Small charities named Britain’s most trusted source of support after friends and family

Small Charity Week 2026 launches

  • New survey finds that when Brits need help, they rank small charities as their most trusted source of support, second only to friends and family
  • Over 200 charities have been selected to take part in this year’s Small Charity Week match funding campaign, up from 189 in 2025
  • More than £1.2 million in match funding has been pledged by funders and philanthropists, allowing public donations to participating charities to be doubled during Small Charity Week (22–29 June)

Small charities have been named Britain’s second most trusted support system, according to new research (Global’s Work.Shop.Play April 2026) released today as the Small Charity Week match funding campaign launches across the UK.

Four in five (80%) people agree that small charities are vital to society and make a real difference in their communities, while nearly half have seen the impact of a small charity in their local area.

The high level of public trust reflects the essential role small charities play in their local communities, where growing demand for their services is placing increasing pressure on organisations already facing rising costs and challenges securing donations and grant funding.

The results come as hundreds of grassroots charities prepare to take part in the Small Charity Week match funding campaign, delivered by Big Give, Global’s Make Some Noise and NCVO.

Running from 22 to 29 June, the campaign will double public donations to over 200  small charities, helping local organisations raise vital unrestricted funding to continue supporting people and communities. More than £1.2 million in match funding has been raised with support from generous funders, including players of the Postcode Lottery.

Demand to take part in the campaign has risen significantly. A total of 1,108 charities applied this year, rising by a third compared to 2025, highlighting the growing pressure facing small charities as demand for support rises and resources become increasingly stretched.

The campaign builds on the success of its inaugural year in 2025, which supported 189 charities and raised £1.8 million in just seven days.

Small charities continue to face significant challenges. Research from Small Charity Week 2025 found that only 3% of small charities described their financial position as long-term secure, while nearly half (49%) said they were at risk of closure within a year. Almost three-quarters (73%) reported increased demand for services, while 63% cited reduced grant funding as a key challenge.

James Reed CBE, Chair of the Trustees of Big Give, said: “Every day, small charities help people facing some of life’s toughest challenges, often with limited resources and little recognition.

“Through the Small Charity Week match funding campaign, we hope to help hundreds of grassroots organisations raise vital funds, strengthen their resilience and continue making a difference where it matters most.”

Lorraine Kelly, Big Give Ambassador, said: “Small charities do extraordinary work every day, often supporting people when they have nowhere else to turn. The findings of this poll reflect just how important these organisations are to communities.

“Unfortunately, many small charities are being squeezed more than ever before by cuts in grants, falling donations thanks to the cost of living crisis and increased demands for their services.

“Small Charity Week is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate and support what they do. Any money you can give will be doubled by Big Give – making your generosity go even further.”

Suzanne Ryder Richardson, Director of Global Goodness at Global’s Make Some Noise, added: “Small charities are at the heart of communities across the UK, providing vital support to people when they need it most.

“Through this campaign, we’re shining a spotlight on the organisations making a life-changing difference every day, often with limited resources and funding. We’re so proud to support and champion their work.”

Kate Lee OBE, Chief Executive of NCVO, said: “Trusted, local and often shaped by people with lived experience, small charities have a deep understanding of the challenges people face and are relied upon every day to provide vital support.

“Without them, thousands of people would be left struggling alone and the results of this survey reflect that. Charities are essential and they remain trusted at a time when confidence elsewhere declines. That’s why they need our support, like this match funding programme, to continue delivering vital services.”

The Small Charity Week match funding campaign is part of Small Charity Week, the national campaign celebrating the essential role of small charities and community organisations.

To donate or find out more, visit: donate.biggive.org/small-charity-week-2026

Ministers must “get off the fence and give leadership” on UK-EU future, says Westminster committee

10 years on from the Brexit vote and thirteen months after its first report into the UK’s “EU reset”, the Business and Trade Committee finds that the initial stakeholder welcome for the Reset’s ambition has been hit by concerns about delivery

Read the report

  • Of the most substantive agreements the UK has reached with the EU to date, on steel, fisheries and energy: the fisheries agreement was not universally welcomed and positive progress on steel tariffs risks being undermined without an agreement in talks ongoing since November last year.
  • The UK’s association to the Erasmus+ student exchange programme cost £570 million for the 2027/2028 academic year but the jury is out on its impact.
  • None of the three wider UK ambitions in the Common Understanding – help for touring artists, improved business mobility and an agreement on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications – have materially advanced.
  • It is unclear what the Security and Defence Partnership has delivered beyond political signalling.

The Committee has heard five key concerns about the Government’s current approach:

  1. The ‘rhetoric-reality gap’: Government ministers have not pulled their punches about the negative economic impact of Brexit, but delivery of the current Reset is expected to add just 0.5% to the UK’s GDP by 2040, even in an optimistic scenario.
  2. Limited progress in the critical area of defence and defence industrial policy, despite war raging on the European continent and the clear change of US approach to NATO.
  3. Late negotiations for a deal on electricity trading even as the UK battles the highest electricity prices in the G7.
  4. European partners still in the dark about the UK’s end goals with no clear strategy beyond the 2026 summit, and no clear strategic case for the Reset.
  5. Continued disagreement on “dynamic alignment” with EU regulations.

The Committee concludes it is “unlikely” that the Government’s approach in the current round of negotiations will address these concerns and sets out the basic models for deepening ties – alongside the trade-offs entailed. 

Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Committee, said: “Ministers have been frank about the economic damage Brexit has caused, but there is now a yawning gap between their rhetoric and the reality of what the Reset is actually delivering.

“Business cannot invest on political signalling alone. It needs clear rules, a clear destination and a credible vision. Ministers must now get off the fence, set out where they want Britain’s relationship with Europe to be by the end of this Parliament, and provide the roadmap to restore confidence, strengthen our security and deliver the growth the country needs.

“Crucially, we need to understand that ten years after the Brexit referendum, Europe is changing fast. Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, hybrid attacks are escalating across everywhere and the United States has made clear that European NATO allies must do more to provide for their own security. Yet our inquiry found limited progress on UK-EU defence cooperation.

“At a moment when Europe should be strengthening its industrial and security partnerships, it is especially disappointing that the UK has yet to secure participation in the EU’s SAFE defence procurement programme, never mind set out an ambitious strategy for defence and economic security alliance.”

The Scottish Government says Scotland’s future lies in the European Union.

Holyrood belives re-joining the European Union would benefit Scotland by:

• strengthening our economy by reducing barriers for Scottish businesses

• providing Scottish people more opportunities to live, learn and work across Europe

• giving Scotland a stronger voice among our European neighbours

brexit-10-years-reportDownload

Increasing diversity: School Volunteering Opportunities

APPLY BEFORE 28th JUNE

Interested in working in education?

ELREC are working on a school volunteering scheme together with the City of Edinburgh to increase diversity in the Education workforce. Volunteers will join a placement school and will receive guidance and support from their mentor in order to get the most out of the experience.

So, if you want become a parent helper, see how schools work and build out your CV to apply for education jobs, apply for this opportunity here:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx…

For any queries or to find out more, reach out to The City of Edinburgh Council

Big clearout at Royston Wardieburn!

The big clear out is on Thursday. There are household items, some books, bedding and toys for FREE!

We also have some white, two pack, short sleeve shirts, regular and plus fit in age 9-10 and age 7-8 and a few packets of long sleeve in the same sizes.

PLEASE NOTE:

There is a 50p per packet charge for these shirts and first come, first served.

STARMER TO GO

Sir Keir Starmer has announced he is stepping down as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party, here is his resignation speech in full:

https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1XGyggXMDAnxM

Thank you. Thank you. Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life. A new Labour government. The first in 14 years. A page in our country’s history turned after years of disappointment and despair.

The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better. That’s what I came into politics for. The journey to that point was not easy.

Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially and morally bankrupt. I was told, time and time again, that my party was finished.

That we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election, let alone a landslide majority, was impossible. But we proved those people wrong because we changed our party.

Ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust on the economy, defence, and national security.

And becoming a party that, once again, stood proudly with, not against, our national flag. The hard work of change was with a singular purpose. Not power for power’s sake but to change Britain for the better.

To build a fairer country, with dignity and respect, where everyone is seen, everyone is valued. Wealth and opportunity for all, not just the privileged few. And look at what we’ve achieved in just two years.

An economy that is stronger, growing faster than our peers. Wages rising faster than inflation in every single month since we came to power. Investment secured, infrastructure being built. An end to austerity, with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years.

The biggest improvement in rights for workers and renters in a generation. The biggest uplift in defence spending since the Cold War. Small boat crossings falling, asylum hotels closing, protecting young people from social media, and half a million children being lifted out of poverty because of the choices that I made.

Our reputation in the world restored, with Britain once again standing up for decency, respect and the rule of law. Securing trade dues, standing with Ukraine, standing up for our values, and rebuilding our relationship with our allies in Europe.

Change promised by a Labour government. Change fought for by a Labour government, change delivered by a Labour government.

But I know the question being asked now is not who was best placed to change the Labour Party, to take us into power, and to begin the vital work of improving lives for millions of people. Those questions have been answered.

The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question. And I accept that answer with good grace.

Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.

I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening on 9 July and completed by the summer recess. In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.

I will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete. And I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.

I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead, and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term in office.

I want to thank all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these past six years or so for their incredible commitment, service and support.

I want to thank the brilliant No 10 staff and our country’s extraordinary civil service, who dedicate their lives to public service.

And when I leave, the biggest job in the country. I shall spend more time on the most important job. Being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side, through good times and bad. And being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.

Thank you very much.

https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1XGyggXMDAnxM

COMMENTS:

Tracy Gilbert MP

“Keir Starmer led the Labour Party to a historic landslide victory in 2024, ending fourteen years of Conservative government.

“Since then, he has overseen a period of significant reform and renewal under the most difficult circumstances.

“He led the biggest improvement in workers’ and renters’ rights in a generation, alongside the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill, which formed part of a wider programme to rebuild economic security and fairness. 

“He has rebuilt our relationship with Europe and has proven to have been able to represent the UKs interests on the international stage.  

“Most importantly, he lifted hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty through deliberate policy choices aimed at improving lives across the UK including the removal of the two-child benefit cap.  

“I wish him and his family well for the future and thank him for his service to the country at a pivotal moment in its history.”

Brian Leishman MP:

“A change of Prime Minister must mean a change in direction.

“This Labour government still has time to transform the country and improve the lives of millions of people.

“It’s time for real Labour policies that will make people better off and our country a fairer place.”

Momentum:

Socialist Labour …

 Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn:

‘Keir Starmer could have ended child poverty, homelessness and the grotesque levels of inequality in this country.

‘Instead, he abandoned those in need, destroyed our civil liberties and facilitated genocide in Gaza.

‘That is how this Prime Minister will be remembered – and that is the legacy of moral and political bankruptcy he leaves behind.

‘The crises in our society are not going away. Neither are we – and we will keep fighting for a more equal, peaceful and dignified society for all.’

STUC:

FBU general secretary, Steve Wright said: “Whoever replaces Keir Starmer needs to be clear that the status quo has to change.

“The reason we find ourselves with yet another PM standing down is that, like May, Johnson, Truss and Sunak before him, Starmer failed to break with the perceived wisdom of attacking public services, failing to tackle wealth inequality, whilst letting privatised public utilities rip off the people of this country.

“A new Labour leader needs to learn that lesson and learn it fast.

“For FBU members, this means stepping in to end the threat of fire station closures that puts our members and the public’s lives at risk.

“There needs to be investment in the fire and rescue service alongside other public services, and as an affiliated trade union, we will be putting that position before any candidate in a leadership election.

“We cannot have more of the same. If we do, then whoever is elected will inevitably have failed in their role and will be out of office at the earliest opportunity.

“The chance to break with the narrative of the past is now, learn the lessons that previous Prime Ministers failed to do and deliver a better future for our members and the people of this country.”

That’s a Wrap! Royal Highland Show delivers sunshine, celebration of Scottish farming and a showcase of champion livestock

A sell-out Saturday, a dedicated family day today and selfies with Saturday night TV star, Sheli McCoy, made for a spectacular and successful Royal Highland Show as the very best in farming and rural life gathered at Scotland’s largest outdoor event venue, Royal Highland Centre, across the last four days.

Over 210,000 people came together to enjoy everything the Show had to offer this year, with agriculture at its heart.

From champion livestock and competitive equine classes to the latest in agri machinery, equipment and technology, the Show once again brought together the people, businesses and innovation driving Scotland’s rural economy.

Visitors were able to see first-hand the skill, standards and expertise across the sector, from the show rings and judging lines to machinery displays, practical demonstrations and conversations around the future of farming.

Alongside the traditional displays, families and visitors enjoyed a packed programme of activity including sheepdog trials, mountain bike displays, hobby horsing, fly fishing demonstrations, wood carving, and choreographed stunt displays from Outlander-inspired rival clans.

Food provenance also took centre stage in Scotland’s Larder, where exhibitors showcased local produce alongside cooking demonstrations exploring everything from the superpower of seaweed and ingredients from the north east, to big-flavour cheeses and food science.

Scottish BAFTA winner Sheli McCoy met with excited fans as she gathered outside Ingliston House beside the giant ‘RHS’ letters to capture selfies on Sunday.

The Show came to a sensational conclusion with a stunning display by the Lonach Highlanders and Lonach Pipe Band as they participated in a parade of the Show’s Main Ring and President’s Salute as part of the event’s Presidential Initiative’s Aberdeenshire showcase.

Children 15 and under were able to attend the Show for free and over 23,000 children attended over the four days.

The Saturday evening of the Show saw the Royal Highland Show present The Reeling, bringing some of Scotland’s biggest contemporary folk acts together, including Skipinnish, Breabach, Elephant Sessions, Kinnaris Quintet, Dlù and Dougie MacLean.

Other well-known visitors to this year’s Show included First Minister, John Swinney who, whilst on-site, sampled haggis as the US legalised Scotland’s National Dish. TV presenter, Michael Portillo, was also at the event filming for his Great British Railway Journeys series.

The Royal Highland Show is the biggest fundraising event for organisers, RHASS, (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland) with the week of the Show seeing the event site become the sixth-largest population centre in Scotland, bigger than Paisley and Dunfermline.

With 197 hectares of entertainment (the equivalent of 180 football pitches!) there was something for everyone to enjoy.

David Tennant, Head of Show for RHASS said: “After a rainy start, the sun shone over the final two days, helping to quite literally shine a light on the very best of Scottish agriculture and the hard work, dedication and resilience of our farming community.

“As well as celebrating those across the sector, we were delighted to welcome more young people than last year to the Show as part of our dedicated Family Day on Sunday. Activities such as live milking and shearing demonstrations and hobby horsing gave children and families the opportunity to enjoy hands-on agricultural experiences that they may not otherwise have encountered.

“While the Show remains renowned for its rich heritage, livestock competitions and iconic parades, it has evolved into so much more. Each year, we build on previous successes, introducing new attractions, showcasing innovation and creating fresh opportunities for people to connect with agriculture.

“I would like to thank everyone who played a part in making the 2026 Royal Highland Show such a memorable occasion, from our members, exhibitors and competitors to our staff, volunteers and visitors. Your support, enthusiasm and commitment have helped make this year’s Show truly unforgettable.”

The 2026 Royal Highland Show – facts and numbers:

–       This year marks 45 years of The Royal Bank of Scotland supporting the Show, with the bank reaffirming its commitment to its longest-standing corporate partnership last year for an additional three years.

–       327 prestigious trophies and a prize fund of £195,000 were competed for and awarded at this year’s Show

–       Queen’s Cup winner 2026 is Irish Draught Light horse, Corkeeran Willow, by William Moran.

–       The Royal Bank of Scotland Trophy rotates to a different section each year. 2026 was presented to sheep and was won by W Ramsay & Sons for Milnmark.

–       The John Miller Perpetual Challenge Trophy, awarded in rotation to the best stocksperson was this year presented to beef. Moralee Hereford won the trophy.

–       The Sanderson Trophy was won by Paul and Matthew Bedford with Roughlands Graceful Lady. The trophy is a major mark of excellence in Scotland’s equine community.

–       Inter-breed sheep champion was the Blackface winner from the Ramsay family, Milnmark. The family have also won the breed championship ten times in total.

–        Over 6,000 livestock were welcomed, including 700 cattle, 2000 sheep, 400 heavy horses, 1,680 light horse entries, from 2,500 competitors

–       Texel, Beltex and Blackface sheep classes among the largest sections. Newer breeds such as Dutch Spotted sheep have also continued to grow in popularity.

–       Dairy had cattle had the highest number of entries in over 10 years

–       Highlands remain the leading cattle breed entered (100), alongside strong numbers of Beef Shorthorn (93) and Aberdeen Angus (77)

–       1,680 light horse entries

–       Over 700 exhibitors, stretching across food, drink, clothing, artisanal crafts and agri-trade were in attendance.

–       The Sir William Young Award, which recognises exceptional contributions to the world of livestock breeding and celebrates the enduring legacy of the late Sir William Young, was presented to Hugh Ramsay MBE.

–       Over 200 volunteer stewards were involved in the RHS, as well as over 150 judges from all across the UK from Thurso to Devon

–       A record 7,000 school pupils from 250 school groups came along for free through RHET (Royal Highland Education Trust), trying their hand at milking Mabel the (fiberglass) cow, planting peas, learning about peat and tasting and exploring seafood in the RHET Discovery Centre.

–       Over 60,000 pints were poured over the four days, and over 10,000 glasses of Pimms were drunk.

–       The classic burger was the most popular dish served up across the four-day event with 16,326 burgers  flipped, and visitors kept energised with over 23,600 cups of coffee poured.

Super early-bird tickets for the 2027 Show are now on-sale.

You can buy tickets here: https://www.royalhighlandshow.org

Today: Enjoy a sunny lunch at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

☀️ A little taste of sunshine is coming your way this Monday! ☀️

With the sun hopefully shining, we’ve got a lovely sunny lunch planned for you all.

Join us for a delicious Italian lemon spaghetti with garlic bread, followed by some homemade banana muffins for dessert.

🍽️ Lunch is served 11:30am – 12:30pm

You’re welcome to sit in and enjoy a chat, or grab a takeaway to enjoy at home.

Free for everyone – we’d love to see you!

And don’t forget, breakfast is on as usual too! ☕🥐

Hot rolls and drinks from 9:00am – 10:30am

Funding boost for organisations bringing people together

TACKLING LONELINESS

Projects supporting people most at risk of social isolation and loneliness have had their funding extended until March 2027.

A total of £1.05 million will help 52 organisations provide group and community activities, warm spaces, and opportunities for people to come together for a meal or other activities, aimed at older people, carers, disabled people and young parents.

This includes the Grampian Hospitals Art Trust providing arts and crafts to patients and their loved ones, Down’s Syndrome Scotland to support their social activities, such as last week’s summer prom for children and families, and the Big Hearts Community Trust in Edinburgh to host gatherings for older people and carers. 

Other local beneficiaries of the funding iinclude Pilton Community Health Project, Edinburgh Tool Library, Pilmeny Development Project and Leith’s Living Memories Association.

Marking the end of Loneliness Awareness Week, Equalities Minister Simita Kumar said: “Loneliness can affect anyone and the cost-of-living crisis has increased isolation for many, including young people, carers and disabled people. Our funding will allow organisations to extend their projects, keeping people connected during this challenging time.

“I thank the organisations who are providing this vital support to people across Scotland, ensuring that people feel warmth and connection in their communities and can access important support networks.”

Launched in August 2023, funding through the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund will culminate in March 2027 with over £3.8 million having been invested and at least 20,000 people supported.

Grampian Hospitals Art Trust Art and social activities for people in NHS settings

Grampian Society for the Blind, operating as North East Sensory Services (NESS) Social groups and activities for people with a visual impairment

Mearns & Coastal Healthy Living Network Health, wellbeing and social activities for older people

Cowal Elderly Befrienders SCIO Befriending and social activities for older people, people with dementia

Helensburgh Lunch Club Lunch club for older people

North Argyll Carers Centre Social activities indoors/outdoors for unpaid carers (young and older).  Intergenerational elements

Parent to Parent Ltd Peer social support groups for parents

Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise Walking football for older people

Contact Point in East Dunbartonshire SCIO Social club and café for older people, disabled people and those with long term health conditions

Carers Link East Dunbartonshire Café and social outings for carers

Home-Start East Lothian Volunteer befriending for isolated families

Our Community Kitchen Lunches and activities for older people, disabled people and those with mental health conditions

Stepping Out Range of indoor and outdoor activities for people with mental health conditions

Big Hearts Community Trust Social gatherings and activities for older people and carers.  Volunteering.

Edinburgh Tool Library Group build project and volunteering for people from the LGBT+ community

Pilmeny Development Project Creative arts, health and wellbeing activities and refreshments for older people

Pilton Community Health Project Social indoor and outdoor activities for men and women

Care for Carers Small group breaks for unpaid carers

The Living Memory Association Range of group activities for health and wellbeing for older people

Denny Community Support Group Range of indoor and outdoor social and group activities for older, younger, families, recovery.

Freedom Of Mind Community Choir Choir singing

Abbey Church of Dunfermline Creative arts for people with dementia

Fife Society for the Blind aka Seescape Befriending, group sessions and drop ins for people with a visual impairment

The Linda Tremble Foundation (trading as SupportED) 1:1 befriending and support groups for people with eating disorders

Easthall Residents Association Men, women and single mothers (3 groups) – a range of indoor and outdoor activities

Gilded Lily Inspiring Enterprise CIC Craft and chat for women (BAME, refugee, asylum)

Maryhill Integration Network Choir for women of all backgrounds

The Urban Roots Initiative Lunch club for older people

The Well Multi-Cultural Resource Centre 1:1 support, toddler parent groups, ESOL, lunches and activities for women and children

Woodlands Community Development Trust Community café, activities, information, cooking for all age groups

Glasgow Association for Mental Health Wellbeing and social activities for young people aged 16-25 with mental health conditions

Glasgow Disability Alliance Digital connections for disabled people

Home-Start Glasgow South Community club for parents/carers with young families

British Deaf Association Providing information and support to the deaf community, online and in person

Project Ability Creative arts for disabled people

Down’s Syndrome Scotland Social face to face activities for people with Downs Syndrome

The National Autistic Society Online and face to face group sessions for people with autism

ENABLE Scotland Community based (indoor and outdoor) activities for people with a learning disability

Good Morning Project Limited (known as Good Morning Service) Telephone befriending for older people

Caithness Voluntary Group Befriending; mens group for older, disabled adults

Inverness Foodstuff Social lunches for homeless and other vulnerable people

Merkinch Partnership Ltd Developing a working group with lived experience to support others affected by SIAL

Scottish Men’s Sheds Association Develop and support Mens Sheds across the Highlands and Islands

Inverkip Community Initiative Community resource for a range of groups; access to chat, tea/coffee, internet, jobs information and signposting

Tagsa Uibhist Training, community walks and community social events for older people affected by dementia.

Cunninghame MS Drop-In Centre Social lunches, activities and trips for people with MS

Beith Community Development Trust Telephone befriending and social get togethers for older people

Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health (LAMH) Wellbeing activity classes for people with mental health conditions and older people, disabled people.

Sanday Afternoon Club Community meals, activities and outings for older people

Letham4All SCIO Community groups and activities for older people, parents with young children, young people

Lochside Neighbourhood Group Social meals and activities/info for older people with low income

Forth Community Resource Centre Steering Group Activity cafés for older people, living on own, carers.

Six tips to kickstart the day as a third of people in Edinburgh are completely inactive in the morning

Kickstarting your day with simple morning rituals can help you feel energised and focused. Yet new data from Kellogg’s revealed that almost a third of people in Edinburgh (31%) are completely inactive in the morning.

Improving health is the biggest motivation for moving more, with more than a quarter (28%) saying it’s their main driver*.

Breakfast still plays a functional role for over half (53%) of those in Edinburgh, who eat it to fuel themselves for the day*. Although this isn’t the only factor to help beat the afternoon slump, as staying energised rarely comes down to a quick fix.

Lejla Damon, Senior Brand Manager from Kellogg’s, shares six tips to help Glaswegians improve their morning routine and embrace the day ahead:

Rave-olution

Waking up with a song and a dance can really boost those dopamine levels, leaving you feeling on top of the world. Seeing some friendly faces and listening to great tunes, paired with a balanced breakfast, is a recipe for success. Research* shows that dance sparks feel good vibes of joy (29%), energy (36%), freedom (25%) and even a touch of nostalgia (15%) for individuals in Edinburgh. Morning raves are really having a moment – especially with the over-50s – and are a fantastic way to wake up. Six in ten indiiduals in Edinburgh (60%) admitted they’d be keen to try new activities, so look out for events in your local area – you won’t regret it!

Light Movement

Starting your day with some light movement and exercise is one of life’s simplest mood boosters – and you don’t have to break the bank to do it. Sure, a gym or Pilates class can help you feel energised from the outset, but don’t underestimate the benefits of a brisk walk and exposure to natural sunlight. Almost a third of people in Edinburgh (31%) admit they are completely inactive in the morning, with nearly half (45%) opting for a walk over other types of physical activity, take advantage of those brighter mornings with a stroll around your local area. It’s a great way to get your steps in and help to focus your mind for the day ahead.

Never Hit Snooze

By mid-morning, almost four in ten individuals in Edinburgh (37%) feel ‘fine’ but admit they could feel better. Hitting snooze in the morning can be extremely tempting – we’ve all been there. But it’s known to throw off your body clock, which can sometimes lead to grogginess that lasts well into the morning. Try placing your phone or alarm clock on the other side of the room so you’re forced to spring out of bed to silence it. This breaks the three-second habit of hitting snooze and creates a gap so you can consciously choose to stay awake. Natural sunlight is also a fantastic alarm clock, so keep the blinds slightly open to boost alertness in the mornings. And, of course, don’t underestimate the night before. Put yourself on a digital curfew 30 minutes before you go to sleep, allowing the brain to switch off. 

Routine is Key

Morning routines are necessary because they can provide structure and a clear mind for the rest of the day, helping to reduce stress first thing. Having small habits provides an early sense of achievement before you take on the day. If you don’t have the time to get out for a walk or workout, take 15 minutes to do some sort of movement at home, at your own pace. A few jumping jacks or light stretching will do the trick – or a quick dance! And if you have a garden, get outside and embrace the natural sunlight. It’s known to be a great mood booster.

Morning Fuel

Breakfast is an important start to the day, with more than half of those in Edinburgh (53%) saying they eat it to fuel themselves for the day. It is widely recognised by global nutrition organisations that those who eat breakfast cereal on a regular basis tend to have better overall nutrition intakes and diet quality compared to those who don’t1.

Many cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, providing sources of important micronutrients such as iron, folic acid and vitamin D1, and in most cases provide a source of fibre or are high in fibre – something which most UK adults continue to fall short of in their daily diets2. So, why not start your morning with a high fibre breakfast cereal, such as Kellogg’s Special K Original, which is fortified with a range of vitamins to help support energy** when consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Positive Mindset

Positive thinking first thing in the morning can lead to a positive attitude and a brighter mood for the rest of the day, helping you tackle whatever life throws at you. A good morning routine is not just about what you do, but how it makes you feel. It’s about creating small, positive habits that add up to a big difference in your overall wellbeing.

Voices of Glasgow’s babies heard at special event

Glasgow City Chambers hosted a special event on Thursday, 18 June to celebrate a project shining a light on the ‘voice’ of babies. Teams working on The Art of Listening to Babies Project came together to acknowledge and reflect on the work done so far.

Designed with babies as the focus, the initiative explores how arts-based practice can put their voices at the heart of their nursery environment and help them to have meaningful and responsive experiences.

The project recognises the importance of a baby’s brain development, particularly in their first 1001 days of life, and therefore the significance of every social interaction and relationship they form at that stage, as well as other ways they communicate without speaking.

Esteemed guests including nursery practitioners were welcomed and invited to share their experiences of working on the project, including carrying out research in 26 nursery baby rooms across the city.

Cllr Christina Cannon, convener for Education and Early Years, said: “Glasgow is delighted to be one of the early trailblazers of this project and learn more about what matters to the families of our youngest citizens.

“I would like to thank the dedicated nursery practitioners for the fantastic work they have done so far.

“Babies may not use words, but there is power in the way they express their feelings through movement, facial expression, gesture and sound.

“The smallest interaction can help secure attachments and support emotional wellbeing, making it vital for us to provide high-quality early years provision to support a baby’s development. It is not just about improving services, but making life changes.

“Capturing their ‘voice’ means recognising that every baby has a perspective, a right to be heard, and a right to be understood.”

Jennifer Phillips, Starcatchers’ co-CEO, said: “This project reminds us that listening starts long before words.

“Thanks to the creativity of Starcatchers’ artists, the expertise of researchers at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Queen Margaret University, inspirational Early Years practitioners, and the support of Glasgow City Council, we have gained remarkable insights into babies’ experiences of early learning and childcare.

“Most importantly, we have shown that even our youngest children can help shape policy when we take the time to understand how they communicate. The illustrated book, A Voice As Big As Any Other, being presented to participating babies is a wonderful way of recognising their contribution and demonstrating that their experiences have helped influence the future of early years services in Glasgow.”

Siobhian Brown, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, said: “It was wonderful to join the celebration and hear directly from those who have brought this project to life across Glasgow’s nurseries.

“The Art of Listening to Babies project reminds us that every baby has a voice — expressed through movement, gesture and expression — that should be truly heard and understood and that responding to that voice with care and attentiveness is one of the most important things we can do.

“I am proud that the Scottish Government is funding this innovative work through our Early Adopter Community Project, and I look forward to seeing how the insights will deepen our understanding and help shape both local and national policy across Scotland.”

The project is delivered alongside Starcatchers and funded by the Scottish Government through the All Aged Childcare, Early Adopter Project.