The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 24 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Edinbuurgh Leisure: Seriously Social

From life-changing recoveries to community impact: Edinburgh Leisure showcases its role through Seriously Social campaign:

As part of the UK-wide #SeriouslySocial campaign this June, Edinburgh Leisure is showcasing how it puts people above profit every day, sharing real stories that show how community leisure transforms lives across Edinburgh.

Led by Community Leisure UK, the campaign runs from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 June and highlights the vital role charitable leisure trusts play in supporting healthier, more connected and inclusive communities across the UK.

Reflecting this shared purpose, Edinburgh Leisure will spotlight five key themes: health and wellbeing, the community, employment and skills, inclusion, and the environment. Each is brought to life through the experiences of the people and communities it supports.

Supporting a healthier, more resilient city

Edinburgh Leisure plays a key role in improving health and wellbeing across the city by reducing barriers to physical activity and creating inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

As the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities in Edinburgh, it creates opportunities for people at every stage of life to be active, connect with others and build healthier habits within their communities.

Real stories behind the impact

The Seriously Social campaign shares a series of real-life stories that demonstrate this impact in action.

One example is Jennifer, a participant in Edinburgh Leisure’s community-based falls prevention programme, Balanced Life. After a broken back and serious illness left her relying on a walker, the programme helped her rebuild strength and confidence step by step, leading to a moment that she thought she might have lost: picking up her grandchildren from school.

At Gracemount Leisure Centre, Edinburgh Leisure’s swimming and multisport sessions for children with additional support needs have transformed weekends for Danny, Andor and their families. With consistent support and tailored activities, the sessions have built confidence and created space for both participation and respite.

These are just a few examples from across the week. The campaign brings together a wider range of stories, highlighting the many ways Edinburgh Leisure supports communities, from health and wellbeing, connection and confidence to careers and environmental action.

You can explore all stories and follow the campaign at

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/seriously-social/

Leading with purpose

Jen Holland, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “What makes Edinburgh Leisure special is the impact we have on people’s everyday lives. These stories show that it’s not just about being active, it’s about rebuilding confidence, creating connections and opening up opportunities.

“Whether it’s someone regaining their independence, a young person taking their first steps into employment, or communities coming together to support each other, this is what putting people above profit really looks like using the power of sport and physical activity.

“Seriously Social is a great opportunity to highlight these moments and the impact Edinburgh Leisure makes across the city every single day.”

A sector driven by social purpose

Kirsty Cumming, CEO of Community Leisure UK, said: “Our members serve everyone in their communities regardless of age or ability.

“They are places where arts can power mental wellbeing, physical activity can create social connections and where health programmes meet community need. Seriously Social is a campaign that focuses on our sector’s greatest USP, our social heart.

“As social enterprises and charities, they put people above profit. Reinvesting money for the betterment of society. And that is why we developed Seriously Social, to celebrate the difference they make.”

Join the board of granton:hub

Trustees Wanted – Join the board of Granton hub

Granton Hub is a small and dynamic organisation based in North Edinburgh and dedicated to the arts, local heritage and the changing Granton community.

We have a vibrant local history group, which organises tours of the area, and a unique archive covering local heritage. We also have an arts group, which organises community art and heritage projects, weekly drawing and painting classes, and weekend arts-related exhibitions and activities. Granton:hub is a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO).

We are located in the historic Madelvic House, which was built in 1898 as the head office of Scotland’s first purpose-built electric car factory. The building is now part of the Council’s Heritage and Place Programme and was recently awarded significant funding to improve accessibility and the interior and exterior fabric of the building. This will support its continued and growing use by the local community and our local arts and heritage projects.

We are all looking forward to exciting new developments in the area, particularly with the new National Galleries of Scotland cultural centre being built almost next door. We anticipate that Granton:hub will play a significant role at the interface between Scottish heritage and the local community.

To help us in this next phase of our community hub work, we are looking for experienced members of the public to join our Board.

We are particularly keen to recruit people who care about arts, heritage and community development; who want to contribute to a local organisation with growing impact; who can bring experience or interest in areas such as governance, fundraising, finance, communications or community engagement; and who reflect the diversity of the Granton community in all its forms.

You do not need prior trustee experience; commitment, sound judgement and a collaborative mindset matter most.

Board meetings are held once a month, usually on the last Friday of the month from 6–8pm. The Board is responsible for ensuring good governance of the charity and supporting our future plans and strategies.

To find out more about joining the Board, please contact chair@grantonhub.org.

Thank you.

Community Wealth Building in Scotland: Free Webinar

Community Councils don’t forget next week’s rescheduled webinar on the topic of Community Wealth Building. Still free places available!

Find out about Community Wealth Building in Scotland.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions, share best practice and ideas.

Hear from SKS Scotland on their work with the communities of Rannoch, and Dunkeld and Birnam in North Perthshire, which has focused on finding a solution to the inequality of access to care at home and other social care services experienced by these rural, remote communities.

Wednesday 10th June 6:00pm-7:30pm

Book your place using the link below:

https://tinyurl.com/s94dfcw8

We look forward to seeing you next week!

BUYING ALCOHOL FOR KIDS IS A CRIME!

Adults buying alcohol for children are contributing to street disorder and underage drinking problems.

A campaign will launch in the summer holidays to drive home the message that buying alcohol for minors could land you with a fine, a jail sentence or both.

The “It’ll Cost You” campaign will launch in communities across Scotland at the beginning of the school holidays and will be fronted by Police Scotland with support from local stores and supermarkets.

Police Scotland is working with retailers, large and small, and alcohol companies to drive home the stark message that buying alcohol for children, proxy purchase, is a criminal offence.

Evaluations of the previous campaigns have shown a steady increase in awareness about the implications of supplying alcohol to minors, but it remains a serious issue with detections being made by police across Scotland during the course of last year’s campaign.

The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign is a collaboration between Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership and Community Alcohol Partnerships.

This year’s campaign will run from 29 June in communities across Scotland.

Chief Inspector Michelle Grant, Police Scotland, said: “This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.

“Awareness of the criminality of proxy purchase has increased in recent years, since the campaign launched, with reports being made by both retailers and members of the public.”

Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Retailers are determined to stop underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.

“Our members are robust in ensuring that under 18s can’t buy alcohol from their stores, so our communities need to support these efforts and be aware of the consequences of proxy purchasing.

“The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign fits perfectly with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”

Tam Cassidy, Community Alcohol Partnerships said, “As the school summer holidays approach, the campaign is a timely reminder to everyone about the consequences of buying alcohol for children and about the impact that underage drinking can have on our communities.

“That’s why we will be working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, to make sure we highlight the campaign in all the work we will be doing in local communities over the summer holidays and beyond.”

Schools across Scotland invited to enter Breakfast Club Awards

Applications have opened for nationwide breakfast club awards, giving schools across Scotland the chance to win £1,000 for their breakfast club and be recognised at a special ceremony at the Houses of Parliament.

The Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Awards celebrate breakfast clubs up and down the country, recognising best practice and innovation among the thousands of breakfast clubs that take place at schools across the UK.

Applications are now open and close at midnight on Friday 29th June 2026. Schools are invited to share the work of their breakfast club and the teachers, support staff, volunteers and pupils who help children start the school day fuelled and ready to learn.

Andrew Ridge, Social Impact Manager at Kellogg’s, said: “We’ve been supporting breakfast clubs for nearly 30 years, so we understand the important role they play for children and families across the UK.

“Every morning, schools are creating safe, welcoming spaces where children can enjoy breakfast, build friendships and start the day ready to learn. The positive impact these clubs have is made possible by the passion and commitment of the teachers, support staff and volunteers behind them.

“That is why, over the last fifteen years, Kellogg’s has been proud to celebrate the amazing work that goes into breakfast clubs across the country through our awards. We are looking forward to hearing from schools again this year and recognising the people and pupils who help make these clubs so special.”

This year, Kellogg’s will recognise winners across eight award categories, including six regional awards for Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, South England, Central England and North England.

New for 2026, the Breakfast Club Star Award will recognise an extraordinary pupil who consistently shows enthusiasm, kindness and commitment at their breakfast club, helping to create a positive, welcoming and supportive start to the day for others.

As part of the application process, schools will be asked to put forward a pupil they feel deserves to be named a Breakfast Club Star. The winning pupil will be named at the awards and invited to share their personal thoughts on what breakfast clubs mean to them.

Each category winner will receive a £1,000 cash grant to spend on their school breakfast club, helping them to enhance their provision, invest in new equipment, activities or resources, and continue creating a welcoming space for children at the start of the day.

The Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Awards typically receive more than 500 applications from schools across every corner of the UK, with entries highlighting the important role breakfast clubs play in supporting children’s wellbeing, attendance, learning and social development.

Winners will be revealed at a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 18th November 2026, where schools will have the opportunity to share their stories in front of MPs and leading industry figures.

Kellogg’s has been supporting breakfast clubs for 28 years and since 1998, has donated more than £7 million to schools across the UK as part of its efforts to alleviate hunger and help provide children with the start they need to be fuelled and ready to learn.

Previous winners include Southbury Primary School in Enfield, which was named Kellogg’s Breakfast Club of the Year 2025, and Stranraer Academy in Scotland, which was recognised for the outstanding impact of its breakfast club on pupils and families.

Last year’s judging panel included Andrew Ranger, MP for Wrexham, Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, Professor Greta Defeyter OBE and Greggs CEO, Roisin Currie.

Schools can enter the awards at:

Ihttps://kelloggconsumeraffairs.my.site.com/survey/survey/runtimeApp.app?invitationId=0KiVt00000GerM9&surveyName=uk_breakfast_club_awards_2026&UUID=b7f78ffb-8b96-4d43-99e0-731c214f9b54

Almost half of cigarettes smoked in the UK are illicit, says new report

New independent analysis by KPMG – commissioned by Philip Morris International – has revealed that almost half of cigarettes almost half of cigarettes consumed in the UK in 2025 were illicit. Of the total cigarette consumption in the UK, 13% of cigarettes are purchased abroad legally, whereas 32.3% are counterfeit or contraband.

The findings show that illicit consumption rose by 1.5 billion cigarettes in 2025 (vs. 2024), making it the second-largest illegal market in Europe, behind France, for illicit cigarette consumption by volume.

Two new trends have been identified by Philip Morris Limited as significant contributing factors to the boom in the UK’s illicit market over the past year: the rise of ‘front’ shops – retail outlets set up by organised criminal gangs (OCG), and the rise in factories manufacturing illegal cigarettes within the UK.

Smuggled and fake brands are typically imported from Turkey, Poland and Belarus, plus free trade zones in the Middle East, as identified by Philip Morris International However, last year, the report noted how factories were moving ever westward on the continent, towards their key markets of France and the UK.

In the past 12 months this has moved a step further, with a number of high-profile raids of large factories within the UK itself. Each year, these factories were producing hundreds of millions of cigarettes between them, designed to flood the UK market.

The Europe-wide report estimates that more than 10 billion illicit were consumed in the UK in 2025, equating to more than £4.46 billion in lost tax revenue for vital public services. This money could fund over 95,000 new police officers.

On the streets of the UK, there has been an explosion in the number of ‘front’ shops selling illicit cigarettes and vapes posing as low-grade grocers, vape shops, candy shops, barbers or mobile phone retailers.

Reports⁴ show gangs running the stores are terrorising communities and also profiting from street drugs, human trafficking, cybercrime, fraud and money laundering. They have waged a war of intimidation against legitimate UK shopkeepers, threatening their livelihoods and, in some cases, even their personal safety.

Philip Morris Limited, the UK affiliate of Philip Morris International, is calling on the government to take urgent action to tackle illicit tobacco and nicotine products, warning that the illegal market for cigarettes is growing exponentially, even as overall cigarette consumption continues to decline.

Peter Nixon, Managing Director at Philip Morris Limited, said: “This should be a major wake-up call for the government; poorly resourced enforcement is depriving the UK of almost £4.5 billion a year.

“The past few years have been a boon time for organised crime gangs who are selling illicit cigarettes and vapes with impunity, ruining our high streets and communities.

Catherine Goger, Illicit Trade Prevention Manager at Philip Morris Limited, commented: “In our fight against these ‘front’ shops, we have expanded our undercover teams who gather evidence and intelligence in communities across the UK.

“To drive illicit products off our high streets, the government needs to introduce a robust licencing scheme as soon as possible.”

LifeCare’s free Summer BBQ

FRIDAY 12th JUNE from 12 – 4pm

Join us for a fantastic afternoon of free BBQ food, a bouncy castle, musical entertainment, delicious cakes kindly provided by Soderberg, and a wide range of activities for all ages. There will also be a fun raffle featuring prizes generously donated by Lannan Bakery and itison.

The event comes at a special time for LifeCare as the charity celebrates 85 years of supporting older people across Edinburgh through free and affordable, accessible community services.

Each year, the LifeCare Hub and CafeLife welcomes more than 48,000 visits and hosts over 80 classes and activities every week. It is a place where people come together to connect, share experiences, and thrive.

As LifeCare faces rising operating costs alongside growing demand for its services, donations are warmly welcomed to help secure the charity’s future. Local people are encouraged to join the Friends for Life(Care) programme.

Regular supporters help sustain LifeCare’s vital work while enjoying a range of benefits, including early access to selected events, a complimentary hot drink at CafeLife, an exclusive supporter badge, and the opportunity to have their name added to the Tree of Life(Care) in the hub.

Bring your friends, family, and neighbours along for an afternoon of summer fun and community spirit, while helping to support one of Edinburgh’s most cherished organisations.

LifeCare would like to thank the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland for supporting this free community events.

Find out more at www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk

New study reveals a third of employers are likely to make redundancies by January 2027

A new survey from Acas has found that a third of employers (33%) are likely to make staff redundancies by January 2027.

Acas commissioned YouGov to ask British businesses about their redundancy plans between February 2026 and January 2027.

The poll revealed that 46% of large businesses are likely to make redundancies and one in five (21%) small and medium sized (SME) businesses said that were likely to do so over the same period.

The Government has recently consulted on new law changes outlined in the Employment Rights Act 2025 for employers that want to make collective redundancies across their organisation. Acas has published its response to the consultation.

Acas Director of Dispute Resolution, Kevin Rowan, said: “The results of our poll reveal that a third of businesses are considering redundancies by the start of next year.

“Organisations should look at all possible alternatives to redundancies first, but if employers conclude they have no choice, then they have legal requirements they must follow. This means they must consult with staff early to seek their views, or risk being subject to a costly legal process.

“In 2027, the Government’s Employment Rights Act will introduce new consultation requirements if redundancies are proposed across multiple sites. Acas recommends that the Government ensures employers and trade unions understand the value of collective consultation and have the skills to work well together.”

If an employer finds there are no other choices than to make redundancies, then there are strict rules on consulting staff that they must follow.

An employer must discuss any planned changes and consult with each employee who could be affected. By law, employers who wish to make 20 or more staff redundant in a 90-day period must also consult a recognised trade union or elected employee representatives about the proposed changes.

If an employer does not meet consultation requirements, employees can take their employer to an employment tribunal. If successful, the employer may have to pay up to 180 days’ full pay for each affected employee.

An employee can also make a claim of unfair dismissal to an employment tribunal on the grounds that they were not consulted, or the consultation was not meaningful.

At the moment, collective redundancy rules only apply if the redundancies are proposed at one workplace. The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces a law change that means the rules will count redundancies across an employer’s entire organisation.

An organisation that plans to make a certain number of redundancies across multiple sites or workplaces will have to follow new law changes due to take effect in 2027. The Government ran a consultation to seek views on the changes and what the redundancy threshold number should be that sparks a collective redundancy process for an employer that has multiple sites.

Acas advice is that employers should consider all possible options before considering redundancies as other solutions to their situation could be found through consultation with their staff, employee representatives and unions.

In response to the Government’s consultation, Acas recommended that:

the Government make sure that employers, trade unions and staff representatives understand the value of collective consultation and have the skills to work well together; and
the Government should also pick a threshold for consultation that is easy to understand and does not require complex systems to calculate, as this would help avoid procedural disputes and reduce administrative burdens.

For Acas’s full response to the Government’s consultation, please see:

https://www.acas.org.uk/public-consultation-responses

Acas’s advice for staff and employers about redundancies is available at:

www.acas.org.uk/redundancy

Celebrate Pride Month at Vue Edinburgh with a selection of LGBTQ+ titles

This Pride Month, Vue is celebrating with a curated line-up of queer cinema – including a timeless classic, a modern favourite and a brand-new release. 

Kicking off the season is an adaptation of Alysia Abbott’s best-selling memoir Fairyland. Produced by Academy Award winner Sofia Coppola, the film follows a young girl whose life is uprooted by her father following the death of her mother. Landing in 1970s San Francisco, dad Steve flourishes with the freedom to develop his writing and date other men, however his bohemian lifestyle clashes with the expectations of parenting.

Be transported to 18th century France as one of the greatest love stories ever told, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, returns to screen from 3 June. The critically acclaimed film follows Marianne, who is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left the convent. As the two women orbit one another, intimacy and attraction grow, with the portrait soon becoming a collaborative act of and testament to their love.

Arriving from 5 June is Madfabulous, the true story of fabulously flamboyant Henry Paget as he claims his aristocratic inheritance in 1890s North Wales. His theatrical flair disrupts the upper-class elite, much to the delight of the townspeople. Alongside his cousin Lily and loyal butler Gelert, Henry navigates suffocating traditions, scheming relatives, and the long shadow cast by his estranged father.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, The Birdcage is sashaying back onto the big screen as part of Vue’s Pride season from 6 June. Expect lots of laughs in this 90s cult classic, as gay cabaret owner (Robin Willians) and his drag queen companion (Nathan Lane) agree to put up a false front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée’s right-wing moralistic parents, played by Dianne Weist and Gene Hackman.

Rounding off the season, animated intergalactic sci-fi Lesbian Space Princess will be arriving on the big screen from 20 June. Watch as Princess Saira, from the planet Clitopolis, travels the GAY-laxy on a chaotic rescue mission to save her ex, who is being held ransom by the Straight White Maliens.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “At Vue we’re committed to showcasing films that reflect the rich diversity of our audiences and this Pride we’re especially proud to highlight stories that celebrate and represent our LGBTQ+ communities.

“We can’t wait to welcome film fans to switch off and immerse themselves in human stories with big emotions, deep connections – and moments that stay with will last long after the credits roll.”

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com

Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland deliver £3,000 funding boost to two Edinburgh groups

COMMUNITY FUND SUPPORT FOR SCRAN ACADEMY

Charitable organisations across the country are already benefiting from a share of Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland’s £63,000 Community Fund for 2026, with two groups in Edinburgh being awarded funding in the first four months of the year.

Part of the UK’s leading housebuilder Barratt Redrow, Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland’s Community Fund supports charities and community organisations delivering positive impact in the areas in which it builds.

Since the start of the year, two organisations in Edinburgh have shared a total of £3,000 in funding to support their work. The funded projects span a diverse range of community initiatives, reflecting the breadth of support being delivered through the fund.

Edinburgh-based catering social enterprise Scran Academy was awarded £1,500 to support its work providing opportunities for young people to gain meaningful work experience and skills by helping them to transition beyond the classroom to take control of their development.

The programmes engage them in a bespoke and informal skills training journey, accessing qualifications and accreditation that support them to achieve their next training or employment steps.

Simba Honouring Baby Loss, a charity also based in Edinburgh, was awarded £1,500 to support its services for affected families by helping them create special moments to honour the memory of their baby.

Andrew Morrison, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to see the positive impact the Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland 2026 Community Fund is already having on communities across the East of the country.

“The organisations we’ve supported so far are doing vital work, whether that’s providing health and wellbeing services or bringing people together through inclusive community initiatives to make a real difference.

“We’re committed to creating thriving, sustainable communities and we’re proud to play a part in helping these groups continue and expand their work, and we look forward to supporting many more organisations throughout the year.”

The launch of the 2026 Community Fund builds on Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. The housebuilders are currently creating a range of new communities in Edinburgh, including Barratt Homes @ West Craigs and David Wilson Homes’ West Craigs Quarter.

The Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland Community Fund is funded by the Barratt Redrow Foundation, the charitable arm of Barratt Redrow, which aims to help communities across the UK to thrive. Grants will be available exclusively to registered charities operating in the areas in which Barratt and David Wilson Homes build, including the East of Scotland.

Applications for 2026 funding will close on 30 October 2026 with successful applicants continuing to be selected throughout the year*.

For more information about the Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland 2026 Community Fund including eligibility and how to apply, visit:

www.barrattredrowfoundation.org.uk/faqs

For more information about Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit: