Uncategorized – Page 57 – The NEN

Emergency fund injects over £3m into the city’s third sector

Charities losing funding from the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) are to receive urgent support from the City of Edinburgh Council.

One-off funding of £2.037m will be provided to 46 organisations and projects across Edinburgh which are working to prevent poverty and support vulnerable residents.

An additional £1m will help six third sector advice providers to support residents to maximise their income through accessing welfare benefits, reducing everyday living costs including debt management and improving access to work.

A grant has also been provided to support the continued development of the Edinburgh Advice Network.

The decision by the Policy and Sustainability Committee this week (Monday 12 May) will allow funds to be released to prevent the closure of a number of organisations and avert the redundancies of many employees.

Decisions on how to allocate an outstanding £423,400 will be made when Councillors meet again later this month (Tuesday 27 May).

The emergency package of support is provided ahead of a long-term review of the relationship between the Edinburgh Partnership, public sector and third sector in Edinburgh, with the aim of improving funding certainty in future years.

As part of this review, the Edinburgh Partnership is asking voluntary organisations, social enterprises and charities to participate in an online consultation. Workshops will also take place in the coming weeks.

Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership, Jane Meagher, said:
“The third sector provides vital support to our local communities, and we need to provide stability to projects which have been put at risk of closure. Our funding will quickly and directly prevent many charities from redundancies and from reducing the very important services they provide.

“While I’m pleased that we’ve reached a decision to prioritise this work – and to make sure we protect more people from entering poverty – we cannot become complacent. We need longer-term change so that organisations like these, and the many residents who rely on them, are at less risk and have greater stability.

“We want to hear about how we can make helping vulnerable people simpler. Please take part in the consultation we’ve recently launched, as the Edinburgh Partnership seeks views on strengthening our city’s third sector.”

In a deputation to Policy and Sustainability Committee, Bruce Crawford, CEO of EVOC and speaking on behalf of the Third Sector Reference Group said:
“The decisions made by Councillors to support these third sector organisations shows a real understanding of the role that the third sector play in communities across Edinburgh.

“The impact that these Resilience Fund payments will make cannot be underestimated in the way that they will support some of the most vulnerable people in our city.

“These grants will provide stability to the organisations in receipt of them and allow them to continue to serve their local communities. Longer term solutions need to be developed, and we are prepared to work with the council in planning for the future, beyond the current financial year.”

Visit the Council’s website for more information about the Third Sector Support Review, the one-off Third Sector Resilience Fund and to access cost-of-living support.

Full list of organisations and projects confirmed to receive urgent funding from the Third Sector Transitional Fund:

1. ACE IT Scotland
2. Art in Healthcare
3. B Healthy Together
4. Bridgend Farmhouse
5. Calton Welfare Services
6. Care for Carers
7. Caring in Craigmillar
8. Community Renewal Trust
9. Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland
10. Drake Music Scotland
11. Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust
12. Edinburgh Community Food
13. Edinburgh Community Health Forum
14. Edinburgh Headway Group
15. Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre
16. Eric Liddell Community
17. Feniks
18. Fresh Start
19. Health All Round
20. Home-Start Edinburgh West and South West (HSEW)
21. LGBT Health and Wellbeing
22. Libertus Services
23. MECOPP
24. Murrayfield Dementia Project
25. Pilmeny Development Project
26. Pilton Equalities Project – Mental Health
27. Pilton Equalities Project – Day Care
28. Portobello Monday Centre
29. Portobello Older People’s Project
30. Positive Help
31. Queensferry Churches Care in the Community
32. Rowan Alba Limited
33. Scottish Huntington’s Association
34. Sikh Sanjog
35. South Edinburgh Amenities Group (SEAG)
36. The Broomhouse Centre (The Beacon Club)
37. Vintage Vibes Consortium
38. The Dove Centre
39. The Health Agency
40. The Living Memory Association
41. The Open Door
42. The Ripple Project
43. The Welcoming Association
44. Venture Scotland
45. VOCAL
46. Waverley Care.

Scotland’s Community Foundation fast tracks funding to help most in need

Independent funder Foundation Scotland has announced a £12 million fast-tracked ‘Response Fund’ to support organisations which serve the hardest hit communities across the country.

The accelerated funding programme comes in response to increased pressure on charities and community groups, many of whom are seeing a surge in demand for services while they themselves are facing reduced capacity and soaring overheads, such as utilities, staffing and National Insurance costs.

To provide support for organisations who need it now, and to help with longer-term capacity building, Foundation Scotland will implement funding programmes that aim to do both.

Support includes a cost-of-living adjustment to all organisations funded in the last year to help them cope with rising operational costs. This will be implemented alongside a payment to organisations who were awarded funding last autumn, but who were unable to reflect the sudden increase in employer National Insurance costs in their applications.

Funding for these two programmes will total around £650,000.

Foundation Scotland will also contribute half a million pounds to the Corra Foundation’s ongoing Boost programme, a small grants fund for local community organisations supporting children and families hardest hit by poverty.

The Boost programme provides grants of £500-£3,000 and is delivered by Corra, in partnership with STV Children’s Appeal and Comic Relief.

Carolyn Sawers, Chief Executive of Corra Foundation said: “Community-led action is critical to tackling poverty and its impacts.

“Small grants, designed to work for local groups, make a big difference. With Foundation Scotland’s contribution, Boost will be able to reach many more children and families across Scotland.”

Funding support that will help both immediately and in the longer term is also being given to all of Scotland’s Citizens Advice Bureaux, to assist with staffing and operational costs.

During the cost of living crisis, CABs have been overwhelmed with people desperate for help or support to navigate energy bills, benefits, debt, housing concerns and other urgent issues. CABs themselves are charities and many are struggling with the disproportionate balance of need to resource as well as the ever increasing strain of covering their own costs.

All 59 CABs, as well as their umbrella body Citizens Advice Scotland, will receive individual awards of £50,000 this year and £50,000 in the next financial year, totalling £6million of funding over 2 years.

Derek Mitchell, CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “Our network is seeing record levels of demand from people across all corners of Scotland.

“The advice we provide is fundamentally about bringing stability to volatility, but the people behind the network, the ones working tirelessly to help communities are facing increasing pressures.

“CABs own livelihoods are often marked with uncertainty and at the mercy of short-term funding cycles. Funding like this is a game-changer. It will allow CABs to take a breath and plan the next two years with more of a safety net around costs.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Foundation Scotland for the support, and to everyone at CAS and the network that continue to work each day to better the lives of people across Scotland.”

Lastly, Development Trust Association Scotland (DTAS) will receive funding to help support local development trusts across the country.

Development trusts are community led organisations, set up to proactively address and tackle local needs and issues through community-led activity and partnership working. Many of them are vital to community support systems and infrastructure, but are facing critical operational challenges.

Funding will help them stabilize and rebuild their capacity, to better support the communities they represent. DTAS is the member-led organisation that promotes and supports development trusts across Scotland, and they will hold and distribute the funds.

This award will total £5million, allocated over two years, and represents the biggest single award Foundation Scotland has made in its history.

Pauline Smith, Chief Executive at DTAS said: “This funding couldn’t have come at a more crucial time and is strong recognition of the incredible work Development Trusts are doing across Scotland.

“We’re operating in a challenging environment, and this £5 million investment will be directed straight to our members through a Recovery and Resilience Fund – supporting long-term strength and sustainability in communities.

“With over 400 existing and aspiring Development Trusts in our network, we see every day the vital role they play, responding to growing local needs, strengthening community-led governance, and creating places people are proud to call home.

“These trusts are the backbone of community infrastructure, and without them, much of the social, economic, cultural, and environmental activity in our communities simply wouldn’t exist.

“This support will help strengthen the infrastructure that so many people rely on. We’re hugely grateful to Foundation Scotland – this funding will make a real and lasting difference across the country.”

Giles Ruck, CEO of Foundation Scotland said: “As Scotland’s Community Foundation, we are acutely aware that people across the country are continuing to face ongoing financial hardship, struggling to keep their heads above water or pay their bills.

“We want to support communities and individuals where we can. As a first step, we are fast tracking this Response Fund to help address multiple and pressing challenges. We want to go at least some way to help those affected by financial crisis, as well as help organisations and charities to stabilise and rebuild.

“Although we are providing over £12 million in funding, we know that we are scratching at the surface. However, we are committed to using this fund as a stepping stone from which we can better support communities, listening to what people say that they need, and working with others to create a stronger, more resilient Scotland.

“Foundation Scotland would like to thank the many donors who trust us with stewardship of their funds, pooling them with our own to ensure the greatest impact on our communities.”

For more information about Foundation Scotland visit:

https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk

Mental Health Awareness Week: Call for urgent reform

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re calling on the UK government for urgent reform to protect young people’s mental health.

Today, we’re heading to parliament to raise awareness of the benefits of positive communities – both online and offline – for our mental health.

We’ll also be shining a light on the dangers of digital spaces, and what we must do make online communities safer – particularly for young people.

While there are many supportive and uplifting online communities, there are also harmful ones that promote hatred, self-harm, and dangerous misinformation.

The mental health impacts of these negative environments can be catastrophic. So it’s essential that the government takes action to make these spaces safer, while we also learn about how we can embrace the good, and avoid the bad.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/4da0Ggs

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

#ThisIsMyCommunity

“This is a historic step towards greater choice and protection for dying Scots”

Scotland’s Assisted Dying Bill clears first hurdle in Holyrood vote

The Scottish parliament has voted in favour of Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill. MSPs backed the Bill in a Holyrood vote last night. A majority of MSPs (70) supported the Bill, with 56 voting against.

This marks a significant shift in support since 2015, the last time a Bill on assisted dying came before the Parliament, and reflects the overwhelming public support for the introduction of the choice.

In-depth polling has shown that more than three-quarters of the Scottish public believe that the law should change, with majority support in every constituency in the country.

The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill would make the choice of assisted dying legal for terminally ill, mentally competent adults, alongside excellent end-of-life care.

Last night’s vote brings safe and compassionate choice at the end of life closer than ever before for dying Scots, say jubilant campaigners.

Welcoming the result, Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland , said: “This is a watershed moment for compassion. MSPs have today taken a historic step towards greater choice and protection for dying people. The Scottish Parliament has listened to dying people and is reflecting their views.

“Many will be feeling overwhelming relief and gratitude that today our country has moved towards a safer and more compassionate law. So many people have stood up and spoken out about the harrowing suffering their loved ones endured as they died. While this is too late for them, it is now an enduring part of their legacy and testament to their courage in calling for change.

“Liam Mc Arthur MSP has been an incredible advocate for dignity and choice at the end of life. He has led this debate with respect, compassion and integrity, and will do so as the Bill progresses through the following stages.

“Significant though this moment is, in the months ahead we will join him in working with MSP colleagues on the amending stages to ensure that a new law is as robust as it can possibly be.

“Today, MSPs have voted for choice, safety and compassion. They have expressed the will of the majority of Scottish people and have made history. Now we must make the choice of assisted dying a reality.”

Parents of teens reminded to extend Child Benefit claim online

Parents of 16 to 19 year olds can go online to extend their Child Benefit claim to guarantee payments in September

Parents of 16 to 19 year olds reminded to extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August to continue payments
Last year, 870,000 parents extended their Child Benefit with the majority confirming online
Parents extending via the HMRC app or the digital service guarantee their payments quickly and easily

Parents of 16 to 19 year olds will receive reminders from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August if their child is staying in education or training or payments will automatically stop.

Child Benefit will automatically stop on 31 August on or after a child’s 16th birthday if it’s not extended.

Between May and July, letters will be sent to parents reminding them to go online to confirm if their teenager is staying in full time education or approved training after they finish their GCSEs to continue receiving their Child Benefit.

Parents can extend their claim quickly and easily via the HMRC app or online on GOV.UK. The letters also contain a handy QR code which takes parents straight to the digital service on GOV.UK.

Child Benefit is currently worth £26.05 per week – or £1,354.60 a year – for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week – or £897 a year – for each additional child. More than 870,000 parents extended their Child Benefit claim for their teen last year with the majority confirming online or via the HMRC app in minutes.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Child Benefit is an important boost to families. As soon as you know what your teenager is planning to do, extend your claim in minutes to guarantee your payments continue in September.

“Simply go to GOV.UK or the HMRC app to confirm today.”

Child Benefit can continue to be paid for young people who are studying full time in non-advanced education as well as unpaid approved training courses. Visit GOV.UK to check full eligibility.

If either the claimant or their partner has an individual income of between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner will be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. For families who fall into this category, the online Child Benefit tax calculator provides an estimate of how much benefit they will receive, and what the charge may be.

From this summer, as part of the government’s Plan for Change, families will have the option to use a new digital service to pay the charge directly through their PAYE tax code instead of filing a Self Assessment tax return.

The new service will cut red tape for eligible employed parents who are liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge but those who choose to pay the charge through their Self Assessment can continue to do so.

Families who have previously opted out of Child Benefit payments can opt back in and restart their payments quickly and easily online or via the HMRC app.

Teenagers turning 16 can take control of their Child Trust Fund savings account, which could be worth thousands of pounds, and can withdraw the money once they turn 18. Child Trust Funds were set up for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011.

If teenagers or their parents and guardians know who their Child Trust Fund provider is, they can contact them directly.

If they don’t know where their account is, they can use the free online tool on GOV.UK to find out who their Child Trust Fund provider is.

More information on Child Benefit for 16 to 19 year olds.

Tomorrow: Walk through the woods at Cammo Estate

Monday 12th May: Walk 10am–1pm

We’re heading to Cammo Estate for a peaceful walk through woods and open parkland.

We’ll meet at the DNC at 10am and take the bus number 47 to the entrance, or you can meet us there at the Cammo gates on the main road pedestrian entrance for 10:45am (What3words composers.salads.serves)

We’ll stop for a picnic – please bring a rucksack and water bottle.

Easy level walk

All welcome – come enjoy the fresh air and good company!

First Minister’s cost of living guarantee

The Scottish Government’s cost of living guarantee will help to deliver vital support for the people of Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said.

The Programme for Government 2025-26 commits to a range of measures which will help households in a challenging economic climate.

The cost of living guarantee includes:

Lower income tax than in England for the majority of workers
Continuation of free prescriptions and free eye appointments
Free bus travel for 2.3 million people
Scottish undergraduate students will continue to pay no tuition fees
Funded childcare hours, which would otherwise cost families more than £6,000 a year per eligible child.
Free school meals, which save the average family who take up the offer £400 per child per year, will be expanded, and more breakfast clubs introduced.
Winter fuel payments restored for Scottish pensioners in 2025-26

The Programme for Government also committed to scrapping peak rail fares for good from September.

The First Minister said: “This Scottish Government will always do what it can to deliver the best deal for the people of Scotland.

“Our cost of living guarantee is delivering real savings for hard-pressed households across the country and it goes further than any package offered in the rest of the UK.

“These policies are already saving people money year on year, in the form of free prescriptions, free bus travel and more. This year we will go even further, funding the restoration of winter fuel payments for every pensioner in Scotland after they were abandoned by the UK Government.

“And from September, we will be scrapping peak rail fares for good – delivering a better deal for commuters.

“I know that too many people are still struggling during the cost of living crisis and that is why my government is taking action to keep more money in people’s pockets during tough times.”

FM’s message of support to Scotland’s Indian and Pakistani communities

First Minister writes to cross-party groups

First Minister John Swinney has written to the Conveners of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party groups on India and Pakistan to express his support in light of the recent tensions between the two countries, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

In his letter, the First Minister said: “For many in the community, this may be a worrying time, and my thoughts are with those who have family and friends in the region. Scotland’s Indian and Pakistani communities enrich Scotland socially, culturally, and economically.

“I have called upon leaders in the region to choose dialogue, diplomacy, and shared humanity ahead of force and bloodshed. There can be no winners from further military escalation. Protecting civilians is urgent and paramount.

“My officials are in contact with various stakeholders in the communities, as well as with Police Scotland, Universities Scotland, and diplomatic missions. I would urge you to support that dialogue and bring to us any concerns you hear from Scotland’s Indian and Pakistani communities.”

India and Pakistan: letter from First Minister – gov.scot

Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons

National initiative encouraging adults to learn and lead by example

EVERY SUMMER, families across Scotland flock to pools, lochs, and beaches – yet a familiar pattern emerges. Children splash and dive while many parents, grandparents or other older family members watch from the side-lines, smiling but staying dry.

For a surprising number, that isn’t a lifestyle choice – it’s the result of never learning to swim. Now adults across Scotland are being encouraged to take the plunge, thanks to a campaign confronting deep-seated fears and outdated assumptions.

The #NeverTooLate campaign, run by the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework – Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – is encouraging more adults to lead by example and learn to swim, not simply watch from afar.

Backed by the National Learn to Swim Framework, the campaign highlights how building water confidence among adults is not only a step towards personal growth but can also dramatically enhance water safety for the entire family.

Delivered through a network of 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers, the framework supports lessons in 165 pools nationwide. While the programme has already helped more than 100,000 learners gain confidence in the water, the adult-focused campaign marks a bold expansion.

The Learn to Swim programme is committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level.

John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: “We hear it constantly – parents telling us they wish they could join their kids in the pool, but they feel held back.

“Many never had the chance to learn when they were young. Now they’re held back by fear, embarrassment or the belief that it’s too late to start.

“We’re challenging that idea head-on. It’s never too late to learn to swim – and there’s never been a better reason to do so. From building lasting memories with your family members or friends to feeling safer on holiday, swimming is a skill that enriches lives.”

Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “Learning to swim is such an important safety skill no matter what your age or ability – everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland’s miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines, and do so safely. 

“Encouraging anyone in later life to learn to swim is just as important as encouraging younger generations – ensuring people of all ages and abilities have access to learn such an essential life skill and how to be confident and competent in or around water is hugely important from a safety perspective, plus they will also get to experience the wider social, health and fitness benefits that swimming can offer.”

That message is resonating. Each week, more than 1,600 adults across Scotland take part in Learn to Swim sessions, a figure the campaign is hoping to grow.

Many are parents or grandparents motivated by their children’s safety and a desire to participate more fully in shared experiences, whether on holiday, during school swim lessons or simply enjoying a day at the beach.

The #NeverTooLate campaign also touches on deeper issues of health, inclusion and access. Water-based activity is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive forms of exercise, ideal for building strength and confidence at any age.

For many learners, these sessions represent much more than mastering a stroke, they’re about reclaiming confidence, overcoming past fears, and modelling resilience for younger generations.

While Learn to Swim is primarily recognised for helping children reach key aquatic milestones, the adult arm of the programme is quickly gaining traction, thanks in part to wider conversations around health equity and active lifestyles.

Figures show that 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim – something the campaign is determined to change.

With hundreds already benefiting and momentum building, Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water are hoping their message makes a splash: it’s not just about learning to swim – it’s about reconnecting with the water, with confidence, and with family.

The Eric Liddell Community drives effort to build a more dementia-friendly Edinburgh

This Dementia Awareness Week, the Edinburgh-based care charity will host an expert-led evening event and a business breakfast to inspire local residents and businesses to become more dementia-friendly.

As part of Dementia Awareness Week this May, The Eric Liddell Community is taking a proactive step in supporting individuals living with dementia and their carers.

The charity will host two engaging events: a dementia-focused evening on Thursday, 22nd May (6.30pm–8.30pm) and a business breakfast on Wednesday, 4th June (8am–9am). Both events will be held at The Eric Liddell Community in Edinburgh.

The Thursday evening event will welcome guest speaker Jan Beattie, one of Scotland’s foremost voices in dementia care and policy.

A trained social worker with over 30 years of experience in regeneration, community development, and workforce transformation, Jan most recently served as Professional Advisor in Dementia to the Scottish Government.

In this role, she helped shape and deliver Everyone’s Story, Scotland’s national dementia strategy and its first two-year delivery plan.

Jan brings a wealth of knowledge and deep empathy to the subject. She commented: “It’s a genuine privilege to support The Eric Liddell Community during Dementia Awareness Week. Their person-centred, compassionate approach represents the very best of dementia care.

“Everything they do is grounded in strong values, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Edinburgh. That’s what makes their work so impactful, and why I’m proud to stand alongside them in their mission to make our city more inclusive and supportive for those living with dementia.”

On Wednesday, 4th June, the charity will host a Dementia Friendly Community Business Breakfast from 8am–9am.

Local businesses are invited to join for tea, coffee, and pastries while learning practical tips on becoming more dementia-informed. The event will also include a chance to hear about the support services offered by the charity and to connect with like-minded professionals committed to inclusivity.

John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, commented: “Creating a dementia-friendly Edinburgh doesn’t just start in hospitals and care homes – it begins in cafés, shops, offices, and neighbourhoods.

“At The Eric Liddell Community, we believe that by raising awareness and equipping people with the right tools, we can transform everyday environments into inclusive, supportive spaces.

“These events are a chance for all of us – whether you’re a business owner, neighbour, friend, or family member – to play a part in making Edinburgh a more understanding and compassionate place for those living with dementia.”

Caroline Heenan, Day Care Manager at The Eric Liddell Community, added: “Every day we see the difference a welcoming environment can make. Whether it’s a familiar face, a friendly voice, or a safe and engaging space, these small things are vital.

“Events like this help us share what we’ve learned and bring more people into our mission of making Edinburgh more Dementia-Friendly.”

The month of May will also see the launch of The Eric Liddell community’s Spring Appeal, which this year will focus on the vital work undertaken by unpaid carers, and will highlight the positive impact The Eric Liddell Community’s Befriending Project has had on the health and wellbeing of those people caring for individuals living with dementia.

For further information, please go to: Get Involved – The Eric Liddell Community.