Scottish Building Society, the world’s oldest remaining building society, celebrated its new Edinburgh Relationship Centre with a special event for members and a few surprise guests.
Although the Society’s Head Office remains at 193 Dalry Road, its Edinburgh Relationship Centre moved to its new location on 20 Frederick Street earlier this summer.
The site, which was previously occupied by opticians, Black & Lizars, is in a prime location for workers, residents and visitors in Edinburgh to use the facilities and chat to Scottish Building Society’s friendly and experienced team about their financial plans.
Members and colleagues were joined by Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland international rugby players Glen Young and Scott Steele who talked about their times in the Scotland camp and the chances of the team at the World Cup, along with their aspirations for the upcoming 2023/24 BKT United Rugby Championship season.
New Senior Coach of Edinburgh Rugby Sean Everitt also joined members to discuss his coaching career and aims for the team.
The day was topped off with whisky aficionado David Iain Grant from The Jar, who led members through a whisky tasting experience and catering from social enterprise Social Bite.
Scottish Building Society relocated from its original Edinburgh Relationship Centre with a view to creating a venue which would better serve new and existing members, providing financial assistance, in a friendly and supportive way.
Helping local communities is a key focus for Scottish Building Society moving forward as it launched the Scottish Building Society Foundation in partnership with Foundation Scotland, to invest in good causes and help build stronger communities.
Launched in May 2023 to align with the organisation’s 175th anniversary, an incredible £175,000 will be granted to local charities, causes and organisations across Scotland.
From the first round of award funding, Edinburgh Tool Library recently received £4,985 to further develop its Cycle Kitchen, an initiative designed to promote bicycle tool proficiency, and fostering self-reliance across the city.
Relationship Centre Manager, Lisa McKay said: “At Scottish Building Society, a core value is putting people and communities at the heart of what we do, and our Frederick Street Relationship Centre is another example of our commitment to Scotland’s High Streets.
“Having only recently started with the Society, it has been so inspiring to meet colleagues, and we’re looking forward to helping our members throughout 2023 and beyond.”
Sean Everitt, the new Edinburgh Rugby Senior Coach said: “Scottish Building Society is our Main Club Partner, and their support has been fantastic since I joined the club.
“Meeting members and Edinburgh Rugby fans in the new Relationship Centre was a great way to introduce myself and listen to fans old and new.”
Following steep increases, drivers are now paying a record-breaking £738, on average
It’s not just over the past year that we’ve seen the biggest increase. Prices have also increased by £114 (18%), on average, in the past 3 months alone.
All of Scotland is seeing the highest prices ever recorded, but it’s drivers in Central Scotland who are likely to be paying the most. Following a £315 (62%) annual increase, prices are now £820, on average. The Scottish Borders is the cheapest, despite increasing by £211 (54%) in just 12 months. Prices are now £602, on average.
Glasgow is the most expensive area in Scotland overall, with prices now £908, on average. That’s as prices increased by £344 (61%) in 12 months. And despite prices rising by £187 (51%) in 12 months, Hebrides is the cheapest, with average prices now £555.
It’s a similar picture across the UK as all regions are seeing the highest prices ever recorded on the Confused.com car insurance price index. And with financially challenging times ahead, there millions of drivers risk becoming priced off the road.
Although prices are becoming more expensive, drivers who recently shopped around were able to save £88(1), on average. Motor expert, Louise Thomas at Confused.com car insurance explains why prices are increasing and offers ways drivers can save money.
The cost of car insurance in Scotland is up £275 (59%) in just 12 months.That means drivers in Scotland are now paying a record-breaking £738, on average, for their car insurance.
That’s according to the latest (Q3 2023) Confused.com car insurance price index, powered by WTW. Based on more than 6 million quotes over the quarter, it’s the most comprehensive car insurance price index for comprehensive policies.
And it’s not just annual figures that have seen the biggest increase. In the past 3 months alone, prices in Scotland have grown £114 (18%), on average. That’s the second consecutive quarter prices have increased so substantially, meaning prices are the highest recorded since the index began in 2006.
Prices are on the rise across the whole of Scotland, but Central Scotland is the most expensive region overall. Prices have increased by £315 (62%) compared to this time last year, making the average price of car insurance now £820.
In the East and North East, average prices are now £675 following an annual increase of £244 (57%). And in the Highlands and Islands, prices are £654, on average, following an increase of £234 (56%) in 12 months. But the Scottish Borders is the cheapest region, despite an annual increase of £211 (54%). That means prices are now around £602.
When looking at specific areas that could impact drivers the most, Glasgow has the most expensive car insurance prices in the whole country. Following an annual increase of £344 (61%), drivers could now expect to pay £908, on average.
And for the cheapest car insurance prices, it’s drivers in the Hebrides who will benefit the most. Despite an annual increase of £187 (51%), prices are still the cheapest in all of Scotland. Prices in this area are now around £555, on average.
Here’s a full overview of how prices currently stand in Scotland:
Borders:
Postcode area
Avg £
YOY %
YOY £
Q %
Q £
Dumfries
£597
+52%
+£205
+17%
+£87
Galashiels
£608
+56%
+£218
+18%
+£94
Central :
Postcode area
Avg £
YOY %
YOY £
Q %
Q £
Edinburgh
£733
+63%
+£284
+17%
+£107
Glasgow
£908
+61%
+£344
+20%
+£151
Kilmarnock
£714
+63%
+£277
+16%
+£101
Motherwell
£833
+65%
+£328
+19%
+£134
East and North East:
Postcode area
Avg £
YOY %
YOY £
Q %
Q £
Aberdeen
£675
+56%
+£241
+18%
+£104
Dundee
£701
+59%
+£259
+19%
+£114
Kirkcaldy
£658
+57%
+£239
+18%
+£101
Highlands and Islands:
Postcode area
Avg £
YOY %
YOY £
Q %
Q £
Falkirk
£667
+59%
+£247
+16%
+£94
Hebrides
£555
+51%
+£187
+19%
+£91
Inverness
£591
+50%
+£196
+14%
+£72
Kirkwall
£565
+54%
+£197
+23%
+£104
Paisley
£737
+58%
+£270
+18%
+£112
Perth
£616
+55%
+£218
+18%
+£92
Shetland
£702
+64%
+£275
+10%
+£61
And it’s not just in Scotland where drivers can expect to pay the highest prices on record. Across the UK, all regions are seeing prices soar, proving just how volatile the car insurance market currently is.
And with a cost-of-living crisis still at the forefront of conversation, the rate of inflation for car insurance prices could be damaging for many. The latest data shows how millions of drivers risk being priced off the road if prices continue to rise as quickly as they currently are.
Why are prices increasing?
There are many reasons why car insurance prices are increasing so rapidly and drivers may feel they’re being penalised unfairly. Especially as the FCA introduced the General Insurance Pricing Practices (GIPP)(2) to ensure pricing was fairer. But adjusting to life after the pandemic and recent industry changes have both had a huge knock-on effect on how much drivers are paying.
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow in popularity, especially due to the government’s ambitious Net Zero plans. Some manufacturers have even announced that they’ll only manufacture EVs going forward. But EVs often come with a hefty price tag and not all drivers can afford them. They often come with enhanced technology features as standard, so can cost the insurer more to repair or replace. But the pandemic has impacted its supply chain, meaning there are often backlogs for drivers. EVs also generally have quicker acceleration speed than other vehicles, so could appear riskier to insurers.
And because EVs aren’t affordable for everyone, second-hand vehicles are also keeping their value for longer, especially since the pandemic. But if a driver has an accident and their vehicle is a write off, this now costs insurers more to pay out. There are also lots more drivers returning to normal driving habits since the pandemic, so naturally there are more drivers on the road. This means claims frequency is increasing, so insurers are paying out more than they have in recent years. All of this plays into the overall risk factor linked with insurance, which is why drivers are likely to see an increase.
How much are UK drivers paying elsewhere?
All regions in the UK are seeing the highest prices on record, but it’s drivers in London that are paying the most expensive rates overall. Inner London is the steepest, with the cost of car insurance now £1,503, on average. That means prices have increased by £567 (61%) in just 12 months.
Outside of London, drivers in Manchester and Merseyside are seeing annual increases of around £417 (57%). That makes average prices £1,154. And in the West Midlands, the cost of car insurance is £1,139, on average, following a £442 (63%) increase.
And once again, younger drivers are taking the brunt of the most expensive prices. But it’s those aged 18 who continue to pay the most, with average prices now £2,995. That’s increased by 89% (£1,414) in the past 12 months and by 25% (£591) in the last 3 months, on average.
But 17-year-olds might have the biggest surprise of all. That’s as their insurance prices have almost doubled in the past 12 months. Their car insurance prices have increased by £1,262 (93%), on average, meaning prices are now £2,613. Data also shows that drivers aged 38 and under aren’t paying less than £1,000, on average, for their car insurance.
And although insurers can’t price by gender, males still see the most expensive prices(3). The average price for men is now £987, following an annual increase of £359 (57%). And for women, prices have increased by £304 (59%). That makes average prices for them £820.
Further research by Confused.com of 2,000 UK drivers(1) also found that the majority were feeling the pinch. Around 3 in 5 (63%) drivers who renewed in the past 3 months (July to September) had a more expensive price of around £87 more. That’s despite 1 in 4 (26%) saying they had a clean licence and almost 1 in 3 (28%) saying they had 1 or more year’s no claims. Almost a third (28%) also said that they weren’t sure why prices were on the rise.
How can drivers keep costs down?
With all of this to factor in, it’s understandable that drivers may feel frustrated. Especially as prices seem to be going up in all areas of everyday life right now. But drivers can still make savings, even if the initial price is more expensive than first anticipated.
Data shows how drivers with a more expensive renewal between July to September 2023 were able to save around £88 when using a price comparison site. And even though 9% of drivers said they had a cheaper renewal quote, they still saved around £64 by switching. So that proves how drivers can still save money when switching at renewal, whether prices are higher or lower than before.
And although one size doesn’t fit all, there are also some tips drivers can try to keep costs down when it comes to renewal.
Use a price comparison site – If you’ve had a higher renewal quote, the best thing you can do is compare prices. That way you can ensure you’re getting the best deal to suit your needs and not paying more than you need to. And it’s likely that you can make a saving.
Pay for your car insurance annually – If you can afford it, paying for your insurance in one go rather than monthly is one way to get cheaper car insurance. That’s because insurance companies often charge interest for spreading the cost of your cover over the year.
Increase your voluntary excess – Increasing your voluntary excess can help you get cheaper car insurance. But you need to make sure you can afford to pay it, if you need to claim.
Be accurate with your mileage – Generally, the more miles you drive, the more likely you are to have an accident and make a claim. This means the higher your mileage, the more you pay for your car insurance. So, driving fewer miles can be a great way to save money on your car insurance policy. But don’t assume that a low mileage always means low prices. If you barely drive at all, your insurance company could see that as a risk as well.
Enhance your car security – The harder it is to steal your car, the less of a risk it is. This usually means cheaper car insurance.
There are several ways to improve your car security including:
Installing a Thatcham-approved car alarm or immobiliser, if it doesn’t already have one
Adding secondary levels of security like a steering lock.
Parking overnight in a secure, well-lit car park, or at home in a garage or driveway, if possible.
For more advice on how to reduce costs, visit Confused.com’s guide on how to get cheaper car insurance.
Louise Thomas, motor expert at Confused.com car insurance comments, “For another consecutive quarter, we’ve seen some of the highest inflation rates when it comes to car insurance.
“With prices up on average £148 (19%) in just 3 months, and £338 (58%) in 12 months, drivers are likely to be paying more than ever. So those who haven’t yet been affected should be wary of how pricing may affect them at their next renewal.
“But there are deals around and drivers can still save money, even if they’ve noticed their renewal has gone up. And in a time of financial uncertainty, this can be really helpful if you need to watch your money more closely than before.
“So if you’re due to renew, consider ways in which you can keep costs down. Whether it’s reducing your mileage or improving your car security, these can certainly help. But remember to always be truthful to your insurer, otherwise you risk invalidating your policy.
“Our aim is to keep helping customers save money, especially in the current climate. That’s why switching and saving has never been more crucial, and we guarantee savings can be made.
“We’re so certain that we offer a guarantee to beat your renewal, or pay you the difference, plus £20(4). In this scenario, you not only get the best price, but you also get more cash. So there’s nothing to lose and lots to be gained.”
Motorists have been warned about a potentially dangerous eye condition that distorts vision and adversely affects night-time driving.
Motoring experts at LeaseCar say thousands of Brits could unknowingly have an eye condition which causes difficulties with vision at night posing a safety risk on the roads.
t is thought that as much as 40% of the adult population could be affected by Astigmatism, which occurs when either the eye’s cornea or the lens behind the cornea isn’t as round as it should be.
Astigmatism is an eye disorder which causes blurry or distorted vision, both close up and at a distance.
Research suggests the condition could be on the rise as overuse of electronic devices can both bring it on and make it worse.
Those who suffer from the condition commonly have a harder time seeing clearly at night because it increases sensitivity to glare and halos around lights, such as headlights or streetlights.
This can affect motorist’s ability to perceive road signs, other vehicles, and potential hazards as well as making it harder for them to detect subtle changes in the road.
The experts are calling on anyone who experiences difficulties with night vision and thinks they could have the condition to head to the opticians.
Not only does failing to address the condition increase the chance of causing an accident on the roads, but it could also lead to hefty fines and penalties for motorists.
If it is determined bad vision is a factor in a driving accident, motorists will be fined £1,000 and have three points on their licence if they had not notified the DVLA of their condition prior to the accident.
In more serious cases, failure to notify about vision loss or sight issues could even result in a driving ban.
Those with the condition may require glasses or contact lenses to correct it, but in more extreme cases doctors could need to use surgery to treat astigmatis.
The DVLA says motorists must wear glasses or contact lenses every time they drive if they need them to meet the ‘standards of vision for driving’.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “It is extremely important that any motorists who think that they could have an eye condition get to the opticians and seek treatment.
“Common symptoms of Astigmatism include trouble seeing at night, blurry, hazy and double vision, as well as needing to squint to see clearly.
“With an estimated 40% of the adult population suffering from the condition, anyone with the symptoms should avoid driving until they have been checked out.
“It is very dangerous to drive with any condition which impairs vision as it puts the motorist and other road users at risk.
“The condition is particularly dangerous for drivers as the days get darker because it increases sensitivity to glare and halos around lights which affects being able to see the roads and potential obstacles.
“It is also important that the DVLA is made aware of any condition that affects the ability to drive safely because if a motorist is involved in an accident and it is found that the condition was a contributing factor, they could be prosecuted and their insurance invalidated.”
Callum Beattie meets music therapy participant supported by £50,000 Specsavers donation ahead of Scottish Music Awards
SPECSAVERS has named music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins, as its official charity partner for Scotland.
The high street opticians and audiologists has made a £50,000 donation to bolster the charity’s services across Scotland. Their work has pioneered music therapy for the past 60 years, harnessing the power of music to help break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation.
Laura Baird, a Specsavers store director, says: ‘Nordoff and Robbins helps people connect through their senses, which closely reflects the work we do at Specsavers.
‘We are delighted to make this donation to the charity, knowing that it will directly help people all across Scotland who depend on music therapy to enhance their quality of life.’
Laura, along with Scots singer-songwriter and charity ambassador Callum Beattie, attended a music therapy session to learn first-hand how Specsavers’ donation will help Nordoff and Robbins support its Scottish clients.
The session took place at St. Andrews Hospice in Airdrie with Frank Fennessey who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013. Frank has enjoyed playing the bass guitar throughout his life and is able to continue doing so with support from a Nordoff and Robbins music therapist.
Callum, who released his second album ‘Vandals’ earlier this year, says: ‘Music helps me express emotions and thoughts that I sometimes find hard to put to words. Playing together with Frank during our session was so special. I could see his face light up and confidence soar.
‘Music is incredible for self-expression and allows people to connect, even when words fail. The donation from Specsavers will allow people like Frank to continue to benefit from music therapy sessions right across Scotland.’
Frank has been attending music therapy sessions for five years since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He says: ‘I bought my first bass guitar when I was 15-years-old, having been a huge rock and roll fan.
“I played in local bands my whole life. After I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s I didn’t play for a few years until I started my Nordoff and Robbins’ music therapy sessions at St. Andrews Hospice.
‘My music therapist really takes her time with me, showing me how to adapt and play at a pace that I can manage. I’m back to playing every day and my music therapy sessions are something I look forward to every week.’
Sally Fennessey, Frank’s wife, is looking forward to celebrating 44 years of marriage this year. She says: ‘The music therapy sessions have made a huge difference to Frank. It gives him something to focus on and a chance to socialise with others.
“It’s also a huge confidence boost. I’ve never been so happy to hear him play Led Zeppelin in the spare room at home.’
Laura, who is the store director at Specsavers Wishaw, adds: ‘It’s great being able to see the joy music therapy is bringing to the people who need it in our local community, right here in North Lanarkshire.‘
Specsavers’ donation will support a range of endeavors, from the acquisition of new instruments, to the training of new music therapists, to better facilitate Nordoff and Robbins’ work with people throughout Scotland who use its services.
The charity’s work can be transformative for a wide range of people, from an adult with dementia reconnecting with family to a neurodivergent child expressing themselves through music.
Sandy Trappitt, deputy director of fundraising at Nordoff and Robbins, says: ‘We are hugely appreciative for the charitable donation from Specsavers.
“The much-needed cash boost will positively impact our service offering across Scotland, helping ensure that everyone who could benefit from music therapy does.
‘Music therapy allows people to express themselves and share a connection and we hear daily from clients and families about the incredible benefits it provides. Music is a universal language which everyone deserves to enjoy.’
Specsavers’ optical and audiology expertise can be easily accessed throughout Scotland at its 80 locally-owned stores. Those unable to attend a Specsavers store unaccompanied can receive the same eye care at home via its Home Visits service. Specsavers Home Visits covers more than 90% of the UK.
EDINBURGH based event and hospitality venue is thriving as it records its most successful business period to date after hitting record numbers during the Edinburgh International Festival
Surgeons Quarter (SQ), one of Edinburgh’s largest Fringe performing spaces, boasted a record 250,000 visitors to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s (RCSEd) campus and increased occupancy to an impressive 99.5% at its on-site, Ten Hill Place Hotel across the month of August.
As the commercial arm of RCSEd, SQ worked closely with renowned festival producers theSpaceUK to host 248 productions across its 11 on site Fringe venues.
Scott Mitchell, Managing Director of SQ said: “The buzz in Edinburgh during the Fringe this year was incredible. To see our venues, and Edinburgh, transform into a hive of creativity and culture was very special.
“Each year we continue to grow and we’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved this year with record numbers coming in.
“Working with such a talented organisation such as theSpaceUK again this year has been extremely rewarding and we’re delighted with how well received each show was at this year’s Fringe.
“This year we have been able to host nearly 250 shows, with 120,000 audience members, which is just incredible. While the numbers are astounding, it is only testament to the quality of entertainment and service of those who performed and worked with us this year.”
Celebrating its 14th year as one of the largest Fringe venues, SQ operated five festival bars, and transformed its Courtyard Bar and Hill Square Gardens into a fiesta of flavour with Mexican street food created by SQ’s Executive Chef Dominik Kawalec.
This year’s line-up included shows from across the globe with musical performances, operas, drama and theatre shows as well as comedy and spoken word.
Surgeons Quarter, Cafe 1305
Scott Mitchell – Managing Director
Scott continued: “None of this would have been possible without our fantastic, dedicated team, who worked incredibly hard to deliver top service across our venues throughout such a busy period.
“Whilst delighted with our increased footfall a key point of action for next year is to find a solution to either the increased recycling or use of re-usable products in an outdoor environment to adhere to our licencing conditions and sustainability agenda.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to not only those who worked with us, but to those who visited our venues and helped create a truly unique atmosphere in a Fringe that will live long in the memory.”
The 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe welcomed worldwide audiences, selling nearly 2.5 million tickets across 288 venues.
SQ will now turn its focus to the upcoming festive season, hosting 80s themed party nights throughout December offering a three-course meal, festive cocktail and wine for £60pp, and private parties from £65pp.
Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus. It includes facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, weddings and its own four-star hotel Ten Hill Place as well as Café 1505 and SQ Travel.
Profits from the Surgeons Quarter portfolio go towards the advancement of surgery and the improvement of patient outcomes worldwide.
More information about Surgeons Quarter can be found at:
Applications have opened for a new pilot fund to support initiatives that promote Scotland’s international connections.
The Scottish Connections Fund is open to bids from individuals and organisations in Scotland’s international diaspora and a total of £15,000 has been allocated for this year’s pilot, which will inform the development of an expanded fund in 2024.
The fund follows a commitment in the government’s Scottish Connections Framework, which seeks to expand links and networks with Scottish people living elsewhere in the world, those with Scottish heritage, alumni of Scotland’s educational institutions, and people with professional, business, cultural or other links to Scotland.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Scottish Government has long believed that better engaging our diaspora – family and friends of Scotland globally – can not only benefit Scotland economically and enrich our culture, but also improve Scotland’s connections and reputation.
“We know that millions around the world cherish their connections with Scotland, and we are grateful for the work of people and organisations who do so much to strengthen these links – whether that is through the promotion of our culture and heritage or Scotland’s reputation as a place to live, work, visit, study, and do business.
“This fund aims to support their work to create more vibrant, visible and connected global Scottish diaspora, and I encourage anyone with an interest to submit an application by 8 November, 2023.”
The Scottish Connections Fund offers funding to organisations to set up new projects to promote Scotland’s reputation and interests.
It is open to worldwide Scottish diaspora organisations and their members.
You can bid for a grant between £2,000 and £5,000, from an available £15,000 in 2023 to 2024. Projects must be completed by the end of March 2024.
Local councillors from Cornwall to the Orkney Islands shortlisted for national awards
49 local councillors from across England, Wales and Scotland have been shortlisted for the 2023 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards, showcasing the vital contributions of councillors for the 14th year running.
Only one City of Edinburgh councillor has made the shortlist. Leith Labour councillor James Dalgleish (above) is in the running for the Young Councillor of the Year Award.
The winners in England & Wales will be announced at the Guildhall in London at 7pm on 16 November 2023. The winners in Scotland will be announced at the City Chambers in Edinburgh at 7pm on 21 November 2023.
The Cllr Awards judging panels are made up of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors. This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU said: “In the face of unprecedented domestic and global challenges over the last year, councillors nationwide have once again exhibited unwavering dedication to serving their constituents.
“The shortlist for the 2023 Cllr Awards represents some of the most devoted elected representatives in England, Wales and Scotland.
“As councils continue to deliver essential services like social care and housing amid a cost of living crisis, these Awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally. Their work, all too often, goes unrecognised and we take great pride in featuring their stories in this year’s shortlist.
“Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”
One year on from the merger that created Home-Start Edinburgh, 17% more families have been supported thanks to increased reach and efficiency within the charity.
Home-Start Edinburgh is Edinburgh’s family charity. It was formed one year ago through the merger of two well-established charities, Home-Start Leith & North East Edinburgh and Home-Start Edinburgh West and South West. The merger has expanded the volunteer-based charity’s services to cover all of Edinburgh. Meanwhile, demand for its services has increased.
Home-Start Edinburgh’s team of dedicated volunteers support families with young children who are struggling to cope for a variety of reasons. This can include isolation, mental or physical illness, crisis or bereavement, post-natal depression, and poverty.
Volunteers often have parenting skills themselves and can offer peer support. They listen to the problems a family is facing, provide practical help, and put in place plans to build family resilience, helping to ensure the child or children have the best start in life.
In addition to in-home support, Home-Start Edinburgh runs regular groups and social events for the parents and children it supports, which help them build wider support networks. The charity also helps families purchase essential items when they are facing hardship.
The merger has expanded the reach of the charity to cover the South East of the city, and demand for its services has increased across all areas of Edinburgh. Throughout the last year, it has supported 313 families and 404 children.
Commenting on the first year of operation, Home-Start Edinburgh CEO Eliza Waye said: “I am pleased that one year on we have already seen a substantial increase in the number of families we are able to support, thanks to our dedicated and compassionate volunteer community.
“However, the need continues to outstrip our capacity, particularly as we now service the entire city.
“We have seen more families who need our services because low employment, increased financial pressures, and the lack of suitable housing options, which leads to additional stress and difficulty when you have young children.
“We have also seen an increase in needs from the growing refugee and migrant community, and more families with complex needs. As the needs continue to grow, so must we as a charity. In the coming year we are focused on growing our volunteer community and increasing our funding, helping us meet this critical need.”
Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith attended the launch of the charity, which is headquartered in his constituency, one year ago. He said: “As the local MSP, I know from my casework how Home-Start Edinburgh is able to offer a helping hand with its range of services and support for those who need it.
“During a difficult period with the cost-of-living crisis, in the first year of their merger and re-launch, it is good that Home-Start Edinburgh has been able to help more families in our communities.
“Home-Start began its Edinburgh presence in Leith in 1986 and I am glad that the charity has expanded, so that families in all parts of the city can now benefit from their services. Please get in touch with them if you think you may be able to help. Also, thank you to all donors and volunteers for supporting Home-Start’s impactful work.”
Ester Mateo received support from Home-Start Edinburgh and is now training as a volunteer. Ester said: “Home-Start supported me when I moved into a new area with young children. They helped me find activities for my kids so they could make new friends and feel less impact from the change.
“I knew that my volunteer would always be there when I needed help or advice. I’ve now applied to become a volunteer – this has given me a sense of purpose and achievement and I hope to help others.”
