Screwfix Foundation and VIY to begin renovations at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

  • The Screwfix Foundation supports renovation at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, with works taking place from Monday, 24th August until the 4th September.
  • The project is being delivered in partnership with Volunteer It Yourself (VIY), providing young people with hands-on construction experience and trade skills.
  • Local Screwfix volunteers will join VIY volunteers to support local community transformation

A Community hub supporting local residents in North Edinburgh is set to benefit from a major courtyard refurbishment, with works planned from 24th August and 4th September.

The renovation project will also give young people who are facing barriers to employment, the chance to gain hands-on construction experience and entry-level trade skills through a partnership between The Screwfix Foundation and Volunteer It Yourself (VIY).

Located in the heart of North Edinburgh, Royston Wardieburn Community Centre acts as a hub for the local community, providing facilities to people of all ages and abilities, including a sports hall, sensory room and outdoor area.

Funded by The Screwfix Foundation, the community centre courtyard will be fitted with new outdoor flooring, and the area will be opened to incorporate their café/kitchen space, allowing all community groups to safely access the outdoor area. Local Screwfix colleagues will also be volunteering on-site, helping to transform the community space alongside young people participating through VIY.

This project forms part of a wider partnership between The Screwfix Foundation and VIY. Across the first seven completed projects funded, 129 young people have taken part.

Following this participation, half of the young volunteers have said they would consider a career in construction and 98 went on to achieve at least one City & Guilds Entry Level 3 accreditation across areas including carpentry, painting and decorating, conduct at work and health and safety. 93% of young people involved felt more confident about getting a job in the future.

Claire Flory, Screwfix Foundation Manager, said, “Royston Wardieburn Community Centre is an important hub for the local community, and we’re proud to support its renovation through our partnership with VIY.

As well as creating a safer and more accessible outdoor space, the project will give young people the opportunity to develop practical skills, build confidence and gain valuable experience that could inspire a future career in the construction industry.”

Hannah Denny, Communications & Partnerships Director, VIY, said, “We’re really excited to be bringing VIY to Scotland for the first time through this project at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

“It’s a great milestone for us as we continue to expand our reach and impact across the UK, made possible through the collective support of partners including The Screwfix Foundation and  George & Annette Bell Foundation.

“We’re looking forward to giving local young people the chance to gain practical skills, experience and qualifications while making a real difference to their community.” 

VIY is a not-for-profit community interest company that combines impact in three areas: youth, community and volunteering. Challenging young people to learn skills in construction trades, they support youth in boosting their employability whilst also helping to transform local community spaces.

Health: First Minister launches heart and lung MOTs

Checks to enable earlier treatment and improve life chances

People in Scotland will be empowered to make better, more informed choices about their health with access to heart and lung MOT-style checks, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

Fulfilling one of the commitments made for the Scottish Government’s first 100 days, the Healthy Heart and Lung Checks are part of wider action to identify those most at risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease, helping to prevent illness and support earlier intervention where needed.

Delivered by Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and supported by local NHS services, the scheme will see people take part in a range of health tests, including blood pressure and BMI measurements, heart rate, cholesterol and pulse checks and a lifestyle assessment.

People will receive advice and support based on their individual needs, allowing them to take control of their heart and lung health in a way that is relevant, achievable, and sustainable.

Initially available to people in Tayside, Glasgow and Grampian, the Scottish Government and CHSS will work together over five years to develop and extend the model. The programme will prioritise people and communities that are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes and less likely to access traditional health services, helping to reduce health inequalities and improve early diagnosis.

The First Minister will visit the CHSS Health Defence Hub in Dundee to mark the beginning of the strategic partnership today (Thursday 20 August).

He said: “We know illnesses related to heart and lung issues affect too many families in Scotland. As our population ages and our healthcare system faces growing pressure, proactive measures to keep people healthier are more important than ever.

“These Healthy Heart and Lung Checks will not only help identify people at risk of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions at an earlier stage but will also empower people to make better, more informed decisions about their health in a way which works for them.

“They will also help reach people who might not otherwise come forward, particularly in more disadvantaged communities where the burden of ill health is greatest.

“Alongside existing interventions, our new GP walk-in clinics, and additional investment in planned care, my government is delivering a strengthened NHS by reducing pressure on acute services and enabling people to get the care they need, when and where they need it.”

CHSS Chief Executive Jane-Claire Judson said: “Around one in five people in Scotland are living with a chest, heart or stroke condition, and we know that too many opportunities to prevent serious illness are missed because risks are identified too late.

“Our CHSS Health Defence Hubs are designed to take prevention directly into communities, helping people understand their health, identify risks earlier and access the support they need before life-changing conditions develop or worsen.

“We know that people experiencing the greatest barriers to good health are often the least likely to access traditional services. That is why this five-year partnership, with indicative funding of £3 million investment, will focus on reaching communities that experience poorer health outcomes, helping to tackle health inequalities that continue to affect too many people across Scotland.

“By working in partnership with the Scottish Government, the NHS and local communities over the next five years, we have an opportunity to prevent avoidable illness, improve health and give more people a fairer chance of living longer, healthier lives. Together, we can help create the conditions for a healthier Scotland, now and for the future.”

Further information on Healthy Heart and Lung Checks can be found on Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland’s website.

Helpline referrals for children experiencing domestic abuse in Scotland increased last year

  • Last year, the NSPCC Helpline made 276 referrals to agencies in Scotland where the main concern was domestic abuse – 73% higher than when the charity began recording this data.
  • The NSPCC is appealing to the public to reach out to its Helpline if they have any concern, no matter how small, about a child experiencing domestic abuse.

Referrals about a child experiencing domestic abuse made by the NSPCC Helpline to agencies in Scotland increased by more than a quarter last year.

Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, the charity’s Helpline made 276 referrals to local agencies in Scotland, including the police and children’s social work, where the main concern was domestic abuse. This is an increase of 27% from the previous year when there were 217 referrals, and 73% from 2021/22 when the NSPCC began recording this data*.  

The NSPCC Helpline has specially trained advisors who can speak to the public if they are worried about a child who may be experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse – whether that is physical violence or coercive and controlling behaviour.

The charity makes a referral when concerns about a child reported to the Helpline are considered to be serious enough to warrant further investigation or if it is felt a family needs support.

An adult in Scotland who contacted the NSPCC Helpline said:

“I’m worried about my little brother and my mother. I believe my mother’s boyfriend is subjecting her to ongoing domestic abuse. He restricts access to her car and regularly monitors her phone to see who’s she’s been speaking to. I’ve witnessed him being verbally aggressive, shouting, swearing, and throwing objects around the flat.

“He has also threatened to report mum to children’s services, even though he’s the one who should be reported. Mum is too frightened to ask for help which is why I’m reaching out on her behalf.”

Domestic abuse can include coercive control, and emotional, verbal, physical and financial abuse. Although the majority of domestic abuse victims are women, men can also be affected, and   it is vital support is made available to each person according to their needs.

It can have a lasting, harmful effect on a child’s wellbeing, with the repercussions extending well into the future.

Signs that a child has experienced domestic abuse can include aggression, anti-social behaviour, bed wetting, attention seeking, tantrums, withdrawal and problems in school.

Margaret ** who suffered years of abuse by her ex-husband spoke about the impact this had on her children and is urging victims ask for help:

She said: “I had always known Tony* was controlling, but after our wedding he became emotionally and psychologically abusive, threatening me and belittling me all the time. Then he started being physically abusive.

“We had two children and he became abusive towards them too, shouting and beating them with belts and shoes when I wasn’t there. I could see that they were really affected. They were subdued, sullen and didn’t really behave like children at all.

“One day, I finally snapped and called the police. They helped get us to a safe house.

“I was really worried about whether my children would be able to get over the abuse they had witnessed and endured. They took part in the NSPCC’s domestic abuse programme, and the light has come back into their eyes. They changed from quiet and subdued children to boisterous and playful – like they’ve released whatever they’d been holding on to.

“If there are any parents reading this and going through something like us, or you know someone who is, help is out there. I know my children will be OK, but without help, they may not have been.”

Paddi Vint, NSPCC Helpline Service Head, says: “It’s worrying that referrals made by the NSPCC Helpline to agencies in Scotland increased by more than a quarter last year.

“Domestic abuse is often hidden, with stigma and shame making it harder to ask for help. Children and young people might also feel frightened and confused, keeping the abuse to themselves.

“If you’re worried about a child, you can speak to our free NSPCC Helpline in complete confidence. Reaching out can be the first step to help families begin to move forward.”

Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC Helpline free on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. If an adult or child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Second registration window now open for tax advisers

  • Phase two of the new online registration requirement for tax advisers rolls out.
  • Advisers with Self Assessment or Corporation Tax accounts, but without an agent services account (ASA), now need to register.
  • Advisers who solely provide professional payroll services do not need to register before 18 November. Financial Services organisations do not need to register before 31 December 2026.
  • Mandatory tax adviser registration requirements will protect customers and raise standards in tax advice.

Registration is now open for tax advisers in the second phase of the new Modernising and Mandating Tax Adviser Registration (MMTAR) rollout. 

This applies to any advisers with Self Assessment or Corporation Tax accounts, but without an agent services account (ASA). They have until 18 November 2026 to register.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging advisers in the second registration window to check if they need to register and submit their application as soon as possible. 

More than 4,000 applications were submitted and over 2,000 accounts created during the first registration window, which targeted the smallest agent audience group.

These mandatory changes are designed to raise standards in the tax advice market, protect taxpayers, and support those who play by the rules.

MMTAR is a single, streamlined digital registration system that replaces a range of previous processes, making it easier for tax advisers to interact with HMRC.

Registration is free and online. Step-by-step guidance and an interactive checker tool are available on GOV.UK to help advisers understand if they need to register and what they need to do. Eligible tax advisers must meet HMRC’s registration conditions to apply for an ASA. 

Robert Jones, HMRC’s Director of Intermediaries, said: 

“Together, these measures will reinforce trust and transparency across the tax advice market, supporting high standards and helping taxpayers access advice with greater confidence. 

“Now that the second registration phase is open, advisers in the next group should check the guidance on GOV.UK and make sure they register by 18 November 2026.”

Registering on time will help advisers to continue supporting their clients without disruption and maintain the trust that individuals and businesses place in professional tax services.

Advisers who missed the first registration window or who are new entrants to the tax advice market should register as soon as possible. Advisers who submit an application and receive a registration number can still continue to engage with HMRC while their registration is being processed. Access to HMRC’s online services will not be affected in the short term.

HMRC may limit an adviser’s ability to act on behalf of clients if they fail to register when required. Advisers who continue to operate without completing the registration requirement could also face enforcement action, including financial penalties.

Jellyfish sting led to breast cancer diagnosis—and inspired 58km charity sea swim for NHS Lothian breast Cancer Institute Fund

An Edinburgh woman whose breast cancer was discovered after a jellyfish sting has completed a gruelling 58km (36 miles)  non-stop sea swim around Jersey to raise money for the NHS team that treated her.

Nicky Mather signed up for this 58km non-stop, non-wetsuited sea swim around Jersey challenge in 2021.

On a training swim in 2022 Nicky swam over a lion’s mane jelly fish at her local Portobello beach in Edinburgh and was stung all over the chest.

In the process of inspecting the sting she discovered a lump that was not the work of a jelly fish. Three weeks later she  had been diagnosed with breast cancer, booked in for surgery and started on hormone therapy. After two rounds of surgery, 16 weeks of chemotherapy, intensive radiotherapy and further preventative treatment and medication she has gradually re-built her life.

It was important to Nicky to return to things that were not possible during treatment – including this swimming challenge. It has taken two years to carefully build back her  swim fitness and cold-water acclimatisation to be ready whilst also balancing her recovery needs. 

The swim

This swim requires a large helping hand from the formidable Jersey tides and currents and very little wind.

Nicky had been allocated a 5-day slot in which she could complete the swim, so really needed some luck for the right conditions to align! It didn’t look like she would get the low-wind forecast needed at all.

On Thursday morning just as she had resigned herself to not swimming and was preparing to go to work, she received a message from the pilot saying ‘Come to Jersey now – we’re swimming Saturday, meet at the boat 7.30am‘!  So then a scramble to get herself and crew from Edinburgh to Jersey, supplies organised and to prepare herself mentally for swimming again. 

 When Nicky finally stepped off the boat and swam to the wall at Elizabeth Castle signalling the swim start, she felt so grateful to be able to do the swim at last.  

The first two hours of the swim involved  navigating around jaggy rocks so Nicky had to be separated from the main support boat and escorted by a very small boat until they reached deeper waters. She was very glad to be reunited with her support boat and ready for her first feed!  

During the swim it is forbidden to be helped in any way: use of buoyancy or thermal aids and sports watches are banned, no one can touch the swimmer and the swimmer cannot touch the boat.

Fuelling has to happen whilst treading water. Nicky’s husband fed her liquid carbohydrate drink from the boat every 45 mins via a rope and bottle. Nicky also likes peaches in syrup as a treat to soothe the mouth and throat from ingesting too much salt water! It’s important to feed fast and keep swimming to avoid losing the tidal advantage so each pit-stop was no more than 15 seconds. 

During the first 6 hours of the swim conditions were smooth and Nicky enjoyed swimming past the different places where she had trained for this swim over the past few years. 

Jersey is a bit like a rectangle and every time she turned a “corner” she noticed the water became suddenly confused and could feel the currents pulling her in different ways.  The second half of the swim the wind picked up and it became much more ‘wavey and choppy’. It was hard to see much other than the very large barrel jellyfish wizzing past underneath Nicky on the currents. 

Nicky did however notice the large ferry gliding past at one point and a speeding RIB that came a bit too close to the boat for the pilot’s liking!!!  Nicky was very grateful to have a very experienced, alert pilot and crew to keep her safe in very busy waters.

The final 45 mins were really tough, swimming very tired into a headwind.  Nicky was very relieved and delighted to touch the walls of Elizabeth Castle again 11 hours 41 mins after starting! 

Nicky says: “Overall it was a beautiful and special swim. Touching the finishing wall was not just about completing the swim – it was about celebrating what is possible and making the most of each day.

“This swim is dedicated to the amazing NHS staff at the Western General Hospital and my local Colinton GP surgery. Their swift interventions, expertise and support are the reason I am here and was able to finally complete this swim.”

Nicky is hoping to raise £4000 for the Breast Cancer Institute of Edinburgh at the Western General Hospital Fund S03181.

This Fund is held within and managed by NHS Lothian Charity and is locally administered by stewards with strong links to the Edinburgh Breast Unit.

Every pound raised will support breast cancer research, specialist equipment, education  and enhancements to the patient experience:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/nicola-mather-4?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Big Hearts: Centre Circle Whole Family Hub at Tynecastle backed by the Scottish Government

Big Hearts is leading a national partnership with four other well-established football charities in Scotland to tackle child poverty, through a £850,000 Whole Family partnership funding.

This partnership will establish five Centre Circle Whole Family Hubs across Edinburgh, Falkirk, Aberdeen, Inverclyde and East Ayrshire to support families experiencing financial hardship.

Centre Circle is an innovative model designed to help families access inclusive and preventative support at their local football ground: a place they already know and trust.

The partnership aims to support 500 families in its first year, through relationship-based, whole-family support that helps struggling households improve financial stability, wellbeing and resilience.

Big Hearts Community Trust, the charity of Heart of Midlothian FC, will lead on the Centre Circle partnership with four strategic delivery partners: Falkirk Football Community Foundation, Aberdeen FC Community Trust, Morton in the Community and The Killie Community.

Football sits at the heart of communities across Scotland, creating a welcoming and relaxed environment where people can connect and access support without judgement. Centre Circle will open a new chapter by combining local knowledge with a shared delivery framework and common outcomes across five regions.

Centre Circle is funded by the Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund. As part of its latest Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, the Scottish Government announced that our leading partner Big Hearts was one of 10 organisations selected through the £20 million Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund.

Craig Wilson, CEO of Big Hearts said: “Centre Circle is a new approach to deliver whole family support across local communities in Scotland through the driving force of the beautiful game.

“The £850,000 funding announced by the Scottish Government, with only 10 organisations supported for 2026/27, is a testament to the incredible work that has been delivered so far by Big Hearts and our key partners: Falkirk Football Community Foundation, Aberdeen FC Community Trust, Morton in the Community and The Killie Community.

“Football charities play a vital role in engaging with isolated and hard to reach families. Together, we believe Centre Circle can create transformative change with more resilient, connected and supported families.”

Sign up for Adult Education Courses in North Edinburgh

Please find information below and attached about free courses this term for adults in North Edinburgh:

FIRST STEPS

Following on from the success of last term the First Steps course will now be on a Tuesday morning. Highlights last term included: visits to Edinburgh College, Lauriston Farm; Fresh Start; Granton Community Gardeners; and information sessions at the community centre on:

  • the redevelopment of West Pilton Park from ELGT;
  • the National Museum’s collection;
  • and volunteering. 

Sessions start on Tuesday 8th September, but folk can join throughout the term.

We’ll meet at Royson Wardieburn Community Centre, as well as having sessions out and about. Please see the poster for more information and how to book a space.

ADULT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (AAA)

Five local people completed their AAA at a variety of levels last term. We’re going to stick with a time and venue that worked so it will be Thursday mornings again at Muirhouse Library.

Any adult who would like to gain a qualification by reflecting on current or recent learning or volunteering is eligible (SCQF levels 2-6 available). The course starts Thursday 17th September. Please see the poster for more information and how to book a space.

SOCIAL HISTORY

We have limited places available in the Social History group at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, starting back on Thursday 24th September.

Social History is how your life was growing up. What were the formative things that shaped your life? What was the world of work like in the past? How have we got where we are today?

The group will build on their recent work and publication OUR HEALTH, OUR NHS. The group meets on Thursday mornings – prior booking is essential.

SCOTTISH HISTORY

We have limited places available in this group at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, starting back on Tuesday 13th October. 

An introduction to some of the key events in Scottish History. Visits to the Museum of Scotland to see Scottish History for ourselves. Scottish history is your past seen in the light of today. See you, See me. We are the future of Scottish History. The group meets on Tuesday mornings – prior booking is essential.

If anyone wants to book a space or wants more information, please do get in touch.

Best wishes

Tim Randall

Development Officer (CLD – Adult & Family Learning)

Wider Achievement & Lifelong Learning I Education I Children, Education & Justice Services

Edinburgh’s hospitality stars get ready to rock at Scottish Bar & Pub Awards!

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Edinburgh’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hospitality heroes are celebrating after a host of the capital’s best businesses and individuals were named finalists in the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2026.

Now in its 31st year, the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards are Scotland’s longest running celebration of pubs, bars, restaurants and the people who make them great. The awards have become one of the biggest nights on the licensed trade calendar, recognising the businesses, teams and individuals who go above and beyond across Scotland.

This year, the awards are taking a walk on the wild side, with a spectacular Glam Rock theme set to bring some serious rock ‘n’ roll glamour to the celebrations on Tuesday 1 September.

Edinburgh is strongly represented among this year’s finalists, with local pubs, bars, restaurants, hospitality teams and individuals making their mark across a wide range of categories.

Among the capital’s finalists are The Bowlers Rest, Black Ivy, Bittersweet Leith, Barry Fish, The Dome, Boston Bar New Town, Boston Bar Old Town, Nectar, Seamus’s Pub, Bonnie & Wild, Teuchters Landing, The Pear Tree and The Tynecastle Arms, alongside a host of talented Edinburgh hospitality professionals.

The city’s individual talent is also making its mark, with Cullen Hutchison of The Mother Superior and Chris Sloan of The Black Bull shortlisted for the Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award, while Daniel Cutting of Brewhemia and Mirin McLintock of Why Not are both in contention for HOSPO Manager of the Year.

Edinburgh’s cocktail and restaurant scene is also well represented, with Bittersweet Leith competing for the Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder Cocktail Bar of the Year title, while Barry Fish and The Dome are finalists for Lightspeed Restaurant of the Year.

There is plenty of recognition for the capital’s pub scene too, with Edinburgh venues competing across categories including Community Pub of the Year, DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year, Jameson Best Irish Bar, Kopparberg Best Outdoor Area, New Bar of the Year and Sunday Mail Pub of the Year.

Publisher, Susan Young, said: “It is fantastic to see such a strong showing from Edinburgh’s hospitality businesses and individuals this year.

“What I love about these nominations is the sheer variety. We have brilliant bar teams, cocktail destinations, late night venues, community pubs, restaurants, emerging talent and established Edinburgh favourites. It really demonstrates just how diverse and vibrant the city’s hospitality scene is.

“The people working in hospitality are the real stars of these awards, and it is wonderful to see so many from Edinburgh getting the recognition they deserve.”

More than 600 of Scotland’s hospitality stars will gather on 1 September for the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards, with the industry embracing this year’s Glam Rock theme and finding out who will take home Scotland’s highest hospitality honours.

Here’s the full roll call of Edinburgh contenders vying for glory:

Community Pub of the Year

The Bowlers Rest

Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award

Cullen Hutchison – The Mother Superior
Chris Sloan – The Black Bull

DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year

Black Ivy

Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder Cocktail Bar of the Year

Bittersweet Leith

HOSPO Manager of the Year

Daniel Cutting – Brewhemia

Mirin McLintock – Why Not

Jamesons Best Irish Bar 2026

Boston Bar New Town

Seamus’s Pub

Jump Ship Brewing Best Lo and No Destination

Bonnie & Wild
Teuchters Landing

Kopparberg Best Outdoor Area

Black Ivy

The Pear Tree

Lightspeed Restaurant of the Year

Barry Fish
The Dome

New Bar of the Year

Boston Bar Old Town

Nectar

Schweppes Mixologist of the Year

Cairo McKeown-  Badger & Co

Michael Maclean – The Dome

Sunday Mail Pub of the Year

The Tynecastle Arms

Follow us online:

https://www.facebook.com/scottish.bar.pub.awards/ https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/

Thomas the Tank Engine x Save the Children 

Mattel launches nationwide prize draw for nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools that sign up to Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day

  • Thomas the Tank Engine becomes first-ever locomotive to choo-choose to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day
  • Mattel’s Thomas & Friends launches nationwide prize draw for nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools that sign up to Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day

This year, Mattel’s Thomas & Friends have come on-board to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day campaign.

Thomas the Tank Engine will be appointed as Save the Children’s Chief Delivery Officer for Christmas Jumper Day and will be the first-ever locomotive to choo-choose to support the annual festive fundraiser and help keep it on track.

Together, Thomas and Save the Children will help deliver festive joy to children in the UK and around the world who need it most.

Save the Children’s annual Christmas Jumper Day is taking place on Thursday 10th December 2026 and to help encourage more children than ever to sign up and take part, Mattel is launching a nationwide prize draw for nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools.

Schools and nurseries that register by Tuesday 1st December at: ChristmasJumperDay.org will be in with the chance of winning:

  • Nursery – A Day Out With Thomas adventure, where one nursery class of up to 30 children, plus up to 4 teachers/chaperones can enjoy a ride on a full-sized Thomas engine and child-friendly activities. Subject to availability. 
  • Primary – An unforgettable full-day visit for one winning primary school class to Drayton Manor Resort, home of Thomas Land, with access to over 50 rides and attractions throughout the park. Includes admission to Thomas Land, reasonable return group/coach travel, lunch for all attendees and parking where applicable. 
  • Secondary – One exclusive interactive STEM-focused workshop with a Mattel designer at your school, where students can discover the creative process behind some of their favourite toys and bring ideas to life. 

It’s simple: 

  1. Sign up for your free fundraising pack at ChristmasJumperDay.org 
  2. Get your jumper out. You don’t have to buy a new one, upcycle an old jumper with tinsel and baubles.  
  3. Donate to Save the Children. By having fun and raising money, you’re supporting children in the UK and around the world. 

When you sign up to Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, you’ll receive a free fundraising pack with lesson plans, festive activities and all the information you need to plan the merriest day ever.  

Kristina Arora, Head of Christmas Jumper Day, from Save the Children said: “With Thomas the Tank Engine coming on-board for the 2026 campaign we hope that more children than ever will sign up and take part.

“By launching an exclusive prize draw for anyone who signs up to Christmas Jumper Day this year, our incredible partner Mattel is helping us to bring communities together for the festive season. The more money we raise this Christmas, the more impact we can have on the lives of children who need it most.

“For generations, Thomas & Friends has inspired children through stories of friendship, teamwork and helping others, so we’re incredibly proud to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day this year,” said Nancy Molenda, Vice President of Global Corporate Events and Philanthropy at Mattel.

“As Thomas takes on his new role as Chief Delivery Officer, we’re excited to help bring even more schools, nurseries and families together for a day of festive fun that can make a real difference to children who need it most, helping keep this year’s campaign on track.”

Sign up now at  at ChristmasJumperDay.org 

Reading Round at Granton Library

We’re delighted to announce that award-winning writer Bashabi Fraser will be joining us for a very special ‘Reading Round’ event in September.

This is a ‘no homework’ event, perfect for anyone who enjoys discussing and discovering great literature.

Book your spot at this amazing FREE event below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/read-round-with-local…