Pilton Community Health Project could face closure unless alternative funding can be found. The respected local project – Scotland’s oldest community health organisation – was one of 35 who learned last week that they would receive no funding from the latest round of Health & Social Care grants.
A PCHP deputation lodged a last-ditch appeal to Edinburgh’s Integration Joint Board meeting yesterday but the Board instead chose to go ahead with funding recommendations.
While efforts will be made to secure alternative sources of funding and salvage something from the wreckage, the EIJB decision is a devastating blow for PCHP staff and the many hundreds of local people who access services at PCHP’s base on Boswall Parkway.
Former Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm was one of the PCHP deputation who spoke on behalf of the embattled project.
He said after the meeting: “There was no substantive change, just a few warm words at the end. However the campaign goes on and somehow I think we will get somewhere in due course.”
A spokesperson for Pilton Community Health Project said: “We had an amazing, packed, emotional demonstration today. We’re overwhelmed and so grateful for all your incredible support this week.
“While the decision was not overturned it is very clear we have ruffled many feathers and must now keep the pressure up. So the fight goes on!”
The deputation was supported by a noisy but impeccably behaved demonstration outside the City Chambers – more pictures on NEN’s Facebook page.
Other local organisations have also seen their funding withdrawn or seriously reduced following the Health and Social Care grants decisions and an emergency public meeting had been arranged for next week to agree a community action plan.
The meeting to fight cuts across our community will take place in Muirhouse Millennium Centre (which is one of the local organisations seriously affected by the funding decisions) on Monday 17th December from 6 – 8 pm.
Come along and support your local Community Centres and Projects!
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