Volunteer opportunities with Barnardo’s

The school holidays are well and truly over, some children started school for the first time and for others school, college and university life is a thing of the past. And at the other end of the spectrum, planning for retirement is front of mind – But all of these life changes have one thing in common – opportunity!

Barnardo’s Scotland is offering volunteering opportunities in their 100+ shops across the country.  Whether you’re dipping your toe back in to the workplace; want to make good use of extra hours; share your experience or looking for a change of direction, Barnardo’s Scotland would love to hear from you.

The charity currently has volunteers nationwide from all walks of life, ages and abilities, but is keen to recruit more people willing to donate their time.

Deriel Watt, area business manager for Barnardo’s Scotland shops in Edinburgh is keen to hear from people willing to volunteer in one of the seven shops across the city including shops in Leith, Meadowbank, East Craigs or Stockbridge.

She said: “Volunteers are crucial to us.  Volunteers are vital to running our business; in fact we simply couldn’t exist without them. They are an important part of our success and are an integral part of Barnardo’s Scotland.

“Volunteers can gain valuable experience and a lot of enjoyment out of joining their local store team.”

Volunteers get involved for many reasons – to support Barnardo’s Scotland’s work and cause; to do something unusual and inspiring or to learn new skills and improve their CV. It is also an opportunity to meet new people.

Billy Farrell, retail volunteer manager, said:  “Volunteering is fun and rewarding. It can also be a stepping stone to a new career and help you to gain the skills you need for a new role or job. Depending on a person’s interests and skills, Barnardo’s Scotland can find the right volunteering opportunity to suit you.”

*Barnardo’s Shop at 150 Leith Walk is holding a volunteering networking evening on Thursday 28 September.

All Barnardo’s volunteers are given full training and support. If you are interested in volunteering in a shop, please ring 07768 707 384 for details of your nearest store or go to www.barnardos.org.uk/volunteering.

St James Centre footbridge no more!

A footbridge across Leith Street is set to be removed this weekend as part of works to facilitate the delivery of the Edinburgh St James development. The 118-tonne, 15m tall bridge, which linked the former St James Centre with a carpark at Greenside Place, will be dismantled over Friday night by Laing O’Rourke and DSM Demolition Ltd.

Continue reading St James Centre footbridge no more!

Believe … all ‘ogre’ again!

Call the Midwife’s Laura Main to star as Princess Fiona

SHREK THE MUSICAL®  has announced casting for the forthcoming major nationwide tour. Following the unprecedented success of the first UK and Ireland tour, the original production team has reunited to bring the hit musical to a swamp near you! Opening at the Edinburgh Playhouse for the festive season from 12th December, the production will then tour throughout the country in 2018. Continue reading Believe … all ‘ogre’ again!

Persevere: Victory for Leithers as Registrar’s stays open!

Brock welcomes rethink on Registry Office closure – but says the fight isn’t over yet

Deidre Brock MP has hailed “victory for the Leithers” over news that Edinburgh Council has backed down over its plans to close Leith Registrars Office, putting them on hold until a public consultation has been  held. A petition to save the Registrar gathered 4000 signatures in just a couple of days, showing the massive support from Leithers for the service. Continue reading Persevere: Victory for Leithers as Registrar’s stays open!

“Civic vandalism”: Brock urges Leithers to sign up to save Registrars Office

Three thousand signatories in just one day

The pressure on Edinburgh Council to reverse its decision to close Leith Registrars Office increased today as it was revealed that a public petition against it gathered nearly 3,000 signatures in just one day.  The petition, started by local MP Deidre Brock, calls on the council to keep the office open and says that it was part of the settlement Leith got from Edinburgh when the two merged in 1920. Continue reading “Civic vandalism”: Brock urges Leithers to sign up to save Registrars Office

Edinburgh to welcome Grease The Musical

Grease is the word!  The original West End production of the electrifying musical, Grease, lights up the UK once again and visits the Edinburgh Playhouse from 11 – 16 September. The cast will be led by international pop star Tom Parker (The Wanted) in his first ever theatrical role, heart-throb Danny Zuko. Continue reading Edinburgh to welcome Grease The Musical

Taking the tram to Newhaven?

City council publishes £165.2 million business case to extend tram line to Leith and Newhaven

The Outline Business Case (OBC) for taking Edinburgh’s tram service down to Leith and Newhaven has been published. The news will not be met with unrestrained joy: the proposed tram line extension would see Leith Walk cut down to just ONE LANE for eighteen months if the £165.2 million project is approved. Continue reading Taking the tram to Newhaven?

Leith Registrar’s office closure: Brock calls for rethink

leith registrars office

Deidre Brock MP has called for an urgent rethink of council plans to close Leith Registrar’s Office. Ms Brock only heard of the plans recently from a constituent who was making enquiries about booking a wedding there, with services set to be moved up to the City Chambers from October this year. Continue reading Leith Registrar’s office closure: Brock calls for rethink

YoYo Cafe making a splash at Leith Victoria Swim Centre

Upward Mobility (UPMO) is delighted to announce the opening of YoYo Café at Leith Victoria Swim CentreThe new café, a partnership between charity Upward Mobility and Edinburgh Leisure, will be officially opened by Ben Macpherson MSP at 11am tomorrow (Monday 28th August). Continue reading YoYo Cafe making a splash at Leith Victoria Swim Centre