Communities across Edinburgh and Lothians are to benefit from a £70,000 project to support groups tackling vital social issues. Among them is North Edinburgh Arts, which has received funding to support their Community Café by enabling local people to improve their skills as well as extending the cafe’s opening hours.
The University of Edinburgh’s Community Grants Scheme will help to provide support for children with disabilities, tackle the causes of poverty and aid vulnerable women. Among the first 16 projects to be awarded funding of up to £5000 is a programme of workshops to help reduce youth offending and anti-social behaviour in Mayfield, one of Scotland’s most deprived communities.
Comas, a charity that supports marginalised and vulnerable people in communities, will support women suffering from domestic abuse, poverty and poor mental health by offering them a programme of outdoor activities to improve their wellbeing.
Fiona Morrison, chief executive officer of Comas, said: “We’re delighted that The University of Edinburgh has awarded us a grant which will help our organisation deliver even more important programmes for local people.”
The Community Grants Scheme is part of Edinburgh Local, the University’s strategy for continuing to make a positive contribution to the city. The Scheme, funded by the University’s Corporate Services Group, will support further collaborations and partnerships.
Hugh Edmiston, Director of Corporate Services Group at the University of Edinburgh said: “We hope we can contribute to communities and support some of the fantastic local organisations who are doing great work in the Edinburgh region.”
Projects funded by the first round of the Edinburgh Local Community Grants Scheme:
Bridgend Farmhouse skills for resilience (Bridgend Inspiring Growth)
The Inch, EH16
This project will train 16 residents of Craigmillar, Inch and Moredun to upcycle furniture or make rag rugs. The project will target people not currently in paid work, including migrants, people with experience of homelessness and those with mental health challenges. The workshops will act as a first step into training in employability skills.
Caring for Carers in the Community (VOCAL – Voice of Carers across Lothian)
Dalkeith, EH22
Funding will provide 50 Midlothian carers with support, including peer support, group training and supportive therapies. The project aims to reduce health inequalities and isolation among carers, including those living in remote areas.
Community Summer Programme (The Broomhouse Centre)
Broomhouse, EH11
This programme of summer activities includes horse riding, rock climbing, trips to the beach for an ice cream – for people of all ages. The hope is that this will reduce loneliness and increase a sense of community.
Digital Skills for All (Cre8te Opportunities Limited)
Craigmillar, EH16
This project will work with a group of 12 individuals who are unemployed and either ex-offenders, homeless or who have a history of alcohol or drug misuse. Individuals will be given the digital skills needed to participate in today’s job market. At the end of the programme, participants will be work-ready with a Comptia A+ qualification (the industry standard for establishing a career in IT), plus workplace training and confidence.
Drop-in for Families with Children with a Disability and Their Siblings (Northfield/Willowbrae Community Association)
Northfield, EH8
This service will provide fun and rewarding activities for disabled children and their siblings at the weekend, when the lack of weekday structure can make life harder. It will also provide parents with support and signposting to mainstream services.
Green Learning (Leith Community Crops)
Leith, EH6
A project that involves vulnerable children with emotional difficulties and needs in growing food. The benefits to the children are expected to be an improvement in emotional wellbeing and behaviour, as well an increased intake of fruit and vegetables and an increase in outdoor activity.
InvolveU/180 Pilot Project (Mayfield & Easthouses Youth 2000 Project)
Mayfield, Dalkeith EH22
This project aims to develop and deliver a programme of issue-based workshops and diversionary activities for young people aged from 11 to 18 years. The hope is that these activities will help reduce youth offending, anti-social and risk-taking behaviours.
Keysteps Independent Living Skills (Edinburgh City Youth Café/6VT Youth Café)
Old Town (Vennel), EH1
This project will teach young people who have additional learning support needs basic skills like budgeting, housing options, personal safety, cooking and first aid. The project will help young people from across Edinburgh to become more independent.
More than Food: Tackling Root Causes of Poverty (Edinburgh Food Project)
Grassmarket, Tollcross, Broughton, Drum Brae, Pilton, Craigmillar, Oxgangs, South Queensferry
A project that will equip foodbanks with trained volunteers who can signpost foodbank users to other services (e.g. domestic abuse support, debt management) that could help break the food poverty cycle. Clients will still receive emergency food supplies.
Mural for Gibb’s Entry (The Southside Association)
Newington, EH8
An artist will be commissioned to a paint a mural in Gibb’s Entry in Edinburgh’s Nicolson Street. Local residents and businesses will be involved in the design. The mural is expected to reduce antisocial behaviour in the immediate area and boost pride among local residents.
Pop-In Community Café (North Edinburgh Arts)
Muirhouse, EH4
A grant to expand North Edinburgh Arts’ Community Café will fund local people who are having difficulty accessing mainstream employment with the aim of growing their skillset, as well as extending the cafe’s opening hours to meet growing demand.
Primary 2 High School (Pilmeny Youth Centre)
Leith, EH6
This project is for S1 pupils who are having trouble settling into high school by supporting them through the transition from P7. The project will be carried out in liaison with local high schools, including Leith Academy.
Stay for Play (Play Midlothian)
Dalkeith, EH22
Stay for Play offers free weekend play sessions for children aged 0-3 and their parent(s)/carer(s) who cannot access paid play activities. The benefits include improved child development and reduced social exclusion for parent(s)/carer(s).
Womanzone – Spring into Action Respite Programme (Comas)
Holyrood, EH8
By offering a programme of outdoor activities designed to support mental health, fitness and overall happiness, this project aims to support women who are suffering from the trauma of domestic abuse, poverty and poor mental health.
YMCA Play Project (YMCA Edinburgh)
Leith, EH6
YMCA will be offering play opportunities for children with limited access to safe outdoor play areas and paid activities. Hot meals are also provided and the aim is that children will have improved confidence, new friendships and a reduction in holiday hunger.
Young at Art (Canongate Youth)
Old Town (Infirmary Street), EH1
A refurbishment of the run-down art room at Canongate Youth’s premises on Infirmary Street will give young people more opportunities when using the space. Taking part in arts and crafts in a pleasant space is expected to boost wellbeing, creativity and confidence among the young people.
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