Tag: Citadel Youth Centre

Edinburgh projects supercharged by National Lottery funding boost

Today (22nd October), 587 community groups across Scotland are celebrating a share of £19.3 million from The National Lottery Community Fund. The funding set to power up local projects comes as the National Lottery prepares to celebrate its 30th birthday next month.   

Across Edinburgh, 55 groups are picking up grants totalling £1.7 million. Among them are Citadel Youth Centre in Leith (£166,909), CHAI (£73,120) LifeCare in Stockbridge (£40,696) and Granton’s Empty Kitchens Full Hearts (£19,972).

A full list of awards is attached. 

From historic walled gardens to derelict playgrounds, some of the successful projects will help people reconnect with nature and each other.

They include Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden who receive £10,000 to host events and gardening sessions at this unique historic site.

Local people have campaigned for eleven years to save the abandoned medieval garden from commercial development. The last vestiges of a once grand estate (the 15th century castle collapsed in 1928), the garden itself had been neglected, for decades.

Like the plot from the beloved children’s novel “The Secret Garden”, Isla Brown led a group of local volunteers, to re-discover and to revive the lost garden of Granton.

“It was thrilling to finally have the keys. When we opened the gate the garden was completely covered with bindweed and brambles. It was so overgrown that it felt like walking into a small woodland, though the old paths remained clear enough to guide us through the wild.”

Isla and her team immediately set about reviving the Garden. 

“We’ve planted apple trees as part of our efforts to restore the garden’s fruit-growing heritage. As a botanist, I’ve identified and catalogued the wildflowers that naturally grow here and we make a concerted effort to ensure none are lost as we work to increase biodiversity.

“Bees and butterflies are also thriving in the garden. 

“It’s surprising how many people say they never knew the garden was here because it’s so hidden from view. It really is a secret garden. We also harvest produce from the garden and donate it to local organizations like Pilton Community Health Project and Fresh Start, who use the food for community meals.” 

The garden may have been lost in the twentieth century but a hundred and sixty years ago, the “lost Garden of Granton” was very much on the map. Isla said.

“We have records of tourists arriving by boat in Granton, staying at a nearby hotel, and visiting the garden. We even have a 17th-century doocot (dovecote) on the site.

“The first gardening manual published in Scotland, The Scots Gardner (1683), includes detailed instructions for setting up a kitchen garden. We’ve tried to follow some of those instructions ourselves, adding a historical twist to our modern gardening efforts. 

“Looking to the future, we’d love to plant more native flowers, like snowdrops and primroses, and continue caring for the lovely old roses that date back to the garden’s market garden era. This place has an incredibly rich history, and it’s delightful to see it coming back to life.” 

Mental health support charity Growing Matters also acquired a lease on an historic walled garden attached to Gilmerton House, an 18th-century estate in East Lothian.

Today, the charity receives an award of £10,100 to build a pond which they plan to supply with fresh water by restoring a historic well on the site. Once completed the pond will enhance the garden’s biodiversity and host pond dipping sessions for local children.

The once verdant Victorian garden had been left wild and neglected for decades. Once they got the keys in 2016 the group quickly set to work clearing the brambles and bringing the garden back to life. 

Gary Biggar, 59, is one of the volunteers helping to regenerate the garden. He said: “The garden has become a safe haven for many in the community.

“Our project offers a tranquil, non-judgmental space where people can reconnect with nature and build mental resilience. After the sessions, we gather for tea and cake and a chat. It’s a chance for people to come together and not feel isolated.” 

Gary like many of the volunteers loves learning about the history of the garden: “We discovered an old report from the Caledonian Horticultural Society, dating back to 1885. It detailed an apple and pear congress in Edinburgh where a gardener from Gilmerton presented a new apple variety, named Lady Kinloch, which was met with high praise. This suggests that the garden likely had an orchard in the past.” 

With a focus on sustainability the group have added several features to the garden including a herb garden, alongside vegetable plots, a polytunnel, a native tree forest and a bee area with six hives. They have also built an open-fronted craft shelter, where they host workshops in willow weaving and beekeeping. 

Commenting on the funding Gary said: “None of this would have been possible without the support of National Lottery funding.

“We celebrated this achievement with our community during our recent open day, marking the occasion with flags and festivities.” 

Disability charity, get2gether are another of the lucky groups. They have secured an incredible £195,000 to run social events, exercise classes and workshops for adults with disabilities.

The group works to reduce social isolation and increase the resilience, emotional wellbeing and self-determination of its members.  

Natalie aged, 37, regularly attends events hosted by the group. Natalie said: “Before joining get2gether I was stuck in a pretty lonely, confusing and isolated life.

“My life has changed in so many amazing ways since joining. I now have a supportive community around me where I’m seen as a whole person. get2gether gave me a safe space to learn who I am and recognise my worth.   

“Since joining get2gether I have gained some huge achievements that I never thought possible for me. I am now doing a college course. I never thought I’d be able to do that. The group has made me realise that I do have a future and a place in the world. I have so many good things to say about get2gether, it’s hard to get it across. It has changed my life.”  

Commenting on today’s funding from The National Lottery Community Fund Director of get2gether, Mojca Becaj said: “This funding enables us to continue creating inclusive and accessible social events that foster connections and empower adults with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

“Thanks to the Lottery funding, we can further enhance our members confidence and increase community engagement, making a real and lasting impact on our members’ lives.”  

The Royal Scots Regimental Trust were also recipients of funding, being awarded £2,982 to create an interactive exhibition in partnership with Hearts Football Club.

The exhibition will explore the local people including Hearts players who were impacted by the First World War. The exhibition will be held at Tynecastle in the European Suite and will support the football club’s 150th celebrations.

Colonel Martin Gibson OBE DL, Lead from The Royal Scots Museum Outreach Team came up with the idea for the project. “I was determined to reach out from our Regimental Museum in Edinburgh Castle to engage with the Edinburgh community, by telling the unique story of The Royal Scots 373 years of service. 

“Hosted by Hearts FC as part of the Club’s 150th Celebrations, our interactive exhibition focussed on soldiers stories, many who were from the local area. Visitors of all ages came along and were reminded of the close synergy between the Regiment and Hearts, originating from the outbreak of the Great War in 1914 when Hearts players were the first to be allowed to enlist, and the famous McRae’s Battalion was raised in Edinburgh. The National Lottery funding enabled our dedicated team of volunteers to design and produce real quality displays.” 

Retired Regimental Sergeant Major, Gordon Lumsden, 73, from West Lothian contributed to the exhibition.“I shared my military story with the really interested visitors who clearly enjoyed the exhibition experience.

“It was good to bring our story to the heart of where we used to recruit. I met several people from our former recruiting area whose family had served in The Royal Scots.”

Announcing the £19.3 million package of grants, Kate Still, Scotland Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “This November, the National Lottery celebrates its 30th birthday. For three decades, communities have come together, supporting one another and transforming lives through National Lottery funding—a truly inspiring achievement. 

“National Lottery players can take pride in knowing that their contributions have helped groups like get2gether and The Royal Scots Regimental Trust to support people to lead more fulfilling and connected lives.” 

National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. Thanks to them, last year (2023/24) The National Lottery Community Fund awarded over half a billion pounds (£686.3 million) of life-changing funding to communities across the UK, supporting over 13,700 projects to turn their great ideas into reality.  

TNLCF-October-2024-PRDownload

     

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk    

Not such a Happy New Year for Citadel as funding slashed

Local MSP slams ‘drastic and nonsensical cut in funding’

Funding award grants for voluntary sector organisations is invariably difficult – for cash-strapped councils there is never enough money available to meet ever-growing demands.

There are winners and losers, but the latest round of funding decisions has caused particular anguish for Leith’s Citadel Youth Centre, who have learned that their annual award will by slashed by a swingeing £125,000.

Citadel’s Willy Barr (above) explained: “The city council’s Education, Children and Families meeting that took place on Monday 18th December to recommend grant awards to third sector organisations across the city.

“In the lead up to their meeting the Committee had not published a table of grant awards as they normally do, instead they contacted us on the Monday afternoon to inform us we had been recommended for a “partial award” of 50% of what we applied for, equating to £50,000 per year. We had applied for the maximum capped amount of £100k to fund our work with children and young people.

“This news has come as a huge disappointment, as although we expected a cut from our current annual grant of £175,000 per year, this reduction of £125,000 has been way more than we anticipated and will now seriously impact on the services and supports we offer to the local community, many of whom are already impacted by poverty and related issues affecting their mental health and well-being.”

In an appeal for their support, Willie Barr raised his concerns over the scale of the cut with local MSP Ben Macpherson, MP Deidre Brock and Leith councillors, making them aware of the size of the disinvestment in the Citadel, and the potential implications this could have on local services for local children, young people and their families.

As well as contacting Citadel’s local Leith politicians Willy will also be pressing Council Leader Cammy Day – who was himself once a youth participation worker in North Edinburgh – to rethink the scale of the cut, which is due to come into effect from 1st April.

In total 68 community-based organisations will benefit from the Connected Communities Edinburgh Grant Programme 2024-27 which was approved by the Education, Children and Families Committee on Monday 18 December.

Organisations were invited to apply for a grant of £10k minimum and £100k maximum per year to one of three funding strands – Learning Outcomes, Health and Wellbeing and Youth Work.

Both NHS Lothian and Police Scotland also contributed funding to the awards.

Eighty nine applications were assessed with total bids totalling £16.7m over three years for an available budget of £10m.

This was carried out by trained assessors before going to a moderation panel consisting of the Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC), Lothian Association of Youth Clubs (LAYC) and an independent chair.

Sixty eight organisations had their bids approved either in full or partially with the new grants programme running from 1 April 2024 through to 31 March 2027.

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Convener for the Education, Children and Families Committee, said when the awards were announced: “The Connected Communities Edinburgh grants programme aims to support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and their families right across Edinburgh.

“The three different funding strands mean we can direct resources to deliver outcomes that best support those most impacted by poverty.

“This new programme is a really good example of partnership working at its best. We listened to third sector and voluntary organisations about their first-hand knowledge of what the need was in our communities and where funding should be directed.

“Getting to today’s decision has involved a lengthy and really robust assessment process and I want to thank everyone who has contributed. We will of course continue to monitor the progress of the funding over the coming three years to ensure the outcomes promised for our communities are being delivered.”

‘A really good example of partnership working at it’s best? Willie has pointed out concerns over the funding process:

Lack of Transparency:

“In the first instance, the whole process of applying for our grant has been suffered from a lack of transparency and has had a feeling of secrecy about it.

“There has been no consultation with us or the wider sector, similar to what has happened in previous years. Instead, there has been a short briefing opportunity for organisations to attend, facilitated by L.A.Y.C. and E.V.O.C. who have both been paid £120,000 and £100,000 respectively from the grant fund. (No application from them required!)

“Although this is public funds, there is still a refusal to share information about who has been awarded a grant and how much they are recommended to receive. This veil of secrecy surrounding this committee’s business doesn’t feel like an open democratic process.

“If you check the practice of other committees, such as the 5th December Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, which published a full list of agencies recommended (and not) for No One Left Behind funding prior to the meeting (pp106-107)

https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/g7026/Public%20reports%20pack%2005th-Dec-023%2010.00%20Housing%20Homelessness%20and%20Fair%20Work%20Committee.pdf?T=10)

Lack of Impact Assessment:

“By the Committee’s own admission, there has been no impact assessment carried out on their decisions relating to these grant proposals.

Apparently, any impact assessment process will take place once organisations are told the level of their award which seems a bit late to me. What is really lacking is asking for an impact assessment specifically focusing on the implications of withdrawing financial support from organisations in a sudden manner.

“There may be ways the city council could support organisations in a way to avoid drastic service cuts, or even closure, by a graded reduction in funds.

(note that this goes against one of the central recommendations from the Lessons Learned from previous third-party grant processes that “An Equalities and Rights Impact Assessment should be completed prior to the report going to Committee so that Members are able to make decisions that take account of that information and recommendations for action.” (3.26)

Willie concluded: “Our normal activity for everyone at the Citadel at the start of any new year is around planning and positive thoughts about what opportunities lie ahead, but to be honest, I anticipate this decision will have a huge impact on current morale.”

Urging a rethink, local MSP Ben Macpherson appealed to funders ‘to reconsider this drastic and nonsensical sudden cut in funding, which will negatively affect a well-known respected and impactful organisation’.

Leith MP Deidre Brock said: ““I’m very concerned by this news. A funding cut of this size will have profound effects on the ability of the Citadel Youth Centre to continue to provide anything like the level of amazing services and support to vulnerable individuals and families in Leith they provide now.

“I find it shocking there has been no dialogue with any of the organisations involved, no impact assessment of the consequences of this cut in funding and by the wholesale lack of transparency throughout the grant process.

“This will, I greatly fear, have long term impacts and consequences wider than the organisations involved, impacting communities already reeling from Westminster Tory cuts.”

The Spirit of Leithers Facebook page also commented: “We try not to do current affairs too much on the Spirit of Leithers page, but come on CEC – the Citadel Youth Centre has been a Leith institution for decades.

“It is a shocking blow for Leith and many individuals and groups in the community. This project has supported so many Leithers over decades by delivering a superb service and saving the Council significant funding as a result of its preventative and direct work.

“I hope we will hear much more about the thinking behind this and a change of heart from City of Edinburgh Council.”

Dockside contractor to support community groups over next three years

McAleer & Rushe supports Citadel Youth Centre

McAleer & Rushe has announced a three-year commitment to community groups in Edinburgh as part of its Dockside project, a neighbourhood of at least 338 build-to-rent homes where Goodstone Living is the developer and investment manager.

Each year McAleer & Rushe will provide a monetary donation to a community group or charity as well as ongoing support and engagement throughout the year.

The first organisation to be chosen in the Design & Build Contractor’s three year plan is Citadel Youth Centre, which has been providing community based youth work in Leith since 1980, and will receive a £5,000 donation.

As well as funding day trips for Mums and toddlers, new equipment and a Wellbeing Festival, the financial investment will support a number of the charity’s employability schemes including new laptops and personal PPE for young people entering their first new job.

This initiative from McAleer & Rushe will complement Goodstone Living’s social value strategy for the waterfront scheme, which will deliver over £2m worth of socio-economic benefits for the local community – including the creation of 60 jobs – as well as the construction of over 1.3 acres of new public realm space.

Commenting on the partnership Paul Marlow, Project Director at McAleer & Rushe said, “We are incredibly proud to be supporting Citadel Youth Centre who through their hard work and dedication are helping people within the local community via a range of programmes and educational opportunities. 

“As a company we are committed to making a positive impact to the communities in which we work to bring wider community benefits and create social value for those living in the local area and this project in Edinburgh is just one example of this.

“Enriching so many lives in the Leith community, Citadel Youth Centre really inspires and supports a range of young people from 6-18 shaping lives for the better, guiding young people into employment and making a real difference with the community.”

Willy Barr from Citadel Youth Centre said: “We would like to thank Paul and all the team at McAleer & Rushe for all of their help and support.

“The money that they have kindly donated will help us to continue to be able to deliver our youth programmes, educational schemes, family support groups and intergenerational work and will really make a difference to those in the community that use our services.”

Lee Hawkins, Construction Director, Goodstone Living, said: “Together, Goodstone Living and McAleer & Rushe will be delivering long-lasting benefits to the Leith community, with direct support for local people as well as the charities and key stakeholders making an impact here.

“In addition to the supply of high-quality and much needed rental housing, we are committed to the creation of jobs, skills and learning in a sustainable manner.”

As the nights draw in …

Heart of Newhaven’s October newsletter

All about project updates …


Our friendship benches are now being decorated!

On October 8th, a group of older and younger people  from the New Spin intergenerational project at the Citadel will decorate the first of our six friendship benches, all of which have been made by Mens Shed.

The New Spin group will be working with local artist Johnathan Elders to create patterns for the backs of the bench. Further benches will be decorated in further sessions, so each will be unique. The project is being run with the help of Thrive, to celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10th October.

Fruit tree planting in Victoria Park

Our Greening Team have been busy with plans for the area and pupils from Trinity High and Trinity Primary Schools will be helping to plant some young fruit trees in Victoria Park this winter to enhance the area, by adding beauty, interest and biodiversity.

There are already a couple of small trees in situ, so those will be added to, to create a mini orchard. The trees will be Scottish heritage fruit trees, specially chosen for the site, and will include apple, pear and plum. 

Each one will have its own protective cage, provided by Edinburgh City Council, and the pupils will learn from a Royal Botanic Gardens representative how best to plant and care for them.

We hope to work on more tree-planting and wilding projects in the future, not just in the parks but in the more built-up parts of our neighbourhood, where urban nature needs some encouragement. 

 Keep abreast of the latest news on our Greening Page

Environment Page


And more on green issues

The Heart of Newhaven Community was assessed by It’s Your Neighbourhood, part of the Keep Scotland Beautiful charity recently, and despite it only being the first year of our association with them, we have scored a Level 3, (out of five) which means we are “advancing”.

The score was helped by having achieved our goal of funding from the Scottish Land Fund to acquire the site, as well as successfully engaging with a variety of local communities and groups. Well done everyone involved. The next level is “thriving” and the top level is “outstanding”. How long will it be?

Forth Reflections

On October 22nd from 2pm – 4 pm we are collaborating with an exhibition in the main entrance to Ocean Terminal called ‘Forth Reflections and Expressions of Wellbeing’. The event is being organised in conjunction with the Edinburgh Wellbeing PACT and the Forth/Edinburgh Shoreline Project.

Conceived during the dark days of winter lockdown this project is the passionate responses of well over a hundred different people to a part of the Forth coast that is special to them.

A long storyline of enmeshed crafted memories and visions of the Forth has emerged, linking the Fife, Edinburgh and East Lothian coasts, biodiversity, people and communities.

Each participant expressed their response to their chosen 1km of coast on a calico square and many people have focused on the coast’s local history and wildlife, its beauty and diversity and the many species and memories that have been and are still being lost. While frustration and anger can be seen in many pieces about marine and intertidal pollution, there is also heartfelt hope for the future.

We hope that as many people as possible will call in and have a chat. Not only will it be an opportunity to talk to us about our plans for the Heart in general but we also want to have conversations about wellbeing and what it means to each of us in our community. As inspiration we will be displaying a selection of the calico squares created by local people.

Call in to see the display and have a chat.

Keep watching our website and social media platforms for the latest news, as we await the move of Victoria Primary School pupils to their new home and the handover of the keys for the site from Edinburgh City Council to the Heart.

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