The Edinburgh Climate Festival will take place at Leith Links on September 3rd 2022 from 12 -5 pm.
The Festival, now in its 7th year, will offer a free, family-friendly & community-led marketplace event with workshops, performances and more.
September 2022 sees the beginning of Scotland’s Climate Fringe Festival, with the Edinburgh Climate Festival marking Edinburgh’s first major event of the Climate Fringe!
The Festival aims to celebrate and inspire community climate action. Entry is free and open to all. There will be activities for all age groups from storytelling and arts and crafts, to free Yoga classes and upcycling activities.
Free e-tickets can be purchased here, with the option to give a donation.
Testimonials
“I absolutely loved the festival, the energy was brilliant! I was just sad that I didn’t have time to see all the stalls, but that’s because I spent too long in other motivating conversations, so on the whole it was pretty great for me!” – 2021 Volunteer
“So many activities and workshops and education to inspire positive collective action. This kind of creativity as a community is what activism is all about and I loved to be apart of it!” – 2021 Participant
“Many thanks again for inviting us to the Climate Festival yesterday – we had a great day. I hope there’ll be many Climate Festivals in the future!” – Chris Jardine, Greenpeace, 2019 Speaker
“We had a great time and was fantastic to engage with so many interested people. We had some great conversations and was great to exchange skills and give advice on taking action. Loved teaching these inspirational teens new mending and making skills yesterday at the Edinburgh Climate Festival.” – Fashion Revolution, 2019 Stallholder
The Scottish Young Carers Festival gives approximately 500 young carers a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities. Young carers (12-17) provide unpaid care for a family member or a friend, who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.
Young carers quotes about their experiences of the Festival:
“Gives me a break and meeting folk that go through the same thing as me.”
“The festival is overall amazing as it gave me the chance to branch out and meet new people”
“Takes my mind off things and makes me feel like a normal teen.”
The Festival, a national celebration of young carers hosted by Carers Trust Scotland, gives this special group the chance to share dozens of new activities, from a wide range of music, to magic and mindfulness, with other young people in similar situations.
Following two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Scottish Young Carers Festival 2022 is returning to its usual format, being hosted in-person in Fife. This year will also include online activities to welcome those unable to attend in person.
The Festival also gives young carers the opportunity to share their experiences, to discuss how caring impacts them, and to have their voices heard about the changes that would make their lives better. Carers Trust Scotland will be hosting a ‘Young Carer Consultation Zone’ providing young carers the opportunity to discuss important issues and speak directly to key decision makers.
Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Kevin Stewart MSP said: “Young carers make a vitally important contribution to our society. However, I know that, because of their responsibilities, they haven’t got the same amount of free time and opportunities as their peers. That’s why it is great to see the Festival taking place in person again this year.
“I and the Cabinet Secretary for Education are looking forward to meeting young carers at the Festival. I hope they enjoy the break and spending time with young carers from other areas. For those that won’t be able to attend in person I know that there will also be online activities.
“This year we have seen increased investment in short breaks for carers of all ages, put forward legislation to give carers a right to breaks and expanded the Young Scot package of discounts and benefits for young carers.
“I hope that all this and our continued commitment to support and fund the Festival as well as the development of a National Carers Strategy during 2022 is clear sign of our continued support to young carers going forward.”
Earlier this year, Carers Trust conducted a Young Carer Survey which highlighted the need for respite amongst young carers and young adult carers. 31% of young carers and young adult carers who responded in Scotland, feel they ‘never’ or ‘not often’ get enough rest or get enough time to themselves.
Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than half (54%) of the young carers and young adult carers who responded to our survey said that the amount of time they spend caring had increased in the last year.
52% of young carers and young adult carers who responded in Scotland feel less connected to others, and more than a fifth (22%) feel they are unable to take a break from caring.
These statistics demonstrate the need for an event such as the Scottish Young Carers Festival which is an experience that young carers look forward to each year and offers an opportunity for respite, to connect with others and to have fun.
Louise Morgan, Director for Scotland & Northern Ireland at Carers Trust Scotland, said: “We are delighted to host the fifteenth Scottish Young Carers Festival, which is particularly important in 2022 as it offers young carers support and respite from their caring role after what has been a stressful past few years for many young carers.
“The Festival crucially provides a national platform to promote understanding of what young carers do; it raises awareness of young carers’ rights, and is an excellent opportunity for young carers to have fun, feel recognised, valued and heard.”
Looking for something fun to do with the wee ones during the school summer holiday?
Why not pop along to a Fun Family Drop-in at the McDonald Library, Edinburgh, on Saturday, July 23, for some arts and crafts, balloon modelling, face painting and loads more.
The event has been organised as part of a campaign that was launched two years ago by the city’s Child Protection Committee and NSPCC Scotland.
All of Us was set up to help people find out where to get support and advice with parenting or other worries about family life and where to turn if they have concerns about a child.
The partnership wants to help parents and carers, who may be struggling, and signpost them to where they can get advice and support before reaching crisis point.
Stalls at the event, which runs from 1pm to 3pm, will include NSPCC Scotland, Home Start, Children’s Health Scotland, Venture Scotland, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) and The Junction.
There will also be arts and crafts from Polymorphics, a Bookbug session, snacks and drinks, a face painter, balloon animals, and the Institute of Physics, a professional body which strives to make physics accessible to people from all backgrounds.
Gail Sayles, NSPCC Scotland local campaigns manager, said: “Looking after a child can be challenging for all parents and carers at times, and it is so important that people feel they can seek support and know where to turn for help.
“Everyone is welcome to come along to this event to find out what support and activities are available where you live.
“Don’t forget the NSPCC Helpline is also there for anyone who wants advice or knows a family that needs support.”
The campaign has also been raising awareness among communities and professionals about the early signs of child neglect and how to help families who are struggling.
Jackie Irvine, Chair of the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, said: “Many organisations will be on hand to offer advice and provide practical support to parents and carers at this fun free drop-in at McDonald Road Library.
“This campaign was first launched just weeks before the pandemic struck and highlights the very real issues around child neglect. The past couple of years have really driven home the importance of raising awareness among communities and professionals so they are alert to the signs of child neglect.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to find out more information about what is available.”
The Family Fun Drop-In is being held at the McDonald Library, McDonald Road, Edinburgh, from 1pm to 3pm.
The campaign has also been raising awareness among communities and professionals about the early signs of child neglect and how to help families who are struggling with online workshops and seminars.
For parenting advice and support visit NSPCC helpline or call 0808 800 5000, weekdays 8am to 10pm and weekends 9am to 6pm. People can also contact Social Care Direct on 0131 200 2324, their health visitor, GP or child’s school.
With the summer holidays here and the cost-of-living crisis continuing to bite, job booking portal redwigwam has pulled together a list of some cheap or free ideas that anyone can do with their children over the summer holidays.
Claire of redwigwam says: “We know how hard it is to keep the kids entertained without spending an absolute fortune while they are off school, so hopefully these ideas will help.”
1. Go to a farmers’ market
Always fun to have a walk around, and often with animals to have a look at while you’re there, and you can always make a small purchase if you feel like it. We know items can be expensive at farmers markets, but you might fancy treating yourself to a nice jar of honey. There’s no pressure to buy though.
2. Go for a walk
Completely free and it gets you out of the house and into nature. If it’s raining, pop the waterproofs on and jump in some puddles. You’ll be doing wonders for your health both mentally and physically – and then feel less guilty about spending the rest of the day doing very little.
If you’re feeling inspired before you set off, you could even make some lists of things for the children to find while they are out – a stone, a flower, a feather etc. If not, my children always like a spot of healthy competition, so counting steps, and seeing if we can beat the total we did on our last walk is always a winner – and helps tired legs complete the last bit home.
3. Have a water fight
The weather doesn’t have to be roasting, but a water fight is always a winner on a hot day. If you’re feeling brave, get the kids to invite their friends round to add to the fun! You can invest a small amount in water guns if you don’t already have any – but we always find Calpol syringes (or similar) work really well (and let’s face it, we all have kitchen drawers full of them!)
4. Take a picnic to the park
Don’t know about you, but one of the worst things about the summer holidays is the never-ending demand for snacks and trying to figure out what you can make for lunch which is a) different and b) they will eat.
For a cheap lunch out – and lots of fresh air – take a picnic to the park. Even the same sandwiches you’ve eaten every other day taste different in new surroundings.
You can even take your own ice lollies in a freezer bag for a real treat.
5. Go to the beach
If you’re close enough, a day trip to the beach can feel like you’ve been on holiday. Pack the buckets and spades, a ball, and the swimming stuff (and a picnic of course)
One of our favourite days out last summer was an evening trip to the beach after work – nothing like vitamin sea to cleanse the soul.
6. Go camping
While you will need some equipment for this, it’s a cost-effective way to get away from it all for a couple of nights. If you don’t have a tent, see if you can borrow one – or have a look on Facebook marketplace to see if someone is selling one second hand.
And if you really can’t get away, put it up in the garden – the children can use it as a den, and maybe even have a sleepover at home.
7. Plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs in your garden
Seeds are readily available, and cheap. This is a great project for kids as they can watch how the plants grow over the summer. You can even encourage them do some research into how to look after various plants.
If you do end up with fully grown vegetables or herbs, you can harvest them and have them for dinner. Win-win.
8. Go to the library
Anything that encourages them to read over the summer. Most local libraries have a summer reading scheme for children, when they’ll receive a reward for reading a certain number of books.
Libraries often have events you can join in over the summer months – often an opportunity to do some crafts (with the bonus of keeping the mess out of the house)
If you have time, it’s always pleasant to choose some books and stay at the library to read for a while for a change of scenery. (Our local one has a café attached, so even the option of a cuppa for me too)
9. Swimming
Always a winning activity. Find out how much pools near you charge for entry and choose a cheap one. As with the library, see if your local pools offer fun sessions with inflatables, or even canoeing to try out. Fun and exercise in one go.
10. Visit a museum
Wherever you live, there’s usually a museum to visit. In many towns and cities, these are free (although do often charge for special exhibitions). Here in Liverpool, we are spoilt for choice – my own children love the World Museum – dinosaurs and an aquarium in one building.
Make a list of as many museums and art galleries with free entry which are within traveling distance and try and visit as many as possible over the summer holidays.
11. Have a games night
Board games are always a huge hit in our house. And even better if we ask friends round and they bring games we don’t already own.
A few snacks and drinks and we’re set up for the evening. You could even add a competitive element by creating a tournament with a small inexpensive prize for the overall winner.
12. Try cooking new recipes
Have a look through the cookbooks you already have or get one from the library. Or you can even research recipes online.
Try to choose a few recipes with similar ingredients so you can keep costs down when you’re doing your food shopping.
Get the children involved with planning, preparing and cooking the meal – they’ll get a great sense of satisfaction and may even be more likely to eat the meal!
If you’re feeling the pinch this summer and are looking for a way to top up your income and help pay for your summer plans, why not join redwigwam and work with us flexibly. There’s a huge choice of jobs, with hundreds added every week.
Because our jobs are completely flexible, adding extra hours around existing work commitments or childcare is no problem. You simply book the jobs and shifts to suit you.
We have all sorts of jobs in all sorts of industries including: bar work, baristas, mystery shoppers, hotel receptionists, retail assistants and waiters.
Art_Buds_Collective will be holding their next Family Day on Saturday 9 July, 10.30am-12.30pm at Granton Beach, and you are invited to come along and bring your family to join in the creative fun. Free, simply drop in!
Art Buds in Muirhouse offer FREE outdoor art classes inspired by nature for children in Muirhouse (postcodes EH4 4, EH4 5, EH5 1, EH5 2) and the surrounding area, and they’re running their July Summer Camp from 18 to 22 July.
We have some final places for children aged 3 – 6 in our morning and afternoon groups.
Thousands of children from low-income families will benefit from free childcare, activities and healthy food as part of a £10 million summer programme.
Available to children and young people aged five to 14 years old who need it most, the funding has been allocated to local authorities to supplement existing holiday programmes or to develop new ones.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “School holidays can be expensive for families, especially when household bills are soaring. This funding means children and young people who really need it will be able to access coordinated childcare, activities and nutritious food over the summer.
“They will have opportunities to play, socialise and access a range of activities that broaden their experiences and supplement their learning.
“Support will be targeted at the six priority family types at greatest risk of poverty, including lone parent families and families with a disabled adult or child. We have a national mission to tackle child poverty and, along with £21.75 million in funding for alternative holiday food provision for families eligible for free school meals, this offer will provide much-needed support over the summer.”
COSLA Children and Young People’s Spokesperson Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “The rising cost of living is exacerbating the already stark and unacceptable reality of poverty in the lives of children, young people, families and communities.
“We are pleased that this additional funding will enable local authorities to build on their regular summer programmes to enhance opportunities and support for priority groups of children and young people.
“Councils and their local delivery partners will provide varied programmes, incorporating activities, childcare, and food provision, in line with local needs and guided by what children, young people, and families themselves say will make a difference.”
Art Buds in Muirhouse Family Day 
