SASS4us: Spreading kindness and hope across Muirhouse and West Pilton

SASS4US (Support And Survival Skills for Unleashing self love) is a trauma support group facilitated through LIFT, bringing together women aged 20 to 50 from the Muirhouse and West Pilton communities.

The group provides a safe and supportive space where women can talk openly about life experiences, mental health, personal challenges, and goals for the future. Around eighteen women attend every week.

Through mutual support, encouragement, and understanding, members work together to build confidence, develop resilience, embrace positive change, and support one another in their personal journeys.

Recently, many group members shared their concerns about the negative atmosphere they feel has developed within the local community. Some residents have expressed feeling anxious or even afraid to visit local shops, and there is a growing sense that negative stories are overshadowing the many positive aspects of the area.

Wanting to make a difference, the women of SASS4US decided to take positive action. They created inspirational stones and uplifting quotations, which have been placed throughout the Muirhouse and West Pilton communities.

Their writings aim is to spread kindness, hope, and encouragement, while reminding people that even small acts of positivity can have a meaningful impact.

This project reflects the group’s commitment not only to supporting each other’s wellbeing but also to helping create a stronger, more connected, and more hopeful community for everyone.

The girls would like to be anonymous as they want to start making these each month and placing them around the community continuously.

SASS4us

Free Haircuts at North Edinburgh Arts

WEDNESDAY 27 MAY 1 – 3pm

Free short hair cuts in North Edinburgh!

We’re hosting a free pop-up community barber session here at North Edinburgh Arts on Wednesday 27 May, 1–3pm, open to local residents in North Edinburgh and delivered by a professional barber.

Spaces are limited and booking is essential, so don’t miss out!

📞 To book, contact the Link Up team on 07493 876 130

📍 North Edinburgh Arts, 12C MacMillan Square, Edinburgh EH4 4AB

North Edinburgh Connections drop-in event at Muirhouse Millennium Centre

TUESDAY 6 MAY from 12 – 6pm

‼NORTH EDINBURGH CONNECTIONS DROP-IN EVENT‼

A reminder that the first drop-in event for this consultation takes place tomorrow (Tuesday 5 May 12pm – 6pm) at Muirhouse Millennium Centre.

You’ll be able to find out more and share your views on proposals to improve roads, pavements and public spaces along West Granton Road, Pennywell Road Ferry Road for active travel.

Further drop-in events will take place on Saturday 16 May 11am – 5.30pm at North Edinburgh Community Festival and on Thursday 28 May 1pm-7pm at North Edinburgh Arts

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/north-edinburgh-connections

Funding boost for LIFT

We are delighted to announce our 5 years funding award from the Bank of Scotland Foundation Empower Fund.

This will help keep the centre doors open, help towards a Staff member salary and any running costs.

We are delighted, we have always depended on room hire, fundraising and donations to cover the centre Running Costs now a huge percentage of that will be covered for 5 years.

Thank you to all the LIFT staff, Volunteers, The amazing Board and the centre users for all your support

Pauline Nicol-Bowie MBE

Lottery support for North Edinburgh Arts’ garden and shed projects

Spring has arrived at the NEA Community Garden, and we’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! We’ve received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support our Garden and Shed projects over the next two years.

This funding will help us grow more than just plants. It will create opportunities for our local community to get involved in activities that respond to the climate emergency, focusing on outdoor learning, sustainability, and the circular economy.

It also means we can continue to strengthen North Edinburgh Arts’ commitment to sustainability, improving how we manage our carbon impact.

Watch this space for more updates!

In the meantime, come and visit our NEA Community Garden within our opening hours (Monday-Wednesday: 9am-5pm, Thursday & Friday: 9am-8pm & Saturday: 10am-2pm)

If you live locally in the areas of Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw and Telford, come and join our free drop-in sessions at the Garden (Tuesday & Thursday, 1.30pm – 4pm) or the Shed (Tuesday – Thursday, 10am – 2pm).

Get in touch for more information!

Muirhouse Library Book Group

APRIL: Muriel Spark’s Loitering with Intent

April’s book group is Loitering with Intent, by Muriel Spark.

If you would like to join the group just pick one and join the discussion on Wednesday 29th from 6 – 7pm.

🙂

Free Football with Craigy’s Little Kickers

🟡🔵 FREE FOOTBALL 🔵🟡

Craigroyston are setting up a sessions for our youngest players “Craigy’s Little kickers” we’re looking for young boys and girls to come along and kick start there Craigy career early before soccer school. Boys and girls aged between 3-5 years old.

SFA qualified coach

Sports first aid trained.

Sessions will be based on nothing more than fun, making friends and football.

First session Saturday 2nd May

Saturday afternoons 1-2pm old cattle track lane (Marine drive) EH4 5JT

The first Kick can lead to a dream.

Get involved. Please contact Anthony on 07708293555

Please share and spread the word🟡🔵

Tomorrow: Closer to Cultures 2026 event at Muirhouse Library

EDINBURGH MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

Closer to Cultures: 2026 Spring/Summer Season programme starts tomorrow with a mesmerising journey across China at Muirhouse Library!

@MuirhouseLib.

Join Edinburgh Chinese Arts Association for a lunch treat of fashion, music and dance. Book at:

https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/closer-to-cultures-2026-springsummer-season-tickets-1986640400918