Touch of Love Outreach is celebrating a remarkable double win at the Scottish Charity Awards 2025, organised by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).
The awards ceremony was held on 19th June at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow, where the Aberdeen-based charity received two prestigious honours:
- Charity of the Year (Under £100K Turnover)
- 2025 People’s Choice Award
The Charity of the Year Award highlights the deep impact the organisation has made - helping thousands of families feel more seen and supported. It also honours the journey of young people who once arrived shy and quiet, but now confidently raise their hands to lead, share ideas, and laugh freely among peers. From awkward hellos to meaningful friendships, TOL is creating spaces where young Scots and New Scots build connection, confidence, and a strong sense of identity.
The People’s Choice Award - decided entirely by public vote - was open to 41 shortlisted organisations from across Scotland. Supporters, service users, and community members rallied behind TOL, casting their votes in recognition of the charity’s commitment to some of Aberdeen’s most underserved residents. The win reflects a strong community voice and belief in the charity’s lasting impact.
Some of the impacts TOL has made includes:
- Supporting over 450 minority ethnic young people each year through its flagship Young Achievers’ Club, which helps build confidence, grow leadership skills, and embrace dual cultural identities
- Being nationally recognised as a finalist in the 2024 National Youth Work Awards for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, reflecting its inclusive and youth-led approach.
- Earning a nomination for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest UK honour for voluntary groups, and equivalent to an MBE
- Running mum and baby sessions that offer lifelines to New Scot mothers by supporting early years development and providing peer-led mental health care
- Across Aberdeen, TOL has supported over 4,000 ethnic minority households - an estimated 15,000 individuals - with services focused on integration, trauma recovery, and emotional wellbeing.
- Supporting over 10,700 people through food banks and essential aid.
Jane Akadiri, founder of TOL and winner of the 2025 Inspirational Leader Award at the National Youth Work Awards, said:
“We are doubly delighted to have received two awards in one night - 2025 Charity of the Year (Under £100K Turnover) and the People’s Choice Award. This recognition is especially meaningful, coming just one week after we were named a finalist for Community-Based Youth Work at the National Youth Work Awards. We are extremely grateful to everyone who voted, believed in us, and continues to stand by our mission. Thank you for giving your voice to those we serve.”
Ebuka Umeh, Trustee of TOL, added: “We are excited to receive this double recognition. These awards reflect the hard work of our team, our amazing volunteers, our funders, supporters, and the communities we serve here in Aberdeen. Your votes - and your belief in us - carried us all the way to winning the People’s Choice Award.”
In addition to the recent double win, TOL has also received further recognition this year:
- Community Diamond Award from Asda, celebrating the impact of TOL’s volunteers and its food bank work across Aberdeen
- Finalist position for Community-Based Youth Work at the National Youth Work Awards
Founded in 2020 by Jane Akadiri, TOL is based in Torry, Aberdeen, and offers a range of services focused on inclusion, wellbeing, and community support, including:
- Two community foodbanks (Grampian Road and Tullos Community Centre)
- Free weekly youth club for ages 5–21
- Free community football sessions at Tullos playing field
- Mum and baby/toddler sessions for New Scot families
- Holistic support for ethnic minority women and families, including mental health, integration, and practical assistance
TOL continues to grow as a trusted and compassionate lifeline for families, young people, and New Scots navigating complex social, cultural, and economic challenges in Aberdeen and beyond.
The full list of winners is available at: https://scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards/winners-2025
For more information or partnership opportunities, please visit: www.touchoflove.org.uk or email support@touchoflove.org.uk