AN Edinburgh project is celebrating after receiving one of the prestigious accolades at this year’s Social Enterprise Scotland Awards.
Projekt 42, a not-for-profit gym and wellness centre in Leith, has been named One to Watch by the awards, which are in their ninth year.
Founder, Sara Hawkins set up the community gym and wellness centre in 2016 and within 12 weeks of opening the temporary studio space had secured more than 600 members and donated 60 free memberships and 74 hours of complimentary workouts to those who needed it most. Membership plans mean those who can pay do so, allowing others to receive support if they need it. Profits are invested in life coaching and counselling to support individuals battling mental health issues.
Alongside the daily operations of running the gym, Projekt 42 has been working hard to deliver its new home, a purpose-built gym, studio and wellness centre. They have submitted a planning application for a half acre site in Leith and are actively fundraising and securing grants and loans to meet the build costs of £1.4m.
In addition to the Social Enterprise Scotland award, Hawkins has also been shortlisted in the Entrepreneur for Good category in the Great British Entrepreneur award, as a result of her focus on improving the mental wellbeing of community members.
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