Join us at LifeCare’s free Christmas Fair on Sat 6 Dec, 11 AM–3 PM at The LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB!
Enjoy festive stalls, treats, gifts, and community cheer. Perfect for all ages — come along, support local, give to a good cause and celebrate the season together
Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland and ScottishPower Foundation for making our free support possible.
STUDENTS at Edinburgh College have teamed up with Cancer Research UK on a design project to breathe life into second hand clothes.
Adaptive fashion is clothing designed to be on trend while including features that make dressing easier and more comfortable, including for people with disabilities.
Edinburgh College curriculum team manager, Kim Gunn, said: “We have seen some amazing transformations. “This project showcases exactly what can be done with imagination, creativity and flair.
“I’m proud of the students, of their focus on sustainability and their enthusiasm. It’s been great to collaborate with Cancer Research UK. So many families are touched by cancer so it’s a charity close to all our hearts.”
HND student Calder Ferguson, 35, designed a two-piece skirt and top by combining a dark windbreaker, a pair of blue leggings and a high-vis vest.
His focus was on creating an eye-catching outfit that would make dressing easier for someone with limited mobility. He was inspired by a student he met while on work placement in Brazil.
Calder said: “The client has low finger dexterity so magnet closures and an elasticated waistband were chosen to avoid fiddly fastenings.
“I’ve really enjoyed working on the project and it’s great to see the outfits on show in the shop. I lost my uncle to brain cancer and I know so many families are affected by the disease. It’s good to be able to give something back.”
Freyja Lavender, 19, from Portobello, created a maternity outfit by repurposing a trench coat, a pair of men’s trousers and summer hiking shoes.
Freyja said: “The outfit is designed to make the wearer feel confident, sleek and comfortable all the way through their journey with pregnancy and I hope they’d be able to wear it after the baby was born too.
“Sustainability is important. There are so many clothes already out there in the world. It’s much better for the environment to repurpose clothes rather than buying new clothes all the time. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect the environment.”
Mature student Sandra Cameron of Edinburgh made an adaptive garment, specially designed for people with dementia.
The outfit was in memory of her mum, Lily Bathgate who died from dementia in March 2025. It was created using a handbag, shoes, jacket and trousers.
Sandra said: “Dementia robs people of so much of their personality and dignity. “My mum was a vibrant lady who loved colour.
“The clothing items I was given were dark so the first thing I wanted to do was put colour back in by dyeing them. I used magnetic buttons to make the outfit as accessible as possible.”
In Scotland, around 34,800 people are diagnosed with cancer every year*.
Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen cancer survival in the UK double in the last 50 years.
Money raised in the charity’s shops helps scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Cancer Research UK shop manager, Suzy King, said: “We’re excited to showcase these designs in our Stockbridge shop.
“The students have shown creativity turning donated items in to something special.”
Last year Cancer Research UK spent more than £38m in Scotland on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.
For more information about Cancer Research UK’s shops, visit: www.cruk.org/shops or follow @CRUKShops on Instagram.
LifeCare Edinburgh urgently needs donations from local people and businesses for winter tombolas and raffles supporting older residents.
Wine, soap sets, gift packs, jars of nice things, candles, or chocolates etc etc all welcome.
To donate, please contact: enquiries@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk or drop into the hub on 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB.
Thank you!
FREE WORKSHOP
THURSDAY 11th DECEMBER from 2 – 3pm
SATURDAY 6th DECEMBER from 11am – 3pm
Christmas is right around the corner…
If you haven’t already, make sure to pop our Christmas Fair into your diaries for the 6th December
We will have lots of festive stalls, baked goodies, activities, raffles, games and Christmassy spirit! See you all there!
PS: There is one stall left to take.
If you’re interested, email sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk
SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER at 11am – FREE EVENT
LifeCare is delighted to host a special St Andrew’s Day storytelling celebration led by storyteller Fergus. Families are invited to drop in for a fun-filled morning of stories, dancing, and crafts—perfect for children aged 3–10.
The free event will take place on Saturday, 29 November at 11am, with guests encouraged to wear something tartan to join in the spirit of the day.
This fantastic storytelling adventure is supported by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s Big Scottish Story Ripple initiative, organised by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) and supported by the Scottish Storytelling Forum.
No booking required just come along to the Lthe LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB
We can’t wait to welcome you!
“Community support is the secret ingredient” – 60% of LifeCare’s meals are free for the growing numbers of local older people struggling on a low income
LifeCare Edinburgh’s Meals on Wheels service is celebrating its 5th birthday — a remarkable milestone in local community care. Since launching in the midst of the pandemic in 2020, the charity has freshly prepared and delivered more than 42,000 hot, two-course meals to over 300 older people across north Edinburgh and Leith.
Thanks to the generosity of funders and donors, 60% of all meals – over 29,000 in total – have been delivered completely free of charge to older people living on low incomes. This fundraising support has ensured that thousands of older residents have had access not only to nutritious, hot meals, but also to vital social connection and care.
Prepared fresh each day by LifeCare’s café team and delivered by kind-hearted drivers, the service has become a true lifeline for many older residents. With more than 75% of clients living alone, that friendly knock on the door and a familiar face can be as uplifting as the hot meal itself.
The service also acts as an important early warning system — if someone doesn’t answer the door or seems unwell, LifeCare’s team can quickly check in and ensure further support is put in place.
Chef Tony, from LifeCare’s community café, CafeLife, said: “Every meal we send out is made with care, because we know it’s not just food – it’s comfort and company too.
“The team in the kitchen puts their heart into making sure every meal is tasty, nourishing, and feels like something special arriving at the door. Community support is the secret ingredient, and if local people and businesses can continue to give generously to support us, it will help keep our wheels in motion for the years ahead.”
A Lifeline with a Long History
Sarah van Putten, CEO of LifeCare Edinburgh said. “It’s a huge moment of pride for us. Our history of support goes back a long way – LifeCare actually predates the NHS, and as a charity we first offered Meals on Wheels almost a century ago. The needs we were meeting back in the 1940s – tackling isolation, nutritional concerns, and low incomes – are still very real today.
“When the pandemic hit, many of our older clients were shielding, and as a team we worked hard to relaunch the service to reach those most in need.
“Five years on, we’ve delivered more than 42,000 hot meals, and it’s become a true community lifeline. It shows what’s possible when people come together to care for one another.”
John, 77, receives free Meals on Wheels twice a week, he said: “I realised I just couldn’t do as much for myself as I could a few years ago. I’ve always been independent despite my disability, but getting older makes things harder. Everyone at LifeCare is marvellous — they always find a way to help.
“I get Meals on Wheels twice a week — kindness delivered to my door! The food is amazing, and the drivers are great company. LifeCare’s support has changed my life. I don’t feel isolated anymore, and I know they’re always there if I need them.
“To anyone thinking about using or supporting LifeCare — don’t wait. It’s the best thing you’ll ever do!”
LifeCare’s ability to deliver this life-changing service depends on the generosity of its funders and supporters.
The ScottishPower Foundation has played a vital role over the past two years, helping to bring 6,000 free, freshly prepared meals to people’s doors this year — meeting nearly half of all requests for support across the last 12-months.
Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “We know that older people in communities across the country are facing significant challenges as we head into the winter months – from nutritional needs to social isolation. The Meals on Wheels service by LifeCare is a lifeline, addressing these critical issues with compassion.
“Over the past two years, our partnership with the charity has made a real difference. They are providing delicious hot meals and also social connection with care. We’re proud to have played a role in supporting LifeCare Edinburgh’s essential services.”
Share the Warmth This Winter
As the colder months draw in, LifeCare is inviting the local community to help spread a little Christmas cheer by supporting its Meals on Wheels service.
This festive season, the charity will be delivering hundreds of traditional Christmas meals with all the trimmings, alongside its regular daily service bringing freshly prepared, hot nourishing meals to older people across the city.
With each meal service costing £7.50 to prepare and deliver, LifeCare relies on the generosity of local people and businesses to help meet growing demand throughout the winter months.
A small donation can make a big difference — ensuring that older residents continue to enjoy warm meals, friendly visits, and vital social connection all season long.
Donations can be made online at www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk by calling 0131 343 0940, or in person at LifeCare’s community hub and CaféLife on Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.
Almost a third (28 per cent) of people in Scotland still don’t seek professional advice or support when struggling to pay their energy bills, despite the support available.
Reasons for this include belief that they won’t qualify (34 per cent), stigma or embarrassment (31 per cent) or due to a lack of information (27 per cent)
In fact, 53 per cent agree they find it difficult to talk about struggling to pay their energy bills, rising from 33 per cent last year.
A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), found gas and electric costs are the most challenging for 24 per cent, followed by council tax (18 per cent) and mortgage payments (13 per cent).
It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and 20 local charities to offer 120 free drop-in events across Britain over the next 12 months.
These events give people the chance to get practical, face-to-face support on budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants, and accessing simple energy-saving measures to help keep homes warmer and bills lower.
Tracey Talbot, Interim Chief Executive Officer, at British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost of living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we’re starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with the Post Office and trusted local charities to bring support into communities across Britain – including Scotland.
These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing grants, all in a friendly and approachable setting. Our Individuals and Families Fund and Energy Support Fund are also now open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers – whether you’re on a prepayment meter or a credit account. If you need support, you can find out more and apply through the British Gas Energy Trust website.
“No one should feel alone in this – and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life.”
According to the research, for those who are willing to seek support, their first ports of call are either friends and family (38 per cent) or energy provider payment plans (29 per cent).
It also found 60 per cent believe advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would also make it much easier for them to get the support they need during difficult times.
With 50 per cent likely to go straight to their energy provider in this situation.
63 per cent believe there should be more Government and charity programmes to help people manage rising energy costs.
Christina King, Customer Vulnerability Manager at British Gas, said: “It’s encouraging to see more people speaking to their energy provider when they’re finding things tough. That first conversation can make a real difference and there are many ways we can help.
“Our British Gas advisors will be available at local pop-up events to offer practical, face-to-face guidance – and these sessions are just one of the ways we’re helping customers during the upcoming winter. We committed £140 million to help customers since 2021 with their energy bills, the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company.
“Through the British Gas Energy Trust, we’re providing access to grants, funding, and free advice services alongside additional support like matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for those in serious difficulty.”
The drop-in events are taking place in Edinburgh in partnership with Citizens Advice Edinburgh at LifeCare Edinburgh on 11th & 12th November and then at Citizens Advice Edinburgh on 18th & 19th of November.
See the full list of events here.
Are You Feeling Christmassy Yet? Why not book your space to sell your crafts and wares, or bring your wee one to visit Santa at the LifeCare Christmas Fair on Saturday 6th December, 11am–3pm! There’ll be lots of festive stalls, baking, and plenty of Christmas cheer to go around.
As one happy visitor said, “The best Santa we’ve ever been to!”
Book online here https://events.humanitix.com/santas-grotto-at-lifecare
And don’t forget — there are still a few spaces left for our renowned Christmas Lunches, featuring trifles from cult bakery Lannan. Only £18 per person, BYO, with a vegetarian option available. Dates still available: 10th, 18th & 19th December.
Book your stall, Santa visit, or lunch today! Call 0131 343 0940 or visit reception to secure your spot for stalls and lunches (use the link above to book in to see the man in the red suit). Payment is required at the time of booking.
Share the Christmas Cheer with LifeCare — there’s something for everyone!
