After 10 years working in the voluntary sector in the North East of Scotland, REAP has an extensive network of contacts and experience of working with groups and agencies in a wide range of projects.  We have experience of working with community groups and voluntary organisations in taking forward projects and offering training and capacity building.  We work to promote sustainable development through supporting social enterprise and environmental activities.  REAP can also offer a comprehensive consultancy service to carry out research which is in line with our overall aims.  

·  Economic             REAP aims to promote and support equitable economic solutions

·  Social                    REAP works to promote cohesive communities that have the ability to meet their own needs

·  Environmental    REAP aims too raise environmental awareness and promote action to enhance our shared environment.

·  Consultancy        REAP offers our expertise to contracting organisations to engage in research which is in line with our overall aims

·  Grants                    REAP administers the Community Grant Programme on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The values of community development and social enterprise underpin REAP’s work.  Our approaches are based on a commitment to empowerment, participation, inclusion, self-determination and partnership. 

In addition, the following are the underpinning principles which inform the work of REAP.

·  We support volunteers and agencies to identify challenges and work jointly towards solutions which make people the centre of decision making in their community.

·  We know that people are the key to addressing the concept of sustainable development.

·  We understand that how we do things and how we engage with people are as important as what we actually do with them.

REAP was formed in October 1997 as part of Community Service Volunteers (CSV) with the aim of promoting sustainability in a rural area.  For more background on REAP see our History page.