The Ootsider (CIC)

Today is #GivingTuesday, a day of global donating, so if you can help our team at ARK Consultancy Ltd achieve our target of raising £1500 to support The Ootsider (CIC) provide more sleeping coats to #roughsleepers across the UK then any donation will #makeadifference to John Keogh and the team. Our #ARKamble is aiming to cover 1590 miles between Birmingham the north and west coasts of Scotland, London and back to Birmingham again 🤞 Please donate here if you feel able: https://gofund.me/1816f352

The Ootsider had a table at Street Soccer Scotland Gala Dinner last night in Glasgow. Street Soccer Scotland work across multiple locations using the power of football to inspire people to change their lives. They have helped thousands of people including individuals experiencing homelessness …which is very dear to our own heart … mental health issues, addiction, poverty, and unemployment. It was humbling to learn of the brilliant work they do, and to listen to the stories first hand of some of the folks whose lives they have changed so positively. Special mention to the folks at The Ootsider table who continue to provide their help, guidance and support allowing us to help change the lives of rough sleepers … some of the most vulnerable people in our society today. (Sorry I didn’t manage to get a photo of us all 😔. It was just such a great night and went in so quickly. Kirsty Wells, CIHCM , James Hamilton , David Stewart, Duncan Girvan , Heather Pownall , Steve Geraghty , Letitia Lam , Colin Lambe and Liam Sloane. Thanks very much. “Together we can achieve so much more” John

I have been working with Cuddy Cudworth from Fife Dipoers Mental Health Group for a few months to provide members with the option to have the Fife Dippers logo added to the back of their Ootsider Changing Robe if they so choose when making a purchase. I met up with Cuddy this morning to hand-over the first coat, and he posted the following - an excellent testimonial for The Ootsider - on his social media, and I just want to share it with you and say a big thanks to Cuddy for his ongoing support. Here is the post:- The Fife Dippers positioned on the stunning coastline of Leven Beach, The St Tropez of Fife, has collaborated with an organisation in Scotland fondly referred to as the ootsider, led by @johnkeogh and @theootsider to. The Fife is a cold water dipping group known for its genuine camaraderie, infectious spirit and dedication towards uplifting the community of Cold Water in Scotland. The Ootsider is channelling all net profits from the sale of their coats to provide warmth and comfort to rough sleepers … a cause that resonates with our own values. John’s vision of supporting the homeless is truly inspiring. His dedication is more than just a commitment; it's a mission to make tangible differences in the lives of those less fortunate. The Ootsider is not merely about providing jackets; it's a symbolic gesture of offering warmth, protection, and a sense of belonging to those who have been left out in the cold by society. We are extending an enthusiastic invitation to everyone who wishes to learn more about this fantastic initiative to get in contact with John Keogh to learn how you can contribute to the Ootsider’s mission and help spread the word about this meaningful cause. Remember, every little bit can make a world of difference. Join us in our endeavor to wrap warmth around the shoulders of the homeless, one jacket at a time. The Quality of The Jacket is outstanding and we love them, and Johns attention to detail is amazing. Cuddy.

Had a really great morning at Steiner’s School in Edinburgh this morning, talking about Homelessness, Rough Sleeping and the work we are doing at The Ootsider, to the Class 9 students. It was well received, the students were enthusiastic and engaging, and I was delighted with their overall interaction and genuine interest. We also went on to do an Ideas Generation exercise, which was structured and timed, and went down a real treat. Thank you Class 9 Steiner’s School for all your help, enthusiasm and contributions in helping make the lifestyle of rough sleepers that bit better. John

Winter is coming, and thousands of rough sleepers, some of the most vulnerable in our society, are facing harsh lonely night’s — exposed to freezing temperatures, exhaustion, and the dangers of being on the streets.   The Ootsider are hoping to provide 750 of our life-saving sleeping coats to rough sleepers this year.    Are you able to support us? Would you like to support us?  Can you support us?   If ... and only if ... you are able to, please support in the way that works best for you. You can:   ✨ Share this message 🌟 Follow The Ootsider ❤️ Donate what you can ... every penny will go towards the cost of a Sleeping Coat 💛 Buy Forward to gift a coat 👕 Purchase one of our Ootsider quality garments   Let’s do what we can to help those ... who’s only wish this Christmas is to be dry and warm #theootsiderchangingrobes  #theootsidersleepingcoat #roughsleeping #fashionwithcompassion   https://lnkd.in/eZtE3-UE “ ... Together we can achieve so much more ...”  John

Tyra Watt was the winner of our prize draw at the Loch Lomond Go Swim event on 31st August. We had the robe hand-made to the colour and size of Tyra's choice, and this is it being presented to her mum Julie on her behalf. Julie was delighted with it. #theootsider #theootsiderchangingrobe #theootsidersleepingcoat www.theootsider.co.uk

With the weather turning a bit cooler, I had the opportunity to stop by Carrubbers Christian Church in Edinburgh this morning to donate two of The Ootsider Sleeping Coats. Situated on the Royal Mile, they provide a hot breakfast to homeless and rough sleepers every Sunday morning ... a truly fantastic initiative! I also had the pleasure of meeting the amazing Ali and Donna from the church, and we’re excited about the possibility of collaborating with them in the near future. I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead!