individuals and collectively—to build confidence in the future.

The project is built on the premise that financial support can have a longer-lasting impact and help people thrive when provided alongside tailored support. Since its inception in 2011, the Turn2us Edinburgh Trust has made over 5,000 new grant awards to help people experiencing poverty in the city, as well as providing ongoing financial support to several hundred regular grant recipients.

Thriving can look different for everyone, and the Thriving Futures Fund allows people to decide what that looks like for them.  To explore how this vision is being realised, the team interviewed Biddy Kelly from Fresh Start, who was a design partner and who is one of the fund’s delivery partners as part of NESSie. Fresh Start is an Edinburgh-based charity helping people who have experienced homelessness establish themselves in their new homes, through the provision of goods and services.

Biddy shares insights into how this new approach is making a real difference in people’s lives: “NESSie is a collaboration between Fresh Start, Move On, North Edinburgh Arts, and Spartans Community Foundation. It’s a different kind of support service, with no criteria other than living in North Edinburgh. There’s no assessment, no time limit—just support tailored to what people need. We help with everything from immediate crises to long-term support, addressing issues like housing, mental health, domestic violence, and more.

The partnership with Thriving Futures Fund allowed the opportunity to try something innovative, focusing on building relationships and offering long-term support. At NESSie, we're committed to working with people based on their unique needs rather than being constrained by traditional KPIs.

The design process was truly fascinating. One of the things I appreciated most was having a protected, safe space to explore ideas. My main learnings from the design process were about staying open-minded and curious. The experience reinforced the importance of maintaining an open mind and being willing to listen and be challenged by others in the room.

The Thriving Futures Fund is notable for its innovative and bold approach. The longevity of the fund is a significant factor as it allows for a long-term perspective and iterative development. The extended timeframe supports a more adaptable and responsive approach, enabling adjustments based on real-world experience and changing needs.

Ultimately, the fund’s focus on people and their individual stories is central to its distinctiveness. By prioritising personal impact over bureaucratic processes and celebrating the small victories and unique achievements of those supported, the fund keeps humanity at its core.”

To read more about the Thriving Futures Fund visit the Turn2us website here.