LifeCare, the older person’s charity based in Stockbridge is pleased to announce August’s installment of its very popular monthly History Talks which cover local history and are delivered by local people and organisations.
The talk will be on Cramond Island and will be given by Ian Rodger of Cramond Heritage.
It will take place on Tuesday 25th August from 3pm – 4pm on Zoom.
To book a place, please contact the Community Engagement Facilitator, Aleks Pacula alekspacula@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk
New research by Community Finance Solutions (CFS) at the University of Salford and Carnegie UK Trust has highlighted the impact that COVID-19 is having on affordable credit providers across England, Scotland and Wales.
Fear and Loaning – The Impact of Covid-19 on affordable credit providers serving financially vulnerable customers was published yesterday.
More than 60 Credit Unions and Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) in England, Scotland and Wales took part in the study, which asked about the impact of Covid-19 on demand; lending volume; income; liquidity; viability, and confidence.
They reported a decline in the number of people seeking loans and a reduction in the size of loans being sought; a rise in the number of customers seeking payment holidays on their loans; and an increase in saving deposits.
Providers have furloughed staff and closed branches to help them deal with the impact of the pandemic. Some have adapted their business models, increasing the use of digital tools and introducing new products.
Those providers with the smallest average loan amounts (under £1,000) appear to have been most adversely affected by Covid-19, with a higher likelihood of furloughing staff, closing branches and of using government support schemes.
They are also less confident and more likely to forecast breaches of regulatory ratios or covenants and inability to meet short-term costs. These providers are the most likely to serve the most vulnerable and financially excluded.
There are likely to be a range of complex reasons behind the drop in the demand for credit. Positively, it may be because people have had support through other channels set up in response to the pandemic, such as the Job Retention Scheme or an interest free overdraft.
There have also been fewer opportunities for consumption during the crisis. Alternatively, some people may have not sought a loan from an affordable credit provider because their financial position has worsened and they may have to take other action, such as borrowing from family and friends or going without an important purchase.
There is concern that household finances will come under severe pressure as financial support interventions introduced in response to COVID-19 taper off and unemployment rises.
Affordable credit providers have a crucial role to play in supporting families through these difficult times, but this new research by the Trust and CFS shows that these providers are themselves vulnerable to the pandemic.
It will be essential that the affordable credit sector is supported to sustain and scale during this challenging period, so that it is able to support families and communities in the months ahead.
The report is available here.
Pål Vik, Director, Community Finance Solutions said: “This research report finds that the short-term effects of Covid-19 are more acutely felt by those lenders targeting low-income consumers.
“The findings underline the needs for ongoing research and data collection to inform interventions to preserve the access to affordable credit for those that need it the most.”
Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive, Carnegie UK Trust said: “Affordable credit providers have a vital role to play in helping disadvantaged communities cope with Covid-19 and rebuild resilience afterwards.
“This research highlights the need to continue to monitor the impact of the pandemic on affordable credit providers, and for the sector to receive the support that it needs to sustain and scale, ensuring that it can support those who are financially vulnerable.”
Sasha Romanovich, CEO, Fair4All Finance said: “Many more people in the UK will find themselves in vulnerable circumstances and the need for fair and affordable credit is likely to grow significantly over the coming months, not least as some high cost providers fail or withdraw from the UK market place.
“Fair4All Finance have a role as a catalyst to create a thriving and sustainable affordable credit sector, and we welcome this research.”
Michael Sheen, actor and social activist said: “It is vital that affordable lenders come through the current stage of the crisis to be able to support financially vulnerable consumers in the medium to long term.
“We need all those people with a voice – councils, housing associations, the third sector and the media – to highlight to those borrowers that often need access to small sums of money that fair credit is out there, at a fair price. ”
The Carnegie UK Trust has also recently published The 10% solution: How to make affordable credit more available to those who need it most as a short and full report.
This research examines the levels of high cost credit use and the provision of affordable credit across seven Scottish local authorities, reveals the gap between demand and appropriate supply, and puts forward a range of interventions available to local authorities that can support affordable credit providers and make a significant difference to the lives of low income individuals in their areas.
Increasing the market penetration of affordable credit providers in these seven areas to 10% of demand could save low income households nearly £5m a year.
While the research fieldwork for this report took place before the COVID-19 pandemic, it demonstrates the need for affordable credit, and the importance of supporting a resilient sector which can provide for financially vulnerable consumers in the years ahead.
Communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians have received a share of £1 million of grants to help town centres recover from the consequences of the coronavirus crisis.
The money nationally has come from The Towns and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Resilience and Recovery Fund, financed by the Scottish Government and administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership.
Among the organisations to receive support is City of Edinburgh Council which has received £40,000 towards a digital marketing campaign and other promotional material to support a campaign encouraging people to shop local.
Details of all the projects supported in the region are available here.
The fund has supported a raft of schemes to help town centres in their fightback from the Covid-19 pandemic, including helping pay for PPE supplies as well as funding local marketing campaigns urging people to support businesses in their community, highlighting that they are open for business.
Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “Businesses in our town centres are showing remarkable resilience and innovation in how they are responding to the consequences of Covid-19 to best serve their customers and communities.
“From rapidly accelerating their online offerings to moving quickly to ensure that safeguards are in place to ensure that staff can work safely and customers shop responsibly, their work is playing an important part in the nation’s recovery from the pandemic. The impact they are having should not be underestimated.
“We are delighted to have been able to support projects in Edinburgh, East Lothian and West Lothian and pleased that the work will touch on so many towns as we encourage everyone to think local first – and safety first – to support the businesses and the people behind them who really are at the heart of the areas in which they live.
“Whether it be buying your groceries or enjoying a meal out, the support you give is critical as we work hard to secure a sustainable and successful future for Scotland’s town centres.”
Nationally 73 projects are being supported – 24 in full and 49 in part – covering 188 individual towns. Money has been granted to organisations including local authorities and community business groups.
Scotland’s Communities Secretary, Aileen Campbell MSP, said: “Living more of our lives locally – shopping, eating and enjoying activities in the areas we live – has never been more important.
“It has a huge role to play in supporting Scotland’s economic and social recovery from COVID-19. This fund is enabling great work to support and promote local businesses in more than 180 towns by highlighting the diverse and vibrant selection of products and services on offer
“Taking simple steps like choosing to visit a nearby shop or café, or buying goods or services from a business in your own community helps support local jobs. These actions help local economies to thrive, bring communities together and, crucially, help us to continue to suppress the virus by limiting unnecessary travel.”
The Towns and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Resilience and Recovery Fund totals £2 million. While half of this has been used towards the current wave of grants, £700,000 will provide support to business improvement districts when current BIDs Resilience funding expires.
The remainder of the money includes support for the Scotland Loves Local campaign, a major multimedia promotion championing the message for shoppers to think local first.
Amazing images from SUSIE HENRY, who told NEN: “This morning at the junction of Howe St and N.Circus Place. No injuries. Great street art!”
Thanks, Susie!
Talk about a door to door service!
LifeCare, the older person’s charity based in Stockbridge, is taking its hugely popular monthly History Talks online.
Due to the on-going Covid-19 situation, the last 4 months of talks, which normally take place at the LifeCare Centre, were cancelled.
However, with the increasing use of video conferencing solutions, LifeCare is pleased to bring you July’s talk which is entitled The Edinburgh Colonies by Richard Rodger.
Please contact the community engagement facilitator and organiser of this event, Aleks Pacula, for information on how to take part.
She can be reached by email at: alekspacula@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk
~ Leading charity says crisis could cut its income in half this year, and urges public to support Britain’s best loved charities in months ahead ~
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is reopening the first of its shops across Scotland, as it seeks to recover from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 crisis on its income.
The charity planned a phased reopening to ensure it could create a safe working environment for its staff and volunteers, many of whom are living with heart and circulatory diseases.
Ten stores across Edinburgh and the Lothians will open today (Saturday 18th July) with all 76 shops in Scotland due to reopen by the end of July.
BHF shops in Lothian Road, Edinburgh and Leith, Dalry, Bathgate, Craigmillar, Dalkeith, Westside, Shandwick, Musselburgh and Stockbridge open at 10am Saturday 18th July.
As the doors reopen, the charity is urging the public to support it by donating good quality items, or by popping in to snap up a bargain. Every item donated or sold will aid the BHF in its recovery from the crisis, which it predicts will cut its net income in half this year.
James Jopling, Head of BHF Scotland, said: “Our shops fund a huge proportion of cardiovascular research, so the reopening of doors is welcome news for our scientists, the 720,000 people living in Scotland with heart and circulatory diseases, as well as our shoppers.
This moment was difficult to imagine just a few weeks ago, and is testament to the incredible commitment of our BHF team of colleagues and volunteers that we’ll be trading in every corner of the country within two weeks.
“But the coronavirus crisis will unfortunately have a long-lasting and devastating impact on charities like ours, with our funding for new research falling by a shocking £50m this year alone. That’s why, not only do we need urgent help from our loyal supporters, we’re also urging the UK Government to ensure funding for vital research charities. For us, it will mean we can protect the progress we have made so far and continue to transform the lives of those with heart and circulatory diseases. It’s ultimately patients who will suffer if this doesn’t happen.
“Our charity shops run purely on the support of the public, which is why we treasure every person who shops with us or hands in a donation. Every item we sell helps fund our vital research and we are so looking forward to welcoming everyone back.”
The BHF says its shops and stores will have new measures in place to keep staff, volunteers and customers safe. This includes social distancing on the shop floor, protective equipment for staff and volunteers, and facilitating contact free collection and processing of donated items.
In line with Government advice and to keep customers safe, all donations given to the BHF will now be rested for 72 hours before being placed on the shop floor. Customers will also be able to donate at new contact-free donation points set up at every BHF shop entrance.
For larger donations to BHF home stores, donors will be able to book a free collection service online from Monday 27th July. All pick-ups will be contact-free. For smaller donations, the BHF has launched a new postal donation service, making it even easier to donate without hitting the high street.
Just £16 worth of donations can support an early career scientist in carrying out an hour’s research and £25 gives a researcher an hour’s access to equipment. If donations raise £100, this would fund a DNA extraction kit to identify genes linked to heart and circulatory diseases.
To find your local BHF shop and details on when it is reopening visit: www.bhf.org.uk/shop
Local organisations have put together a booklet listing mental health & wellbeing support services in North Edinburgh (see below).
If you need support call the new Community Wellbeing Helpline on 0131 332 8773.
Hi all,
help spread the word …
Regards
An award of £9,500 announced today to Children with Cancer and Leukaemia Advice and Support for Parents SCIO (CCLASP) means that they will be able to provide essential food and household items for families with children suffering from cancer leukaemia.
Scotland Yard Adventure Centre also receives an award of £10,000 to provide a targeted advice service for some of the most vulnerable disabled children and their carers. And an award of £14,000 means that Children 1st, based in Edinburgh, will be able to increase the capacity of their telephone helpline and digital support service, Parentline, to meet increased demand during the COVID-19 crisis.
The awards to CCLASP, Scotland Yard Adventure Centre and Children 1st are three of 31 Edinburgh based projects sharing in £271,636 of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
There’s money too for LifeCare’s Cheyne Gang choir to move online, Granton Youth Centre for a mudic video project and support for both Leith Festival and ELREC’s Edinburgh Climate Festival.
Across the country 282 groups, from charities to smaller voluntary led community projects, are receiving funding raised by National Lottery players for a range of activities, many of which will help people to support each other through the COVID-19 crisis.
Gordon Murdie, General Manager, CCLASP, said: “The National Lottery Community Fund award has ensured that the charity can meet its ongoing staff and running costs through the pandemic and be ready to resume its operation in full as soon as the Scottish Government allows.
“This funding has allowed us the financial security to diversify and assist the families we serve in the best way we can during these difficult times. Lockdown is challenging in general but for families with children suffering from cancer and leukaemia it is particularly difficult.
“Since lockdown began, we have delivered over 20,000 items to around 300 children and their families. These deliveries of essentials, small treats and toys to brighten the days have meant so much to so many.”
Ellen Starkey, Fundraising Assistant, Scotland Yard Adventure Centre, said: “Here at The Yard we were delighted to receive a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund for our COVID-19 services.
“It will enable us to provide at-home play ideas, online mental health and wellbeing sessions, online play sessions and much more for disabled children, young people and their families, as well as our small, targeted service at The Yard, Edinburgh.
“We hope this support will offer fun, respite and a much-needed community of support for our families at this time. Thank you!”
Linda Jardine, Director of Children and Family Services, Children 1st, said: “Right now, more families across Scotland are getting the support they need to cope through the coronavirus crisis, thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund’s support for Parentline.
“Parentline is our digital family support service, offering help by phone, by webchat and online, every day of the week. Families are telling us that as they face the strains of losing loved ones, mounting financial pressures and the stress of juggling the care their children need with work and other demands, the support Parentline offers is quite simply a lifeline.
“Parentline is here for any family in need of support on 08000 28 22 33, or online: www.children1st.org.uk/parentline.”
Announcing today’s funding totalling £3,384,222, The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Director, Neil Ritch, said: “These awards, made possible by National Lottery players, are making an amazing contribution to the nation-wide response to combat the impact of COVID-19 on local communities across Scotland.
“This funding will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands more people and highlights the vital work that’s being done in communities across the country at the moment. It also reminds us all how important a package of tailored support can be to improve well-being and help forge a sense of belonging to a wider community again.”
The National Lottery Community Fund, over the next six months, will focus its National Lottery funding in Scotland on those projects that supporting organisations and communities to respond to the challenge of COVID-19.
To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk
SGN INFO ABOUT THE STOCKBRIDGE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE:
Normal buses are unable to travel along Raeburn Place, so the Lothian bus service isn’t running westbound along Comley Bank Road and Raeburn Place as originally planned. So …
‘To ensure that transport is still available westbound along the road as planned, we are supplying a free bus service (from 18 February) which will be available until we’ve completed our work.
‘The Stockbridge Shuttle will run between 8.30am and 5.30pm Tuesday-Saturday and will visit each stop on the route three times an hour. Please see the map for more information.’
