Tag: challenges

Charities attend Amazon support workshop in Dunfermline

Two charities in Fife were welcomed to Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline to gain fresh ideas and practical support to help develop their logistics and operations. 

The event, organised by Pilotlight, brought together Fife Gingerbread and Big House Multibank with the team at Amazon in Dunfermline. Pilotlight is an organisation that connects business experts with charities to help deliver greater social impact. 

More than 30 Amazon employees from Dunfermline took part in a day of collaborative problem-solving sessions. The charities shared some of the challenges they’re currently facing and Amazon employees worked in teams to come up with practical, strategic solutions, drawing on their professional skills and experience. 

Kirsten Harrower, an Amazon employee who took part in the event, said: “It was an amazing experience to apply our skills in support of two incredible charities that do so much for our community.

“It felt great to be part of something that can make a real difference.”

Jamie Strain, General Manager from Amazon in Dunfermline, added: “We’re proud to support Fife Gingerbread and Big House Multibank and events like this are a great way to use the skills of our team to give back.

“We’re committed to playing a positive role in the communities where we live and work.”

Linsey Proctor, from Fife Gingerbread, said: “We’re grateful to the Amazon team for giving their time and energy and for continuing to strengthen their relationship with us.

“The ideas shared will help us shape our future plans and move forward with confidence.”

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.

Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 8 million surplus goods to over 600,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham. 

Amazon has supported more than one million students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.

Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.

‘Summertime Streets’ changes to begin next week in city centre

With the summer festivals season fast approaching, the city council is making temporary changes to the way some of our city centre streets operate between Thursday 24 July and Sunday 7 September 2025.

During this busy period the population of our city effectively doubles, which brings challenges for residents, businesses and visitors.

These temporary changes, which include removing or restricting vehicle traffic, are designed to make our streets easier and safer to walk around.

George Street and several streets in the Old Town will be impacted. A full list of streets along with further information is available on our website.

There is also specific advice for blue badge holders, home deliveries, loading and services for businesses, places of worship and special arrangements.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “As we prepare to welcome the world to Edinburgh for our summer festivals, we’re making sure that these higher visitor numbers are managed safely and properly.

“We’ve made temporary changes to our city centre streets successfully during this period for many years and I’m sure that this summer will be no different.

“I’d like to thank our residents and businesses for their understanding and patience as we get ready to showcase and enjoy our city’s unparalleled cultural offering once again.”

EVOC publishes new Strategic Plan

NEW 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN FOR EVOC

EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council) has published a new 5-year strategic plan, outlining the organisation’s vision to contribute to an equitable, sustainable and resilient Edinburgh, supported by a thriving third sector.

The new plan is structured around three priorities – advocacy, capacity building and collaboration – with all areas underpinned by data gathering and research that will be used to inform policy and decision-making.

Data and research will also be used to make on-the-ground decisions with and for third sector organisations in the city. 

Bruce Crawford, EVOC’s CEO, commented: “I’ve been in post for 6 months now, and since day one, we’ve been working towards the publication of this new strategic plan.

“To help us achieve our vision, we’re focused on supporting organisations to make local community-driven change.

“We want to use our networks and forums, which sit at the heart of the dynamic between the third sector, public sector and private sector, to bring the voices of the sector together to develop policies that meet the needs of the communities we all serve.”

Established in 1868, EVOC has been committed to improving the lives of people and communities for more than 155 years.

Over that time, the organisation’s priorities and activities have adapted in line with the needs of the people in the city and the third sector, but this new plan has the same ethos at its heart.

Bruce Crawford continued: “Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with people from across the sector to help inform what’s gone into our strategic plan.

“In 2025, there have been a series of challenges that the sector has faced, including public sector funding cuts and increased running costs.

“We’re looking to create some stability by going back to basics – EVOC doing what is right for the sector. So, we’ll be covering a broad range of areas that come under our three priorities.”

EVOC’s strategic plan for 2025 to 2030 is available to read here and you can hear more from Bruce Crawford here.

Scottish Government: Spending Review ‘presents challenges’

Funding for Scotland falls behind UK Government departments

The UK Spending Review fails to deliver for Scotland, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.

Spending levels for public services will fail to offset the impact of proposed cuts to welfare support and the rise in National Insurance contributions, the Finance Secretary warned in response to the Chancellor’s statement.

Shona Robison said: “This Spending Review is business as usual from the UK Government, which is yet again treating Scotland as an afterthought and failing to provide us with the funding we need.

“Today’s settlement for Scotland is particularly disappointing, with real terms growth of 0.8% a year for our overall Block Grant, which is lower than the average for UK Departments. Had our resource funding for day-to-day priorities grown in line with the UK Government’s overall spending, we would have £1.1 billion more to spend on our priorities over the next three years. In effect, Scotland has been short-changed by more than a billion pounds.

“This all comes on top of the UK Government’s failure to fully fund their employer National Insurance increase, depriving us of hundreds of millions of pounds in funding, and their proposed cuts in support for disabled people that will push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children.

“It is also disappointing that despite apparent briefing to media in advance, we are still awaiting clarity on funding for the vital Acorn project in the North East of Scotland.

“We made extensive representations to the UK Government on our priorities for the Spending Review, including calls for an end to spending that bypasses devolution, but there has been limited opportunity to engage with them.

“It appears that the continuation of local growth funding – which fails to match the European Structural Funds it was supposed to replace – will come directly from Whitehall, yet again bypassing devolved governments.

“We will now take the time to digest the detail of this statement and will set out our formal response on 25 June as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy.” 

Letters: Public transport experiences for people who are deaf or have hearing loss

Dear Editor, 
 
The May bank holidays are upon us and train stations are buzzing with travellers and day-trippers. However, for millions of people who are deaf, or have hearing loss, using public transport can be a challenging and stressful experience. 
 
Imagine being on a platform. Passengers suddenly start leaving and you’re not sure why. Or you’re on a train that stops unexpectedly between stations, and you seem to be the only person in the carriage unaware of what’s going on. What should be a relaxing journey can quickly become an anxious and isolating experience. Deaf people often rely on fellow travellers for help.   
 
To mark Deaf Awareness Week (5–11 May), RNID – the national charity supporting the 18 million people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus – has highlighted concerning research showing that the public are often unwilling to assist deaf people when navigating public transport. Whilst many people do want to help – they’re often held-back by uncertainty around how to communicate.  
 
The good news is that RNID’s ‘It does matter’ campaign offers free tips and videos with basic BSL phrases to help people become more deaf-aware and confident when offering support. 
 
This Deaf Awareness Week is the perfect time to learn how you can make a difference. Visit www.rnid.org.uk/it-does-matter 
 
Yours sincerely,  
 
Teri Devine,  
Associate Director of Inclusion,  
RNID  

Making housing accessible in Edinburgh

COUNCIL HOSTS ACCESSIBLE HOUSING SUMMIT

An event held last week (Tuesday 22 April) at the City Chambers brought together the Council and partners to take steps toward building, adapting, and finding accessible homes across the Capital.

Hosted by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Accessible Housing Summit convened representatives from the third sector, housing associations and the private sector.

Through a series of roundtable discussions, participants explored three key areas: delivering new accessible homes, improving access to existing housing, and ensuring the best use of homes already available.

The event builds on insights from the 2022 Accessible Housing Study and feedback gathered from tenants, residents and partners gathered during consultations on the Council’s draft Local Housing Strategy.

In a tangible step forward, the Council recently began construction on a new residential development in Newington. Once complete, the site will provide 19 modern, fully wheelchair accessible homes available for social rent.

Attendees will now consider what actions can be taken forward to address improving access to information, advice on accessible housing and planning for new accessible homes in Edinburgh.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “As Edinburgh’s population grows and changes, so do the housing needs of our residents. We must therefore strive to ensure that everyone – irrespective of their health circumstances and accessibility requirements – has a home they can live in with dignity and comfort.

“Whilst this is a national issue, the City of Edinburgh Council faces unique challenges, including being landlord of a high number of older, flatted properties which can often be harder and costly to adapt.  

“It is vital for us to understand the nature, context, and complexity of the barriers to providing fully accessible housing and to work closely and collaboratively with our partners and organisations leading this crucial work to deliver the accessible housing our citizens need now and in the future.”

First Minister calls for new support for industry

UK Government must “meet the moment” with decisive action

First Minister John Swinney has called for a new package of support for industry from the UK Government in the face of global economic uncertainty.

As financial markets react to global events, Mr Swinney has called on the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to change their fiscal rules and commit to a package of investment to support business, workers and consumers.

The First Minister said: “We are currently enduring a time of global financial and economic uncertainty and volatility.  But while we are not immune to global trends, we can be confident in the strength of Scotland’s economy.

“Indeed, throughout my time in the United States since last week, there has been a clear confidence in Scotland as a place to do business and as a destination for investment. 

“However, the global economy is clearly going through a time of upheaval and it is vital that we see strong action to meet the moment, support Scottish industry and ensure workers and consumers are protected.

“My government will continue to do everything in our power to do that, but given where powers over the economy sit, this will require clear, determined and decisive action from the UK Government.

“The old economic orthodoxies of Westminster will not be enough to meet a moment of real global challenge.  The UK Government cannot meet this global uncertainty with austerity – we need to see a new approach which provides investment and support for industry as we are seeing in countries like Spain.

“It is now obvious that the era in which the UK Government’s fiscal rules were set is over.  The Prime Minister and the Chancellor must accept that new reality, end their outdated commitment to the fiscal rules and deliver serious investment to support industry.

“And in the face of this economic volatility, the last move any serious government would implement is a tax on jobs.  The increase in employer’s national insurance contributions was always the wrong move – but the Prime Minister should not risk further economic damage by making it more difficult for business to take on or keep staff.   The Chancellor should abandon the national insurance hike immediately.

“The events of the last few days require truly bold action from the Prime Minister.  He cannot simply respond to an unprecedented situation by continuing with a plan set in completely different circumstances and which already looks doomed to failure.”

Charter for Budget Responsibility: Autumn 2024 – GOV.UK

MSP Calls for Greater Support and Funding Clarity for Local Community Organisations

Foysol Choudhury MSP Stands with Unsung Community Heroes in Edinburgh

Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, calls for greater support and funding for local community organisations in Edinburgh, such as the Polish Family Support Centre, following a series of ruthless budget cuts from the Scottish Government.

Foysol Choudhury MSP has issued a heartfelt and urgent appeal for greater support and funding for local community organisations in Edinburgh. During a recent visit to the Polish Family Support Centre, Mr. Choudhury emphasised the critical role these organisations play in encouraging community cohesion and providing essential services to underrepresented groups.

This comes after the Scottish voluntary sector was struck with further budget cuts. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) have revealed that real-term cuts to public funding have surmounted to over £177m since 2021, where more than 76% of third-sector organisations report financial challenges because of inflation and rising costs.

These cuts are not just numbers; they represent the struggles of countless individuals and families who rely on these vital services.

This situation may only worsen with changes to employers’ National Insurance contributions, imposed by Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves, which could leave the sector with another £75m to find each year.

In his recent visit to the Polish Family Support Centre, Mr. Choudhury witnessed significant challenges due to limited funding and resources.

As a one-stop-shop for all, the Polish Family Support Centre provides a wide range of services, including professional counselling, workshops, and support groups, all aimed at helping Polish families and individuals navigate the complex nature of life in Scotland.

However, the Centre’s ability to expand its reach and impact has been drastically obstructed by financial constraints. According to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, the Polish Family Support Centre has lost hundreds of thousands in funding, and with over 4,040 yearly sessions in 2023 – an increase of 2,000 from 2018 – it is clear that the Polish Family Support Centre needs further backing.

Other community organisations such as the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, Milan SWO, Edinburgh Diwali, the Bihari Community of Scotland, and other third sector organisations are also crying out for support.

Mr. Choudhury’s call to action comes at a time when many third-sector community organisations struggle to secure funding and resources. He has been a vocal advocate for these groups, hosting roundtable discussions at the Scottish Parliament to address the current funding model and barriers to access.

Here, the Scottish Government and other public bodies need to take a fair funding approach, moving to inflation-based settlements of three years or more, which consider costs such as uplifts in the real living wage.

Community organisations, such as the Polish Family Support Centre, continue to exist as a symbol of hope for the people of Edinburgh, driven by a mission to support and empower individuals and families.

Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Community organisations exist as the backbone of our society. They offer vital services, from psychological support to advocacy, yet they remain overlooked and underfunded.

“It is crucial that we recognise their contributions to our community and provide them with the necessary support to continue their work.

“Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland must address the barriers to funding and ensure that smaller community-based organisations have access to the resources they need, as their work is crucial in promoting social inclusion and supporting minority groups.

“I urge everyone from policymakers to residents, to recognise the invaluable work these organisations do. They are not just service providers; they are the heart and soul of our communities.

“By supporting them, we are investing in a more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient society. Let’s come together to ensure that nobody is left behind.”

Social Care Roundtable on Employer National Insurance Contributions

Yesterday COSLA and the Scottish Government convened a roundtable discussion to consider immediate challenges facing the delivery of social care services:

COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson Councillor Paul Kelly, reflected on the meeting: “I was very grateful for the representation from across the care sector, including our partners in the third and independent sectors, involved in this critical discussion.

“We all have a shared responsibility to improve outcomes for people using health and social care services in Scotland, and I am acutely aware of how much more challenging this becomes when confronted with significant budget gaps for Local Government and Integrated Joint Boards.

“Of course, I know that it’s a similarly challenging financial context for our partner providers who deliver vital care and support for people.

“The reality is that the current financial challenges will have a very real impact on services and it’s for this reason I thought it was crucial to bring together key partners to highlight the impact this has been having – and will continue to have – on the system.

“The changes to employer National Insurance contributions, coupled with continued financial constraints and uncertainties, are a significant risk felt by Local Government which will impact upon the delivery, commissioning and procurement of services.

“There are no easy solutions to the challenges that were aired but I was encouraged by the frank and open contributions from attendees, and the consensus that it’s more important than ever that we work collaboratively to ensure continued delivery of social care for all those who need it.

“As COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, I want to reiterate that we are doing everything we can to address the challenges the sector collectively faces, and that COSLA remains absolutely committed to engaging with the Scottish and UK Governments on these matters.”

EVOC announces new CEO

EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council) is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Crawford. 

Following a comprehensive recruitment process, led by EVOC’s Board and involving representatives from the Third Sector and Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface partners (Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network and Volunteer Edinburgh), Bruce will take up the CEO position today – Monday 9 December 2024. 

Bruce brings a breadth of strategic leadership experience to the role, as a CEO, Trustee and Volunteer. As Director of Grange Associates, he has supported charities and social enterprises to develop and succeed, offering advice in a range of areas including governance, strategy, policy, change management, diversity, risk management, business planning and sustainability.

As Chief Executive for Scottish Curling, Bruce led successful negotiations that secured £2m funding for covid recovery from the Scottish Government and played a key role in developing strategies and campaigns to ensure that the Olympic profile and success were capitalised to maximum effect.

He is also a member of the Sustainability Committee for World Curling and is the chair of the James Gillespie’s Trust. 

Diarmaid Lawlor (EVOC Convenor) said: ““We are delighted to appoint Bruce to lead EVOC. This has been a competitive and thorough recruitment process.

“The core of strong Third Sector organisations is clear purpose, tangible impacts, sustainable finance, and, particularly relevant to this situation, great people.

“Bruce’s appointment completes EVOC’s internal staffing restructure and we look forward to working with him and the wider Third Sector to finalise our strategic priorities, working towards ‘a strong sector for a strong city’.”

Responding to news of his appointment, Bruce said: “I am delighted to be appointed to lead EVOC as its new CEO, working with the staff and board, listening to members and consulting with stakeholders as we support the voluntary organisations that serve our communities.

“I am looking forward to hearing from colleagues across the sector as we develop our new strategy and set priorities, which will help us to make an impact and address the challenges that lie ahead.”