Tag: Cyrenians

National Lottery funding boost for community groups in Edinburgh 

CYRENIANS at the double!

Community groups in Edinburgh will be able to provide vital services and support for thousands of local people thanks to National Lottery funding announced today (THURSDAY 9 MARCH). 

The latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund is shared amongst 324 projects across Scotland, sharing in £10,909,040.

A full list of projects is below. 

Among the big winners are Corstorphine Community Centre, who receive £98,550 to provide a range of activities for all ages that will be developed and led by local residents in Corstorphine and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

They will also provide a variety of different volunteering opportunities for community members.

Scotland Yard Adventure Centre will use their £120,000 grant to provide family play sessions at their Edinburgh base for disabled young people and their families.

These sessions will support whole families to play together, and to meet other similar families and young people.

Cyrenians hit the jackpot with two awards totalling over £230,000.

The charity will use funding of over £70,000 to recruit an Income Maximisation Worker who will work across work across all services to support people impacted by cost-of-living crisis.

The Worker will provide one to one support and train 50 key workers at the organisation to also provide financial support. Cyernians estimate 1,800 people will benefit from the project over 12 months.

Cyrenians was also awarded a further £160,000 to continue its “Golden Years” service which is formed from a variety of support and activities for people over 60 years of age living in Edinburgh.

This is led by a befriending service, which has now evolved to offer additional support to meet the needs of participants. Over two years of funding there will be 460 participants and 65 volunteers.

Thanks to an award of £100,000, Aberlour Child Care Trust will provide a befriending service to people in Edinburgh and the Lothians experiencing perinatal mental health issues.  

Liz Nolan, Deputy Director said: “Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund we can offer vital emotional and befriending support to parents of babies living in the Lothians who have received care through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.  

“Working in parallel with our NHS partners, the service will offer in person support from a Perinatal Coordinator, a one-to-one match with a Perinatal Befriender and our bespoke digital support all of which connects parents, improves emotional wellbeing, reduces isolation and supports positive relationships between parents and babies.” 

An award of £58,844 to Space @The Broomhouse Hub means the group can provide free early evening meals for local people four nights a week for the next 12 months. Working with local partners their will also be an advisor on hand at each session to offer support and signposting for those who need it.  

Neil Hay, CEO, said: “Space @ The Broomhouse Hub is literally and metaphorically at the heart of our community. Our events allow us to listen to local people and shape future support locally.

“We pride ourselves on being dynamic and innovative, so it is refreshing that funders like The National Lottery are supporting our work helping people through the cost-of-living crisis.” 

Thanks to an award of £9,953, The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) – Edinburgh Branch – will be able to offer a cost-of-living response to Ukranian families who have been displaced by conflict.

This will come in the form of regular community meals and drop-in sessions for those in need. 

Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, AUGB Edinburgh Chairperson, said: “Over the last year, as an organisation we’ve had to work through a great deal of change.

“Prior to the start of the war in February 2022, our main activity was to provide social and cultural activities for a small community however since February we’ve welcomed over 6,000 Ukrainians to Edinburgh who have been displaced by the war with Russia. 

“As a community, we’ve focussed our energies on providing a range of social and integration activities such as coffee mornings, information sessions, English language lessons and cultural events.

“The support of The National Lottery Community Fund will enable us to further support our community to integrate into communities across Edinburgh, reduce social isolation and decrease longer term mental health issues that may be experienced.” 

Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: “This latest round of National Lottery funding will be distributed to important groups and organisations who are providing essential services, drop-in points, and community centres around the country – making a real, tangible difference to everyday life.   

“With the rising cost-of-living being at the front of everyone’s minds, groups like these are more vital than ever, offering people across Scotland a place to turn to in times of need. This amazing support is only possible because of National Lottery players.” 

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.

The National Lottery Community Fund – list of grants – March 2023.pdf 

Edinburgh homeless charity welcomes support from Amazon

An Edinburgh charity that aims to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness has received a £3,000 donation from the team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland in Edinburgh. 

The donation was made to Cyrenians, a homelessness organisation with over 50 year’s experience supporting those excluded from Home, Work, Family and Community. Since its formation, the charity has worked with thousands of people facing homelessness to help them towards more positive futures. 

Cyrenians understand there are many routes into homelessness and that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to supporting people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. From their residential homes to their work ensuring dignified access to food, to their family mediation and outreach work, Cyrenians are there for those who need them. 

Amazon’s donation will help Cyrenians to provide vital supplies to those living in their residential communities, such as new bedding, hygiene products and more.

Speaking on the donation, Oliver Masting, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, said: “Cyrenians helps thousands of people every year in our city so we’re very pleased to support the impactful work the charity does.

“With the current cost of living crisis, the services provided by the Cyrenians staff and volunteers are needed now, more than ever, and we hope that this donation helps them to continue their invaluable work.”  

Nicole LeBlond, Community Manager from Cyrenians, added: “I would like to say thank you on behalf of our team at Cyrenians for Amazon’s donation. Support like this enables us to keep offering help and guidance for people in our community who are impacted by homelessness, and we really appreciate this gesture from Amazon.” 

Cyrenians received the donation as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK.

Cyrenians Gamechanger ‘Baffies ‘n’ Blankets’ Big Slipper event

Cyrenians Golden Years, in partnership with Hibernian Football Club and Hibernian Community Foundation hosted their second Gamechanger Baffies n Blankets Big Slipper give-away lunch at Hibs stadium in Easter Road yesterday (Monday 14 November 2022).

Amy Karp, Service Manager for Golden Years, said: “The day was a great success with around 80 people joining us for our big slipper event, some of whom enjoy our free Gamechanger Lunch every Monday at the Stadium.”

Each person received a free pair of brand new, high quality, safe and cosy baffies (more like indoor shoes).  We had 3 podiatrists on hand to give everyone a precise measurement.  We also threw in a cosy blanket for chilly winter evenings.”

The event comes at a good time when the Cost of Living Crisis is forcing many people, including older people to make difficult choices such as having a hot meal or putting the heating on.  A well fitted pair of quality slippers can help keep the warmth in and importantly reduce the risk of trips and falls in the home.

Lewis Melee, CEO of the Hibernian Community Foundation, said: “Hibernian Community Foundation has a long and proud tradition of being at the centre of the community and providing support. 

“We see every community members’ health and wellbeing as a priority and this is a small part of what we do to support every year.

“Hibernian CF are pleased to be working with Cyrenians.  We share values including innovation and respect in working with older people.”

Cyrenians launch winter appeal

Cyrenians, who have worked to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness in Scotland for over 50 years, are launching this year’s Winter Appeal with their first ever TV advert.  

The charity has been supported by STV’s growth fund and Multiply to make their first ever appeal advert.   

Cyrenians Chief Executive Ewan Aitken said, “Winter is always a difficult time of year for those we support. From coping with the realities of street homelessness, to facing a high stress time of year in the midst of a relationship breakdown, or concerns about food and where the next meal is coming from.  

“We are incredibly grateful to both STV and Mutiply for their support with creating this advert. Without both, we would not have been in a position to be able to advertise like this, and reach more people who may not know about our work but who want to help us support more people who need us. 

“Whilst the world has started opening up for some of us, for many more people it has gotten smaller, harsher, and a lot more difficult over the past year. With increased pressure on families and individuals across Scotland, we are hereto offer a reprieve, much needed support, and for some, a lifeline.  

“We want to change the story of homelessness, and we need the public’s support to do so. For people like Lauren, whose story is featured in our advert, the reality of homelessness happened bit by bit.

“Her support networks were eroded by a hostile home life, and when she needed a way out, there were very few options open to her.  

“We’re delighted that she’s found some steady ground again, and that, most importantly, she believes there’s a positive future ahead of her. We know there are many routes into homelessness, but very few routes out without organisations like ours that can offer people-centered, wraparound support. 

“We’re appealing to those who can, to support us this winter so we can continue to make a real, positive change across our community.” 

David Roberts, Head of Business, Multiply added: “We were really honoured to be asked by the team at Cyrenians to work with them on this project.  

“Over the past few years we’ve worked with them on a range of projects, giving us the opportunity to meet so many amazing people associated with the organisation who’ve shared their stories and time with us. 

“This film comes from their insight and experience and we’re very proud to be bringing it to a wider audience at a time when their message is of such critical importance.”    

Catch the advert from today (1st December) on STV, or visit www.cyrenians/scot  

Kevin Stewart MSP marks World Mental Health day at Cyrenians community gardens

Cyrenians welcomed Kevin Stewart, Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care to the Royal Edinburgh Hospital Community Gardens this week to help mark World Mental Health Day on 10th October.

The Edinburgh-based charity tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness by offering support for people currently experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Their community gardens projects offer mental health support to patients and the local community by providing therapeutic green spaces and wellbeing activities year-round.

Mr Stewart was invited to meet with the organisation to learn about their approach to supporting the mental wellbeing of patients of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital through ward based and in-garden activities.

Representatives from Cyrenians, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh + Lothian Health Foundation and Green Exercise partnership joined on the day, showcasing the power of partnership working to provide long-term support for those who need it most.

Cyrenians Service Manager Lucy Holroyd said: “The gardens are a wonderful safe haven in the heart of the city that provide direct support to patients in the hospital, many of whom are currently participating in long-term health care.

“The gardens complement the ward setting, offering opportunities to reconnect with others and with nature, build new relationships, and in some cases spark a passion for gardening and wildlife beyond their hospital stay, all of which aids long-term recovery, and promotes wellbeing. The work in the gardens is part of Cyrenians wide ranging work preventing homelessness.

“We were delighted to welcome Mr Stewart to our gardens. We hope, like with all our visitors, his time in the garden offered a welcome change of pace from the hustle and bustle of life.”

Minister for Mental Wellbeing & Social Care Kevin Stewart said, “I had the great pleasure of visiting the Community Gardens and was incredibly impressed with the commitment from Cyrenians to working in close partnership with both the Royal Edinburgh hospital and the wider community that has turned this garden into such an important resource to support people’s wellbeing.

“Thank you to everyone involved.”

To find out more about Cyrenians please visit: www.cyrenians.scot

Get Active! NEAT community events to enjoy this weekend

North Edinburgh Active Travel Network are hosting a number of events this weekend to promote active travel.

See poster for more information – we hope you find an activity to take part in.

North Edinburgh Arts are hosting a Dr Bike Session on Saturday either in MacMillan Square or in the Shed if the weather is poor.

We hope to see you at one of these events!

Cyrenians’ Keeping Families Together project advisory board holds first meeting

Cyrenians Keeping Families Together with Cashback for Communities project works alongside Scotland’s secure centres to support children to escape the cycle of homelessness and residential care. The first cross-sector advisory board meeting was held yesterday.  

The Promise Scotland, published in February 2020, is responsible for driving the work of change demanded by the findings of the Independent Care Review and sets out an ambition for Scotland ‘to be the best place in the world to grow up’ so that children are ‘loved, safe and respected, able to realise their full potential’. 

However, at any one time in Scotland, up to 84 children can be in secure accommodation. The aim of such secure care centres is ‘to provide intensive support and safe boundaries to help these highly vulnerable children re-engage and move forward positively in their communities’. 

Yesterday, experts from across the sector, including Cyrenians, The Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice, Scottish Government, Aid and Abet, Police Scotland Violence Reduction Unit, University of Strathclyde, East Lothian Council, the Care Inspectorate and Good Shepherd Centre joined the first ever Keeping Families Together Advisory Board meeting to share best practice and ensure whole family support for those currently residing in Scotland’s secure centres, to help #KeepThePromise. 

The focus of the ‘Keeping Families Together’ Project is to support children and their families to rebuild relationships and return to the family home where possible.

Family contact has been highlighted as a specific area where more attention is needed for those in secure care and without support, the issues affecting families and children – whether the impact of earlier ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), low income and related stresses – can be left unchecked.

Communication can break down, and relationships can fracture, with devastating consequences for the child and the wider community.  

Kerry Watson, Service Manager at Cyrenians, said “At what can only be an enormously stressful and difficult period in a child’s life, it is only right that both the child and the rest of the family receive the support they need to maintain those relationships, and for the child, where possible, to return home with a positive route forward. 

“Bringing together experts from across the sector ensures that we are able to provide whole family support, meaning that any decisions made are in the best interest of the child, including returning home.”  

Dr Cara Jardine Chair of Keeping Families Together Advisory Group added: “The past year has added additional pressures with COVID impacting on family’s ability to visit and stay connected.

“It is imperative that as restrictions ease we focus on providing meaningful support that ensures the rights of the children we support are upheld and advocated for. By putting the child’s needs at the centre of any decision making process we will be able to break the cycle of inter-generational trauma, homelessness and disadvantage, ensuring more positive outcomes for all.”  

To find out more about Keeping Families Together, visit www.cyrenians.scot