Tag: Children and Families

£857,000 investment creates sport and physical activity opportunities for Edinburgh’s young people

Children and young people aged three to 26 will be able to take part in a range of free and low-cost activities thanks to funding from the Summer of Sport initiative in partnership with sportscotland.

Inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the programme aims to encourage more children and young people to get active, try new sports and enjoy the physical, social, and mental wellbeing benefits of participation.

Delivered by the Council, Edinburgh Leisure, the University of Edinburgh, local sports clubs and community organisations, the funding supports free and subsidised holiday and regular activities that began during the summer holidays and are taking place until the end of March 2027.

This includes swimming, tennis, football, rugby and opportunities for children and young people with additional support needs. It will also expand community sport programmes, provide more opportunities in areas experiencing higher levels of poverty, and support young people who are care experienced, unaccompanied, or learning English.

Investment will also help develop the city’s sport and physical activity workforce through new coaching opportunities, qualifications, and training. The investment includes a £170,000 grant for local sports clubs and community organisations to deliver activities for young people at greater risk of poverty.

Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “This is a great opportunity for children and young people to get active, try something new like lawn bowling or cricket and enjoy the benefits of taking part in sport.

“Through the Summer of Sport programme, we’re working with partners across Edinburgh to provide more free and affordable opportunities that are inclusive, accessible, and shaped around the needs of local communities.

“This investment will help more young people take part in sport, while also strengthening local partnerships, developing skills and creating a lasting legacy beyond the summer.”

Cllr James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to be active, build confidence and develop new skills, and cost shouldn’t be a barrier to that.

“By working with schools, community organisations, and sports clubs across Edinburgh, we’re creating more opportunities for children and young people to stay active, make new friends and discover sports they can continue to enjoy for years to come.”

Perrotine Orr, Operations Director of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “This investment is helping us create more opportunities for children and young people across Edinburgh to take part in sport and physical activity, regardless of their background or circumstances.

“We have already seen strong engagement throughout the summer, and the real opportunity now is to build on that momentum over the coming months.

“By continuing to provide free and affordable activities until March 2027, we can help more young people develop confidence, make connections, improve their wellbeing and establish healthy habits that last a lifetime.”

Further information about activities and how to take part will be available on the Council website and the Edinburgh Leisure website.

Collective Gala on Calton Hill

Collective Gala is a free family-friendly day of celebration with creative activities for all ages. Explore newly commissioned artworks and performance by Scottish artists, join behind-the-scenes tours, shop with local makers, and enjoy creative play sessions for children.

The day will culminate in a celebratory procession inspired by Gala traditions. Saturday, 5th of September, from 11 am to 4.30 pm. FREE ENTRY! 😊

Where? At Collective Gallery on Calton Hill

Tomorrow: Storytime for under-5s

DRUMBRAE LIBRARY HUB at 11am

Join us for under 5s story time this Friday at 11:00 am, to listen to lots of stories about ice-cream!

We’ll read some stories, do a simple craft and colouring. 🍧🍦

Come along to have some fun!

🍦See you then!!

PYCP: The return of Chat and Chill!

🎉We’re delighted to let you know that our popular Chat and Chill sessions are returning.

No sign up required. Just pop in on Wednesday’s between 12noon and 1.30pm from 9th September for some lunch and a chat ☕

Children under 5 are welcome but they must be supervised at all times.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2 weeks.

#pycp

#Chat&Chill

Countdown is on to Drylaw’s Harvest Festival

🌾 10 days to go until our Harvest Festival!

We’re looking forward to welcoming you all to Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday 5th September, 11am–2pm for an afternoon of food, activities and things to see and do.

There’ll be plenty happening throughout the day, including:

🍎 Apple picking and apple pressing

🌱 Garden activities with Trudi and our volunteers

🌿 Garden plant sale

🍲 Tummies Not Trash stall and a free lunch from the Scran Van

🚲 Dr Bike activities

🎨 NGS Cargo Bike art activities

🧚‍♀️ Craft stall, henna artist, face painting and temporary tattoos

🎟 Tombola and bake sale

🥁 Drumming with Moving Music

⚽ Football activities with Spartans

🏰 Bouncy castle

🎵 Musical statues with Bev

…and more!

The event is free to attend, so bring along family, friends and neighbours and spend some time in the garden with us!

📅 Saturday 5th September

⏰ 11am–2pm

📍 Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Creative sessions for children at North Edinburgh Arts

Our creative sessions for local children are back this week after the summer break! Let’s get messy, move, and make things together.

⭐CREATE (ages 0–5, with parents/carers)

Thursdays 10am–12pm & Saturdays 10.30am–12.30pm | Starts 27 August

A hands-on, messy-play art experience for our youngest artists and their grown-ups, using low-cost materials you can easily recreate at home.

⭐Saturday Arts & Dance (ages 5–12)

Saturdays 10.30am–12.30pm | Starts 29 August

A relaxed morning of art-making, games, movement and play, split into two age groups (5–7 and 8–12).

Both sessions are completely free and run during term time, for families living in Muirhouse, Pilton, Granton & Drylaw. Healthy snacks are provided.

Places are first-come, first-served, so we’d recommend arriving in good time to avoid disappointment. Registration is required (but if you’ve already signed up earlier, no need to do it again)

Visit our website for more details or get in touch with us:

https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/whats-on

*Please note there will be no sessions on Saturday 5 September due to the NEA building closure for essential works.

📷Images by Olly Benton: Creative sessions at the North Edinburgh Community Festival 2026

Fewer than one in five people in Scotland are confident young people would tell police if they knew someone was carrying a knife

Less than one in five people in Scotland (18%) are confident that young people in their local area would share information with the police if they knew someone was carrying a knife, according to new UK-wide research from YouGov commissioned by charity Crimestoppers.

The research also found people in Scotland are more than twice as confident young people locally would share that information with an anonymous service (43%).

The findings raise concerns that vital information about knife crime could be going unreported, despite the devastating impact serious violence has on victims, families and communities.

While the YouGov research found confidence in young people sharing information about knife crime with police is low across Scotland, the research suggests anonymity could make a significant difference.

More than 2 in 5 (43%) of people in Scotland said they were confident young people locally would share information with an anonymous service, highlighting the important role anonymous reporting can play in helping young people share information safely.

Fear of retaliation also remains a significant barrier. More than four in ten (44%) people in Scotland cite fear of retaliation if they report crime as a reason they might not report information about crime to the police, among a range of options.

The regional findings come as Crimestoppers launches a new campaign through its youth service, Fearless.org, after the research also revealed a significant reporting gap among young people.

UK-wide, just 31% of UK 16 to 25-year-olds say they would be very likely to report information about knife crime directly to the police, compared with 45% of adults*.

The findings challenge the perception that young people are unwilling to help tackle knife crime. Instead, they suggest fear, mistrust and uncertainty are preventing many from speaking up, even when they may have information that could help prevent serious violence – for example, 41% of 16-25s say fear of retaliation is a barrier that could stop them sharing information about knife crime with the police, while 28% say lack of trust in the police could stop them.

The campaign features the story of Charlie Cosser, who was tragically murdered in 2023 after being stabbed while trying to protect a friend.

Charlie’s father, Martin Cosser, is now working with Fearless to encourage young people to understand that anonymously sharing information about knife crime could help prevent future tragedies and save lives.

Watch our exclusive campaign launch video here.

Martin Cosser, Charlie’s father and co-founder of Charlie’s Promise, said: “No family should have to experience the heartbreak ours has endured. We know fear can stop people speaking up, but one piece of information can make all the difference. I hope this campaign helps young people understand they can share what they know anonymously and potentially save someone’s life.”

Fearless is Crimestoppers’ dedicated youth service, providing young people with trusted information about crime, personal safety and the law, alongside a safe and completely anonymous way to pass on information about crime.

Independent of the police, Fearless.org never ask for a name or any details that could identify the person making the report.

The research also found that only 32% of people in Scotland are aware that Crimestoppers reporting service is completely anonymous. Furthermore, only 34% realise they are independent from the police.

Through this campaign, the charity hopes more young people will understand there is a safe, anonymous way to share information that could help prevent knife crime and protect others.

Anyone with information about knife crime or other serious criminal activity can contact Fearless anonymously by visiting Fearless.org.

Views sought on phone restrictions in schools

Legislation to protect pupils’ education and wellbeing

Pupils, parents and teachers are among those being encouraged to share their views about restricting phones in schools with the launch of a public consultation today.

The Scottish Government’s consultation will inform the development of legislation to restrict phone use in schools, given concerns about the harmful effect on pupils’ education and wellbeing. Views are sought on the extent, scope and potential impact of any restrictions, as well as any possible exemptions.

Updated guidance, published in June, already encourages schools to restrict the use of phones during teaching and learning time as a minimum while the proposed mandatory legal restrictions are being developed.

The consultation has been published alongside practical guidance for parents to keep their children safe online and manage their screen time – with the advice being posted from today on Scottish Government social media channels.

Speaking ahead of a visit to Perth Grammar School, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Smartphones are a fact of modern life, and it is important that we equip the next generation with the necessary skills, knowledge and resilience to thrive.

“However, the evidence of the risks that phones can pose to young people is compelling – from disruption to education, sleep and wellbeing, to more severe harms including bullying, harassment and radicalisation.

“The Scottish Government is treating this as a public health issue. We are publishing content from today about how parents can help keep their children safe online, alongside surveys to seek views on what more can be done to support families.

“We have already used guidance to encourage headteachers to restrict the use of phones, but we know teachers, parents, carers and pupils want a consistent approach across Scotland. That’s why national legislation is important.

“This consultation gives children, young people, parents and carers, school staff and education authorities the opportunity to share their views on what this legislation should look like.”

Consultation on restricting mobile phones in Scotland’s schools 

Utilita expands its popular Summer Sustainability Clubs beyond the school holidays

Inspiring local youngsters to become the next generation of eco-champions

Utilita is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Summer Sustainability Club, a free programme of fun, hands-on activities for children and families, taking place across all 12 of its high street Energy Hubs.

Designed to inspire the next generation of eco-champions, the Summer Sustainability Club blends creativity, education and play to help children understand sustainability in an engaging and accessible way.

The initiative builds on Utilita’s award-winning High 5 campaign, which encourages households to adopt simple, everyday behaviours to save energy, reduce waste and lower bills.

Children and families visiting the Leith Utilita Energy Hub at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA will be able to take part in a series of free sustainability-themed activities throughout the summer. 

Next up, youngsters will be able to take part in the following interactive sessions:  

  • Friday, 28 August 12-3pm: Energy and Saving Power at Home

Through interactive games, activities and discussions, children and families will discover what’s wasting electricity in the home and learn practical ways to reduce energy consumption and save money.  

  • Friday, 4 September 12pm-3pm: Food Waste

This engaging session will explore ways to waste less food through interactive discussions and activities. Participants will also take part in a fun “grow your own pumpkin” task, encouraging sustainable food habits from an early age.

Natasha Baillie, Hub Supervisor in Leith, said: ” The school holidays will no doubt have been an expensive time for many families. Keeping children entertained, managing household costs and, during the warmer months, trying to keep homes comfortable can all put added pressure on family budgets.

“That’s why we’re proud to offer free activities that give children the chance to learn, create and have fun, while parents and carers can access practical support and advice on saving energy and reducing household bills.

“Our Summer Sustainability Clubs have proven to be very popular, helping to bring the community together and showing that small changes at home can make a real difference to both the environment and household finances.”

A key part of the programme is the support and expertise provided by Utilita’s Energy Hub Eco Experts, who are on hand to guide families through each activity, offer practical advice and share simple ways to reduce energy use at home. These specialists play a vital role in helping communities build sustainable habits, ensuring that lessons learned during the workshops can be carried into everyday life.

The Summer Sustainability Club reinforces Utilita’s commitment to community engagement, education and environmental responsibility. By combining hands-on learning with real-world advice, the initiative aims to empower families to make small, meaningful changes that contribute to a more sustainable future.

All activities are free to attend and open to children of all ages. 

For more information about Utilita’s energy-saving advice or the High 5 campaign, visit your local Energy Hub or go to www.utilita.co.uk.

Welcome to School backpacks for all P1 children next year

Providing every child with the best start to school

Around 47,000 children starting Primary One in the next academic year, 2027-28, will be the first to receive a Welcome to School backpack in a variety of colours, to help them start school feeling excited, supported and ready to learn.

Procurement of the first bags is now underway following engagement with children, families and teachers to ensure they provide the practical contents and equipment that will help cut the cost for families as children start school.

The bags will be lightweight, made of durable, recycled materials, have multiple versatile compartments and pockets, reflective piping for safety, and space for name tags and a window in which children can place a drawing to personalise their backpack. Each one will contain:

  • a pencil case
  • stationery including pens, pencils, coloured crayons and a notebook
  • a water bottle
  • resources to encourage reading, writing and maths practice at home

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan met children at Orbiston Community Hub in North Lanarkshire, who will be among the first to receive the bag, to work on designs they could personalise their bag with.

Ms McAllan said: “Every child and family should feel excited and ready for their first day of school, which is why the Scottish Government is offering Primary Ones their very own Welcome to School Bag, filled with things to help them learn.

“We worked with children, families and teachers to create the design and ensure it provides what a child needs as they take their first steps into school life.

“Building on the success of the Baby Box, alongside the School Clothing Grant, Best Start Grant School Age Payments, breakfast clubs and free school meals, the Welcome to School Bag will help ensure that no child’s start to school is determined by their family’s financial circumstances.

“This is an essential component of our determined focus to eradicate child poverty, which is why we have prioritised work during the first 100 days of Government to ensure the first bags reach children by the time they start school next year.”