We are 73% of the way to our £300 target. Can you push us across the finish line?
Please donate today & help @SpaceBroomhouse continue making Fridays @ The Hub something to look forward to for young people across Broomhouse.
CWP Energy is proud to have supported the Scotland Women in Search and Rescue (SAR) event through a £1,500 grant towards event T-shirts, helping bring together women volunteers and professionals from across Scotland’s lifesaving community.
Forty-seven women attended the event, representing 25 different lifeboat stations across Scotland, including both RNLI and independent lifeboat stations, as well as RNLI Lifeguards.
The two-day event provided a valuable opportunity to share experiences, develop skills, build networks and celebrate the growing role of women within the search and rescue sector. The event was hosted by the lifeboat stations at Dunbar, Eyemouth and St Abbs and featured both practical activities afloat and learning opportunities ashore.
The Scotland Women in SAR initiative was created to bring women from across the search and rescue community together, offering opportunities for skills development, collaboration and discussions that help shape the future of women in lifesaving services.
Supporting Communities Beyond Energy
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local communities, CWP Energy was delighted to contribute funding towards branded event T-shirts, helping create a sense of unity and recognition amongst participants attending from across the country.
Diane Wood, Director of ESG at CWP Energy, said: “At CWP Energy, we are committed to supporting organisations that make a real difference within our communities.
“The Scotland Women in SAR event provided an incredible opportunity for women from across Scotland’s search and rescue network to come together, share knowledge and build lasting connections.
“We are proud to have supported the event and to recognise the dedication of the volunteers and professionals who give their time to help keep people safe.”
The event brought together a diverse group of women involved in maritime and coastal rescue operations, creating a platform for learning, mentorship and collaboration across multiple organisations.
Ian Wilson, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Dunbar Lifeboat Station, said: “The Scotland Women in SAR event was a fantastic success and demonstrated the strength, expertise and commitment of women serving in search and rescue roles across Scotland.
“Bringing together representatives from 25 stations created valuable opportunities to learn from one another, share experiences and strengthen the networks that support lifesaving operations.
“We are extremely grateful to CWP Energy for their funding towards the event T-shirts, which helped create a strong sense of team spirit and identity throughout the weekend.”
The event highlighted the vital contribution women make within search and rescue services and reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for collaboration and development across the sector.
The hard work and contribution of Scotland’s farming community has been recognised in the heart of Edinburgh at a Harvest Thanksgiving service hosted by St Giles’ Cathedral and supported by RHASS (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland).
This years’ service held particular significance for RHASS, with its 2026–27 Presidential Initiative (PI) representing the Lothians and celebrating the people, produce, businesses and organisations that make the region one of Scotland’s most important agricultural areas.
The annual service took place on Sunday 4 October at the historic cathedral and was conducted by Rev Scott Rennie, Chaplain and Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral, who is also a member of this year’s Lothian Presidential Team.
Bringing Scotland’s rural and city communities together, the service celebrated the people behind the country’s harvest and recognised the vital role farmers and producers play in putting food on tables across Scotland.
Displays of seasonal vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, parsnips, broccoli and pumpkins, were donated by RHASS Directors and M&S, with produce sourced from farms across the country to showcase the variety of food grown in Scotland.
Following the service, the produce was donated to Edinburgh charities Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, the Grassmarket Community Project and The Salvation Army, helping to provide nutritious meals for people in need.
Those arriving at Sunday’s service were also greeted by a John Deere 9RX, a four-track tractor which is built to pull massive tillage, seeding, and land-preparation equipment across huge acreages and kindly provided by Thomas Sherriffs of Haddington. Bringing a striking piece of Scotland’s farming industry to the heart of Edinburgh and highlighting the machinery used by farmers during harvest.
The Harvest Thanksgiving service takes place annually at St Giles’ Cathedral, with this year’s service forming part of the RHASS Lothian PI 2026–27, a year-long programme celebrating the people, businesses and organisations across the region.
The programme will culminate in a dedicated Presidential Showcase at the 2027 Royal Highland Show, RHASS’s flagship fundraising event.
Funds raised throughout the Presidential Initiative’s 2026–27 tenure will support RHASS and its partner charities, RHET (The Royal Highland Education Trust) and SAYFC (the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs).
RHASS Chairman, James Logan, said: “Our role at RHASS is to champion Scotland’s rural community all year round, and the Harvest Thanksgiving service is an important opportunity to recognise the hard work of farmers and producers across the country.
“It also gives us the chance to celebrate the incredible variety of produce grown here in Scotland and to bring farming into the heart of Edinburgh, helping people connect the food on our plates with the people and communities who produce it.
“This year’s service is particularly poignant as our Presidential Team is representing the Lothians, making it a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the farmers, producers and fantastic produce we have right here on our doorstep.
“We are extremely grateful to the farmers and RHASS Directors who donated produce, which will now benefit local Edinburgh charities, and to everyone who joined us at St Giles’ Cathedral. We hope the service helped shine a light on the essential contribution Scotland’s farming community makes every day.”
The service followed the team’s first fundraising event at St Giles’ Cathedral on Saturday 3 October, which saw guests enjoy a special evening of live music from performers from Sing in the City.
Wider PI activity will continue with a Day at the Races in January 2027 and a Gala Dinner at The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the National Galleries of Scotland in March 2027, alongside farm visits, community events and fundraising activity throughout the year.
The Greenfingers Charity is celebrating a fundraising milestone, with the garden retail sector coming together to raise a grand total of £5,912 at Glee 2026 – surpassing last year’s impressive £4,200 and marking the strongest Glee total to date.
The money was generated through a series of activities across the show, including the much‑loved Floral Thursday, reflecting the industry’s ongoing commitment to supporting the charity’s work creating therapeutic gardens at children’s hospices across the UK.
The biggest contribution came from Floral Thursday, which once again transformed the halls of Glee into a vibrant celebration of colour and creativity. Exhibitors and visitors donned their finest floral attire, with exhibitors and visitors alike sporting bloom-inspired shirts, dresses, suits and accessories; all whilst donating generously and buying raffle tickets throughout the day.
By midday, a very festive-looking crowd gathered at Glee’s Centre Stage for the Floral Thursday finale, clutching tickets for the hotly-anticipated Greenfingers raffle and to take part in a world record attempt for the greatest number of people wearing florals in a single photograph. The joyful moment captured the spirit of the industry and helped push the day’s fundraising total to £3,313.
Original artwork and product donations boost total
Another highlight came from the Woodmansterne stand, where watercolour artist Kate Leach painted an original piece of artwork live at the show. The finished piece was offered as a raffle prize to anyone donating to the Greenfingers Charity, raising £657 and drawing strong interest from visitors throughout the event.
At the close of Glee, exhibitors once again showed their support for Greenfingers by donating products from their stands. These items were auctioned by W&H Peacocks after the show closed, raising £1,942 and providing a welcome boost to the final total.
New Collaboration launched
During the show, Ivyline unveiled another way for retailers to support Greenfingers with the debut of a specially designed collection – Pots with Purpose – created in partnership with the charity.
The brand-new range of cacti pots drew strong interest from buyers looking for meaningful, gift‑ready products with a charitable purpose. With 50p from every set sold donated directly to Greenfingers Charity, retailers now have a simple and commercially attractive way to help raise future funds for hospice gardens, while offering customers a stylish new addition to their indoor plant ranges.
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s fundraising such a success.
“From the amazing support shown on Floral Thursday to the generosity of exhibitors donating products and the beautiful artwork created by Kate Leach, the industry has once again come together in the most wonderful way.
“It was also lovely to see Ivyline launch its Pots with Purpose collection at the show, giving retailers a new way to support the Greenfingers Charity in the coming year.
“Every pound raised helps us to create and maintain more therapeutic gardens that allow children, families and hospice staff to spend meaningful time in surroundings that feel calm, natural and far removed from the clinical environment.
“These spaces support play, reflection and respite and we cannot thank the garden retail community enough for their kindness, enthusiasm and continued support.”
To find out more about the Greenfingers Charity and its work creating gardens for children’s hospices across the UK, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk.
You can also follow Greenfingers Charity on Instagram and LinkedIn (@GreenfingersCharity) for the latest news, fundraising events and inspiring stories.
Specsavers is donating £15,000 to the STV Children’s Appeal as it gets behind this year’s STV Children’s Appeal Challenge at the Kelpies.
As part of its sponsorship of the challenge, Specsavers is supporting the Appeal’s work with children and young people across Scotland, while also highlighting the importance of regular eye health checks.
STV presenters Laura Boyd and Sean Batty are preparing to take on this year’s challenge by making sure their eye health is in top form. The pair recently visited Specsavers Grangemouth for comprehensive eye tests and to speak to the store’s eye health experts about the importance of looking after their vision.
The duo will take on a team challenge at the Kelpies today (8 October 2026) to raise vital funds for the STV Children’s Appeal – although exactly what they will be up against is still under wraps.
With Laura and Sean preparing to put their skills to the test at one of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks, getting them challenge-ready was high on the agenda.
This year marks the first time Specsavers has sponsored the STV Children’s Appeal Challenge, with the £15,000 contribution supporting the Appeal and its work with children and young people affected by poverty across Scotland. Specsavers is also using its involvement to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye health checks.
Specsavers dispensing optician and Grangemouth store manager Joe Smith welcomed Laura and Sean to the locally owned and run store at La Porte Precinct.
More than 20 Specsavers colleagues from across the business, including Joe, will also take part in the Kelpies challenge on 8 October.
Laura Baird, Specsavers Scotland Chair, says: “It is a privilege to support this year’s STV Children’s Appeal Challenge. It’s such an invaluable cause, which raises funds for children and young people living in poverty across Scotland.
“We’re delighted to be supporting the Appeal with a £15,000 contribution as part of our sponsorship of this year’s challenge. With Specsavers stores and colleagues across Scotland, supporting a cause that makes a difference to children and young people in communities right across the country is incredibly important to us.
“We’re also pleased to be highlighting the importance of regular eye tests and giving Laura and Sean the opportunity to make sure their eyes are challenge-ready!”
Laura Boyd, TV presenter and entertainment reporter, says: “Every year, the STV Children’s Appeal Challenge is something I look forward to, and this year it’s been very much kept under wraps.
“We know it’s taking place at the Kelpies, but we’re not sure what this involves – no doubt there will be some nerves but plenty of excitement on the day.
“There’s also a bit of friendly competition between Sean and me, which will add another fun element to the day, and I’m sure our teams will quickly get into the spirit of it. Ultimately, though, the most important thing is raising awareness and much-needed funds for the fantastic STV Appeal.”
Sean Batty, TV presenter and meteorologist, adds: “This is the fifth challenge that Laura and I will be doing together, and I have a feeling it’s going to be very special. We’re looking forward to seeing what they have in store for us.
“It’s also great to have Specsavers on board this year as our official sponsor, and it was fantastic to visit Joe and his team at Grangemouth to make sure our sight was in perfect shape ahead of the challenge.
“Knowing that Specsavers is also supporting the Appeal with a £15,000 contribution makes it even more special, and we can’t wait to get involved in the challenge at the Kelpies.”
The STV Children’s Appeal has raised more than £39 million since it launched in 2011. In 2025, the Appeal raised more than £2.4 million, taking its total raised since launch to more than £39 million.
This year’s challenge will be unveiled on the show on Thursday 29 October and will reveal the fundraising total.
For more information, visit https://stvappeal.tv/https://www.specsavers.co.uk/
The Centre, Livingston has teamed up with its charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, CHAS, to give one lucky shopper the chance to win a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 HEV Summit in time for Christmas – marking the culmination of its 50th anniversary celebrations this year.
For the last four years the shopping centre has raised almost £20k for the charity, which provides the country’s only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.
Generous shoppers have been digging deep at everything from Elf Walks and fashion events to a film night and seasonal kids’ workshops.
To help raise even more awareness of the incredible work the charity does and raise vital funds, one lucky shopper will get the chance to win a brand-new car, which is located next to New Look – and just in time for Christmas!
Entry into the competition to win the car, which has been supplied by Western Chery, is £1, with all proceeds going to CHAS. The prize also includes 12 months road tax.
Entries close on the 10th December, with the winner being announced on the 11th December. Please see all Terms & Conditions at www.thecentrelivingston.com.
Gary Anderson, Operations Manager at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are delighted to be supporting CHAS this year, which is also a very special milestone for us as we mark the 50th anniversary of the shopping centre – and what better way to culminate our celebrations than to give away a car in time for Christmas.
“All proceeds raised in the competition will allow the charity to continue to provide specialist care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.”
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “The team at The Centre, Livingston and their wonderful shoppers have shown CHAS so much kindness over the years, and we’re incredibly grateful to be part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.
“This generous giveaway will help us be there for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, providing specialist care, comfort and opportunities to make precious memories together.
“Thank you to everyone making it possible and everyone who takes part. You’ll be helping families across Scotland when they need it most, with the chance of a very special Christmas surprise of your own!”
Having opened its doors in 2025 as Scotland’s first permanent, community-based support and wellbeing centre for those impacted by breast cancer, The House of Hope recently welcomed a number of Scotland Women players to learn about the nuances of what they do.
As well as delivering a breast cancer awareness clinic to the squad at Oriam, the charity played host to players Chloe Rollie, Evie Wills, Elliann Clarke and Alex Stewart to offer a peek behind the scenes at their Edinburgh headquarters.
As we enter Breast Cancer Awareness Month, House of Hope want to make it clear to women of all ages that checking your breasts for anything unusual is to be championed, in order that issues can be addressed at the earliest opportunity.
Breast cancer will affect 1 in 7 women in Scotland in their lifetime and by supporting the clinical work that exists, through emotional, practical and social support, House of Hope’s mission is to ensure that care is offered to anyone who might need it as they navigate their way through a breast cancer diagnosis.
Rosie Small, Breast Cancer Nurse Specialist at The House of Hope said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to run a breast health awareness session with Scottish Rugby, as part of our Hope in Your Hands campaign to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encourage people to ‘check your breasts’.
“Many young women lack confidence, or actually avoid examining their breasts, due to fear of what they might find, so it was good to chat with the team and talk about benign breast conditions as well as breast cancer and answer their questions around breast health.
“I hope it has given them the confidence to regularly examine themselves and empower them to seek medical advice if they notice any changes in their breasts.”
The House of Hope provides wellbeing classes, workshops, support groups, drop-in sessions and holistic therapies such as oncology massage and aromatherapy. It offers a safe haven for those impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis with a relaxing living room, bustling kitchen, bespoke yoga and pilates studio, hair and wig salon, counselling room, kids zone and bra fitting/styling lounge.
Scotland Women centre Evie Wills said: “It is just astounding. When we got a tour, there were rooms upon rooms and they’ve just thought of everything; you can really see why so many people come here.
“As athletes, we think we know our bodies well, but with these workshops we are checking things we’ve probably never checked before. We know what a tweaked hamstring looks like but we don’t necessarily know what a mass looks like in our breast, or any changes in our breasts.
“I just think everyone should support everyone, no matter what they’re going through.”
Scotland full-back Chloe Rollie added: “Being aware of the House of Hope charity is really important. It gives us a chance to use it if we ever have to, or if we know someone who is going through a life-changing experience like this, that we can point them in the right direction to find the support they need.”
Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs throughout October and if you would like to hear more about the work that House of Hope does, or wish to speak to them at any point, you can do so here.
Fresh Start, an Edinburgh-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families who are moving on from, or at risk of homelessness, are calling on the community to support those in need this Christmas, with several ways to get involved.
With 9,600+ households experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh this year, the power and generosity of community is more impactful than ever before.
This festive season, the best way to support Fresh Start’s services is to donate to its annual Cookers for Christmas Appeal, which raises funds for their White Goods service, providing essential appliances like cookers, washing machines and fridge/freezers for those in need.
Hoping to beat last year’s £31,000 total, Fresh Start asks individuals, businesses, and organisations across Edinburgh and beyond to support the Appeal and ensure everyone has a Happy Christmas this year.
Alongside their White Goods service, Fresh Start provides other essential services, including Starter Packs with household items, local food support through their Community Pantry, and cooking classes to promote healthy living on a budget. They help people rebuild their lives with dignity and a sense of community, offering practical assistance, support, and pathways to long-term stability.
Every donation, big or small, makes a huge difference for people like Sarah*, who was able to “start living like a real human being again” after receiving a cooker for her flat.
For families like the Hashimi’s*, receiving White Goods allowed them to “store and cook healthy homemade meals for our family again. It really has been such a big relief, helping us move on from the last few years, which have been a nightmare.”
Donations can be made via Fresh Start’s JustGiving page, or by cash, cheque or bank transfer, and will ensure families can cook hot meals over Christmas and throughout 2027. Get in touch with Fresh Start at admin@freshstartweb.org.uk or on 0131 476 7741 for more information on how to donate to the appeal.
If you’d like to support Fresh Start’s services more broadly this Christmas, you can also:
Everyone deserves a happy Christmas, and you can help make it happen, in a way that works for you – support Fresh Start this festive season and help those moving on from homelessness in Edinburgh to make a home for themselves.
Cookers For Christmas 2026 – JustGiving Page:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cookers-for-christmas-2026
https://www.freshstartweb.org.uk/ • Facebook • LinkedIn • Instagram
The team at Tesco Corstorphine Extra in Edinburgh has donated £100 to Scottish cancer charity Cancer Card, helping support a free health and wellbeing event for people affected by cancer, as well as their carers, families and friends.
The donation from the store was used by the Edinburgh-based charity to provide refreshments, including snacks, teas and coffees, at its Health & Wellbeing Event held at the James Watt Building at Heriot-Watt University on 23 August.
The event provided attendees, many of whom are undergoing active treatment or are in recovery, with access to valuable resources including guest speakers, practical advice and opportunities to connect directly with cancer charities and support services.
Visitors were able to browse a range of stalls offering support relevant to their individual needs, including nutritional guidance from The Rehab Dietitian, legal advice from Balfour + Manson, and hair loss support from Aderans Trend Co Wigs.
Cancer Card also welcomed a number of charities and support organisations, including Bowel Cancer UK, Macmillan and House of Hope, helping attendees access a wide range of information and advice.
The event also included several optional breakout sessions for attendees, including Look Good Feel Better, chair Pilates from Sano Yoga, Styling and Wellbeing from Pam Millan, and stories of strength shared by guest speakers.
Ian Pirrie, Chair of Cancer Card, said: “We bring together a wide range of support services to help those affected by cancer understand what support is available to them. We were delighted to collaborate with other fantastic cancer charities and support services to help make this event happen.
“A massive thank you to all the cancer support teams who attended and to Tesco for their generous donation.”
Deborah Brown, Community Champion at Tesco Corstorphine Extra, said: “Our team is hugely passionate about playing any part we can to support the fantastic charities found within our local community.
“Cancer affects so many people and their families, so we hope this donation helped Cancer Card deliver a valuable event for patients and their loved ones across Edinburgh.”
Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “Our stores work hard throughout the year to support their local communities through donations, so it is fantastic that the Edinburgh Corstorphine Tesco team has been able to support Cancer Card with its Health & Wellbeing Event.”
Leading UK fashion brand Neon Marl, has partnered with Edinburgh-based The House of Hope, Scotland’s first dedicated wellbeing centre for people impacted by breast cancer, to design a vibrant t-shirt to raise vital funds and awareness for those impacted by breast cancer.
Launched to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month (in October), the striking black and lilac design features two tigers grasping a heart, representing courage and strength, in Neon Marl’s distinct signature style.
Available online until the end of January, the House of Hope t-shirt will raise funds to ensure those impacted by breast cancer in Scotland can continue accessing fully funded support services, holistic treatments, exercise classes and wellbeing sessions.
Breast cancer is a cause close to Neon Marl founder Amber Reeson’s heart, as at just 13 she lost her beautiful mum Eileen to breast cancer, and recently supported her best friend through diagnoses and treatment.
Amber Reeson explains: “I’m very aware of the lasting mental, physical and emotional impact breast cancer has on those affected and their families.
“The success of Neon Marl has given me the platform to help raise funds for important breast cancer charities over the years. It’s a positive way for me to offer my love and support to those affected and I’m thrilled to be working with the House of Hope.
“Moving away from the traditional charity logo t-shirt, we wanted to create a piece that everyone could buy and wear with pride, whilst also looking amazing. You can also feel proud knowing that £10 from the sale of each t-shirt goes directly to The House of Hope.”
Amber has also designed an exclusive lilac version of the t-shirt, for the House of Hope community members and supporters, which will be showcased at the Strength In Style, fundraising fashion show and lunch in Edinburgh on Saturday 6th March.
The House of Hope Centre Manager, Hazel McLindon said: “We’re delighted with Amber’s designs and the response from our community has been incredible.
“We’re really proud of our partnership with Neon Marl and all of the funds raised will go directly into maintaining and enhancing the valuable wellbeing services we offer to those impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis.”
Visit neonmarl.co.uk to purchase a House of Hope t-shirt or log on to houseofhope.org.uk to find out more about the wellbeing services and fundraising opportunities at The House of Hope.
