Come along on Monday to our breakfast café, 9 – 10:30am for some tasty hot filled rolls and hot drinks.
We also have lunch on from 11:30am – 12:30pm. A firm favourite – baked potatoes on the menu!
The Monday Café is open to everyone, and all meals are free; a small donation is appreciated if you are able.
COST OF LIVING CRISIS – PUBLIC MEETING
SUNDAY 5 JULY at 4pm – ST AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH
Menu for Friday the 3rd of July 
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and a delicious pudding.
What’s on the menu today:
Root veg soup
Tuscan bean chicken stew
Veggie haggis pasta
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!
Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!
Summer Breakfast Club is back at the hub!
Cereal, fruit, snacks and drinks available 10-12 every Mon to Sat during the summer holidays!
This year we’ve joined forces with the North Edinburgh Arts team to deliver this and a whole programme of family events and activities!
Menu for Friday 26th June
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and a delicious pudding.
What’s on the menu today:
Broccoli soup
Mexican beef stew with rice
Veggie haggis curry with rice
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens.
And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!
Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!
ALL FAMILIES can enjoy children’s meals in restaurants and days out for less from today as the Great British Summer Savings tax cut goes live today.
With every family set to benefit, the scheme will see VAT cut from 20% to 5% on eligible activities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. This tax cut will help families enjoy weekend treats, days out, and day trips that make the most of the summer.
Meanwhile, the scheme will support businesses by generating additional summer footfall. Businesses up and down the country have confirmed their involvement in Great British Summer Savings, including some of Britain’s most prominent attractions and eateries.
Picturehouse, Everyman Cinemas, Vue, Butlin’s, Wetherspoons, Shepherd Neame pubs, McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King are among the businesses that have made the commitment to pass on these savings to customers since the Chancellor held a roundtable with major leisure and hospitality companies last week.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The cost of living isn’t just about paying the bills, it’s about being able to afford the moments that matter with your family.
“Whether it’s a trip to the cinema, a day out together or family meal, too many parents have had to hold back because of pressure on household budgets – that’s why we’re slashing VAT on family days out this summer.”
Haven Holidays is also participating and expects to give up to £5 million back to families across their 39 parks during the scheme. Families will benefit whether they have already booked their holiday or book in the coming weeks.
In addition to passing on the reduction in VAT on their kids’ menus, Haven holidaymakers who purchase the Play Pass as part of their booking will receive a £7.50 voucher for each child. These vouchers can be redeemed against any of the many activities available on its parks.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “I know the cost of living is a number one concern for families, and it can be even harder over the summer holidays when kids want to do things and money is tight. So we’re making it that bit easier for families to make memories together and enjoy the little treats – while giving a boost to businesses across the UK.
“This comes on top of support we’ve already put in place including freezing fuel duty, taking off £117 off energy bills, and freezing prescriptions and rail fares.
“We are able do this because we have the right economic plan, resulting in the UK having the fastest growing economy in the G7.”
Prices will be slashed for:
Lyn Goleby, Founder and Chair of Picturehouse, said: “I cannot think of a simpler and more accessible way to bring some affordable treats into family life this summer.
“We’re looking forward to a summer of family cinema that is super charged in every way except price.”
Simon Palethorpe, CEO of Haven, said: “Summer is a time for making memories, and that’s why we’re giving back up to £5 million to our guests and owners as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative.
“We know household budgets remain under pressure, and we want to help our holidaymakers enjoy more of what matters – whether that’s a hole-in-one on the Crazy Golf, a leap of faith off The Jump tower or another shot to hit the bullseye in the Archery.”
A Butlin’s spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to support the Great British Summer Savings initiative by passing on the temporary VAT reduction where eligible.
“Families visiting our resorts will enjoy savings on Day Visits and children’s meals across a range of our dining venues during the campaign period.”
A little taste of sunshine is coming your way this Monday!
With the sun hopefully shining, we’ve got a lovely sunny lunch planned for you all.
Join us for a delicious Italian lemon spaghetti with garlic bread, followed by some homemade banana muffins for dessert.
Lunch is served 11:30am – 12:30pm
You’re welcome to sit in and enjoy a chat, or grab a takeaway to enjoy at home.
Free for everyone – we’d love to see you!
And don’t forget, breakfast is on as usual too! 
Hot rolls and drinks from 9:00am – 10:30am
TACKLING LONELINESS
Projects supporting people most at risk of social isolation and loneliness have had their funding extended until March 2027.
A total of £1.05 million will help 52 organisations provide group and community activities, warm spaces, and opportunities for people to come together for a meal or other activities, aimed at older people, carers, disabled people and young parents.
This includes the Grampian Hospitals Art Trust providing arts and crafts to patients and their loved ones, Down’s Syndrome Scotland to support their social activities, such as last week’s summer prom for children and families, and the Big Hearts Community Trust in Edinburgh to host gatherings for older people and carers.
Other local beneficiaries of the funding iinclude Pilton Community Health Project, Edinburgh Tool Library, Pilmeny Development Project and Leith’s Living Memories Association.
Marking the end of Loneliness Awareness Week, Equalities Minister Simita Kumar said: “Loneliness can affect anyone and the cost-of-living crisis has increased isolation for many, including young people, carers and disabled people. Our funding will allow organisations to extend their projects, keeping people connected during this challenging time.
“I thank the organisations who are providing this vital support to people across Scotland, ensuring that people feel warmth and connection in their communities and can access important support networks.”
Launched in August 2023, funding through the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund will culminate in March 2027 with over £3.8 million having been invested and at least 20,000 people supported.
Grampian Hospitals Art Trust Art and social activities for people in NHS settings
Grampian Society for the Blind, operating as North East Sensory Services (NESS) Social groups and activities for people with a visual impairment
Mearns & Coastal Healthy Living Network Health, wellbeing and social activities for older people
Cowal Elderly Befrienders SCIO Befriending and social activities for older people, people with dementia
Helensburgh Lunch Club Lunch club for older people
North Argyll Carers Centre Social activities indoors/outdoors for unpaid carers (young and older). Intergenerational elements
Parent to Parent Ltd Peer social support groups for parents
Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise Walking football for older people
Contact Point in East Dunbartonshire SCIO Social club and café for older people, disabled people and those with long term health conditions
Carers Link East Dunbartonshire Café and social outings for carers
Home-Start East Lothian Volunteer befriending for isolated families
Our Community Kitchen Lunches and activities for older people, disabled people and those with mental health conditions
Stepping Out Range of indoor and outdoor activities for people with mental health conditions
Big Hearts Community Trust Social gatherings and activities for older people and carers. Volunteering.
Edinburgh Tool Library Group build project and volunteering for people from the LGBT+ community
Pilmeny Development Project Creative arts, health and wellbeing activities and refreshments for older people
Pilton Community Health Project Social indoor and outdoor activities for men and women
Care for Carers Small group breaks for unpaid carers
The Living Memory Association Range of group activities for health and wellbeing for older people
Denny Community Support Group Range of indoor and outdoor social and group activities for older, younger, families, recovery.
Freedom Of Mind Community Choir Choir singing
Abbey Church of Dunfermline Creative arts for people with dementia
Fife Society for the Blind aka Seescape Befriending, group sessions and drop ins for people with a visual impairment
The Linda Tremble Foundation (trading as SupportED) 1:1 befriending and support groups for people with eating disorders
Easthall Residents Association Men, women and single mothers (3 groups) – a range of indoor and outdoor activities
Gilded Lily Inspiring Enterprise CIC Craft and chat for women (BAME, refugee, asylum)
Maryhill Integration Network Choir for women of all backgrounds
The Urban Roots Initiative Lunch club for older people
The Well Multi-Cultural Resource Centre 1:1 support, toddler parent groups, ESOL, lunches and activities for women and children
Woodlands Community Development Trust Community café, activities, information, cooking for all age groups
Glasgow Association for Mental Health Wellbeing and social activities for young people aged 16-25 with mental health conditions
Glasgow Disability Alliance Digital connections for disabled people
Home-Start Glasgow South Community club for parents/carers with young families
British Deaf Association Providing information and support to the deaf community, online and in person
Project Ability Creative arts for disabled people
Down’s Syndrome Scotland Social face to face activities for people with Downs Syndrome
The National Autistic Society Online and face to face group sessions for people with autism
ENABLE Scotland Community based (indoor and outdoor) activities for people with a learning disability
Good Morning Project Limited (known as Good Morning Service) Telephone befriending for older people
Caithness Voluntary Group Befriending; mens group for older, disabled adults
Inverness Foodstuff Social lunches for homeless and other vulnerable people
Merkinch Partnership Ltd Developing a working group with lived experience to support others affected by SIAL
Scottish Men’s Sheds Association Develop and support Mens Sheds across the Highlands and Islands
Inverkip Community Initiative Community resource for a range of groups; access to chat, tea/coffee, internet, jobs information and signposting
Tagsa Uibhist Training, community walks and community social events for older people affected by dementia.
Cunninghame MS Drop-In Centre Social lunches, activities and trips for people with MS
Beith Community Development Trust Telephone befriending and social get togethers for older people
Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health (LAMH) Wellbeing activity classes for people with mental health conditions and older people, disabled people.
Sanday Afternoon Club Community meals, activities and outings for older people
Letham4All SCIO Community groups and activities for older people, parents with young children, young people
Lochside Neighbourhood Group Social meals and activities/info for older people with low income
Forth Community Resource Centre Steering Group Activity cafés for older people, living on own, carers.
New parents in Lothian could be missing out on free support to help with the cost of everyday baby essentials.
Britain’s biggest discounter is continuing to give away a £100 Aldi voucher to one family every week as part of its Mamia New Parent Fund, to be used on everything from nappies and wipes to toiletries.
It comes as new Aldi analysis reveals parents who choose Mamia nappies, baby wipes and formula could save over £550 during their baby’s first year compared with leading branded equivalents*.
Since the initiative launched earlier this year, Aldi has already gifted thousands of pounds in vouchers to parents across the UK.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “The reality is that the costs don’t stop once you’ve bought the pram and decorated the nursery – it’s the everyday essentials that really add up week after week for parents.
“When you’re suddenly buying supplies like nappies and baby wipes alongside your normal shop, even small savings can make a meaningful difference over the course of a year.
“That’s exactly why we continue to invest in keeping everyday baby essentials affordable through our Mamia range, while our New Parent Fund is another way we’re helping families during those early years.”
New parents in Scotland who want to apply for Aldi’s Mamia New Parent Fund should email mamiaparentfund@aldi.co.uk with a receipt showing their latest Mamia purchase. One family will be chosen each week throughout 2026 to receive a £100 voucher to spend in any UK Aldi store.
For full terms and conditions, visit: https://www.aldipresscentre.co.uk/terms-and-conditions-for-aldis-mamia-new-parent-fund-the-prize-draw/
Aldi was named Supermarket of the Year by Mother&Baby, confirming that families can trust Aldi to deliver unbeatable value across their entire shop.
Islamic Relief UK will be working with over 40 local partners, from this week as part of the religious festival of Qurbani to deliver food packs to vulnerable families and individuals affected by the country’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.
More people throughout the country are struggling with the cost-of-living, and pressure is starting to build up against local charities and foodbanks as demand rises. According to Islamic Relief UK’s recent survey, over a quarter (28%) of their local partners have had to turn people away as they cannot keep up with the intensifying demand. Now with the added impact of the Middle East crisis, the economic situation will only further push more families into poverty.
Qurbani is one of the most important months of the Islamic calendar, as Muslims across the UK donate what they can to those struggling to afford food for their families.
This year, Islamic Relief is working partners throughout the UK, in cities such as London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Leicester, Burnley, Cambridge, Glasgow, Exeter and more, and will be working with local charities, food banks, mosques and football clubs to deliver for those who need it most.
Nadeem Baqir, UK programme manager for Islamic Relief UK said: “This Qurbani should be a time for us all to reflect on the most vulnerable. Far too many families across the country are struggling with the cost of food, and too often we hear reports from our local partners about parents who must go without to make sure their children can eat.
“But at the same time, we can see communities pulling together and looking after each other, just like our wonderful partners, who provide food to those who cannot afford it, even as they themselves are put under increasing pressure as the number of people in need rises.
“As more families struggle to make ends meet, there is a clear need for government action to ensure the support families receive is sufficient to help them afford their essential needs and prevent more households from falling into poverty.”
