Edinburgh Community Food – The NEN

More voices speak out against devastating EIJB funding cuts

EDINBURGH INTEGRATION JOINT BOARD PLANS TO END £4.5 million GRANTS TO 63 COMUNITY PROJECTS

SCOTTISH COUNCIL of VOLUNTARY ORGANIATIONS (SCVO)

SCVO response to proposal by Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board to remove grant-funding from voluntary organisations:

Letter to Councillor Cammy Day, Leader of City of Edinburgh Council,

Professor John Connaghan OBE, Chair of NHS Lothian

cc Pat Togher, Chief Officer EIJB

Proposal by Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board to remove grant-funding from voluntary organisations

I am writing to add SCVO’s voice to the protests regarding the IJB’s proposal to withdraw funding in-year from charities and community groups. 37 of our members are impacted by this decision.

The intention outlined in the board paper to take a more strategic and collaborative approach in the future has been totally undermined by the impact of reneging on this year’s grant funding.

Trust is a fragile thing, and it will take a long time to rebuild any sense that the council and the health board have an understanding of, or respect for, the voluntary organisations that do so much to support our communities.

When you look to build your strategic partnership in 2025, many of them simply won’t be there because they will have gone out of business.

Far from saving money, this will generate significant costs to public services as people fall through the cracks, and the additional millions of pounds voluntary organisations bring in from trusts and foundations or the private sector through match funding and other fundraising activities will disappear. A truly strategic approach would be looking to maximise that income-generation, not cut it off.

It appears that over 100 people who were already in a precarious enough position will lose their jobs. And the discretionary effort of hundreds more volunteers will be lost.

It is evident that when money is tight, which I recognise it is, the council and the health board have retrenched and focused on short-term savings rather than the public good.

The table in the board paper which illustrates where the money could be “better spent” says it all – to the IJB, acute services matter more than prevention or early intervention. As well as being short-sighted ethically and financially, it flies in the face of all the evidence around what communities need and the rhetoric around person-centred services and prevention.

I would urge you to intervene and stop the IJB making a decision everyone involved will regret.

Yours sincerely,

Anna Fowlie
Chief Executive, SCVO

BIG HEARTS: “The value the charity sector brings to our local communities should never be in doubt.”

VOLUNTARY HEALTH SCOTLAND:

VHS Chief Executive @MistryTej has commented on the recent cuts being proposed by Edinburgh IJB.

What will it take for recognition of the crucial work the third sector are doing to reduce health inequalities?

#WEAREVITAL

VOLUNTEER EDINBURGH:

Along with the rest of the sector we are extremely concerned by the proposed early cessation of EIJB grant funding to 64 voluntary sector organisations. As well as the loss of important services and the associated job losses, this will impact volunteering.

Volunteers are at the heart of the affected organisations, contributing 206,000 hours of support to people in the community worth over £2m. These volunteering opportunities are not only a lifeline to people they help support.

They also enable local people to be active in their communities, build confidence, develop skills, reduce isolation – all of which contribute to better health outcomes for volunteers themselves.

The impact of the loss of these volunteering opportunities cannot be understated.

LIVING RENT:

64 charities are at the risk of closure due to £4.5 million worth of proposed cuts. This will have devastating effects for tenants, for workers and for communities across Edinburgh.

Let’s defend our community centres, services & jobs.

Join us to say NO to Labour-led cuts!

SCOTT ARTHUR MP:

I have today (Wednesday) written to the Cheif (sic) Officer of the EIJB opposing the proposed cuts to the third sector in my constituency – I expressed my concerns in the strongest possible terms.

I support @cllrcammyday fully in his call for fair funding for Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Integration Joint Board meets TOMORROW (Friday 1 December) in the Dean of Guilds Room at The City Chambers at 10am.

The following organisations will make their case against the cuts at the meeting:

Papers for the meeting are below:

EIJB-Public reports pack 01112024 Download

Social Security Scotland: £57 million paid to families to help with food shop

People urged to check and use Best Start Foods card

Families getting a Scottish benefit to help them buy healthy foods are being urged to check their balance on their prepaid card.

Best Start Foods, a payment of up to £42.40 every four weeks, helps eligible pregnant women, parents, families and carers with children under the age of three to buy healthy foods from a range of supermarkets, small shops and online stores.

Since its launch in 2019, over £57 million has been paid to over 86,000 parents and carers.

The majority of people say it is clear how to use the card, it has helped them to buy milk or healthy food and have been able to use it without any difficulty, according to a recent survey.

People that have not yet activated their card or don’t use it regularly could be missing out on money that can help pay for healthy foods. Social Security Scotland continue to contact those getting Best Start Foods via text message to alert them to balances available to spend on their cards.

People can apply for the payment as soon as they know they are pregnant, during pregnancy and up to when their child turns three.

The removal of income limits earlier this year also means even more people can now get the payment and are being urged to check if they are eligible.

Speaking at a visit Edinburgh Community Food during Challenge Poverty Week, Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:   “We are determined to eradicate child poverty and reduce health inequalities in Scotland and Best Start Foods, part of the five family payments, is part of a package to support this.

“We want to make sure people know about, and get, all the financial help they are entitled to. This is particularly relevant during the continuing cost of living crisis.

“I’m urging anyone who has a Best Start Foods card to look it out, make sure it’s activated and check the balance for money to help pay for their food shop.

“If cards are lost, or people are unsure of how to use them, support is available to help them use their card. The card works the same as any chip and pin card and can be used in many supermarkets, small shops and online.

“The Scottish Government removed income limits earlier this year, so I would also urge anyone who has not yet applied for Best Start Foods to check if they are eligible.”

Social Justice Secretary @S_A_Somerville visited @EdinComFood to hear how Best Start Foods is helping people feed their families.

She urges people to find out if they're eligible for the pre-paid card which is worth up to £42.40 every 4 weeks.

More at https://t.co/qTX91waX3A pic.twitter.com/Hykszb8Ut1
— Social Security Scotland (@SocSecScot) October 10, 2024

Brenda Black, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Community Food, added:
“Working together with Social Security Scotland and community partners we help mothers and (guardians) check their eligibility and to access their money through the handy Best Start Foods Pre-Paid Card providing a dignified way to spend their payment on healthier foods to enjoy with their growing family.

“Edinburgh Community Food plays a key role in supporting & nourishing futures for expecting mothers and their children.

“We are determined to use every creative way possible to support their access to nourishing food during the first 2001 days, which are crucial for every child’s growth and development.”

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods statistics: Social Security Scotland – Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods: high level statistics to 30 June 2024

Cash First toolkit published

Save the date! Friday 22nd March 2024, Norton Park Conference Centre

We are pleased to announce that our new Cash First Toolkit – designed to support Community Food staff and volunteers with knowledge, skills and confidence around Cash First – has been published!

20,000 can get Best Start Foods for the first time

Rule changes extend eligibility for help with food shopping

Changes to a key Scottish Government benefit will see an estimated 20,000 people able to access money to help with the cost of food shopping for the first time.

Rule changes around eligibility for Best Start Foods come into force today, (Monday Feb 26) extending eligibility by making it easier to qualify.

Best Start Foods, which was paid to more than 46,000 people in 2022/23, is money every four weeks to help pay for healthy food from pregnancy until a child turns three.

It’s delivered on a pre-paid chip and pin card which can be used in most stores and online.

Before the changes which come into force today, it was paid to people who receive qualifying benefits as long as their incomes did not pass certain limits. Those income thresholds have now been removed in a move which means thousands more will be able to successfully apply for a card.

Other rule changes have made it simpler for eligible young parents to receive the benefit.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This is an important day for the Scottish Government in terms of our mission to tackle poverty and protect people from harm.

“In 2024-25 we are committing a record £6.3 billion for benefits expenditure, providing support to over 1.2 million people.

“This is £1.1 billion more than the UK Government gives to the Scottish Government for social security, demonstrating our commitment to tackling poverty.

“Making this investment allows us to take measures like the one which comes into force today – giving critical help with buying healthy foods to those who need it most.

“It will further benefit the whole economy when cards are used and the cash is spent.”

The changes were welcomed by charity Edinburgh Community Food Aid Network. Chief Executive Officer, Brenda Black said: “The importance of nourishing food for both mother-to-be and infant cannot be overstated: the first 1000 days of a child’s life are crucial for growth, development, and long-term health.

“We welcome the positive changes in ‘Best Start Foods’ to help thousands of extra families in Scotland access a healthier diet.

“Edinburgh Community Food’s team of skilled nutritionists promotes Best Start Foods’ within our communities, to improve and sustain the health and wellbeing of future generations of Scots.”

Tomorrow: Winter Warmer at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

COMMUNITY EVENT – WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER from 9.30am

Edinburgh Community Food AGM

TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER 11.30am – 1.30pm

at OUT OF THE BLUE DRILL HALL, DLAMENY STREET

You are invited to our 2023 AGM on Tuesday 10th October

Where: Out of the Blue, Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh

When: 11.30am – 1.30pm

We’d be delighted if you can join us to hear all about what we’ve been up to over the past year. A light lunch will be provided at 12pm.

Please book a place here: https://edinburghcommunityfoodagm2023.eventbrite.co.uk

We hope to see you there!

Women Supporting Women: Tiny Plates programme starts tomorrow

Do you have a little one(s) aged 6 months – 3 years? Would you like to learn more about encouraging positive behaviours around food in a safe and supportive environment?

Why not join Sally and Jules this Wednesday from 10am-11am Pilton Community Health Project , we’d love to welcome you and your wee one(s).

Booking is essential and these sessions run each week for a total of 4 weeks. Please register using the link below or by contacting us via email (details on poster).

Link: https://forms.office.com/e/PnCrjDLJLA

Hope to see you soon!

#womensupportingwomen

#healthyfoods

#infantnutrition

#beststart

Edinburgh Community Food

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National Lottery funding provides dignified support to Scots facing cost of living pressures

COMMUNITY ANCHOR AWARDS TO EIGHT EDINBURGH PROJECTS

Community led groups across Scotland are today sharing in over £1.5 million of National Lottery funding to distribute to individuals most vulnerable to the cost-of-living pressures.

The latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to 73 groups means that well targeted support from food or fuel provision and access to warm clothing or electric blankets can be distributed immediately in response to the challenges that people are currently facing on a day-to-day basis.

Eight Edinburgh projects received grants. There’s £28,600 for Edinburgh Commmunity Food, who will work to support their community who have been particularly affected by the cost- of- living crisis.

Bridgend Farmhouse will support their local community by running warm spaces sessions, setting up a crisis fund and piloting some affordable eating sessions in schools – they receive £19,580.

Edinburgh Community Health Forum applied for Community Anchor funding on behalf of its eight member organisations so that they can support people and families most affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

They receive £26,491 which will be used to provide support including food and food vouchers, community meals, cooking sessions, access to warm spaces and warm clothing.

Restalrig’s The Ripple Project was awarded £25,232.

This group will support people most in need due the cost-of-living crisis by providing food, heating, warm clothing and blankets, laundry, cheaper cooking options and transport.

There’s funding, too, for Old Town Development Trust, Home-Start Edinburgh, Lister Housing Co-operative and Prospect Community Housing.

Elsewhere in Scotland, an award of £23,500, Annexe Communities will provide emergency provisions to local people and households in Partick.

As well as distributing food vouchers, clothing vouchers and energy top ups the group will be able to run a soup social and provide soup packs with all the relevant ingredients needed for people to make their favourite soups at home.

The money means that the Annexe can continue this work which began during the COVID-19 pandemic helping many more people like 41-year-old Kelly Young from Partick. Kelly is mother to four children and was referred to the Annexe when she lost her job in December 2021.

Struggling to keep up with rent payments and put food on the table, Kelly lost two stone in six weeks because she wanted to make sure that her children ate first.

Over the last year Annexe Communities have been there for Kelly providing advice, food parcels and fuel vouchers. Kelly said: “I now have a job as a cleaner and am working hard to support my family as best I can. I have always been a believer in being able to help yourself but when you are in such a deep hole it’s impossible.

“It took a lot for me to swallow my pride and admit that I needed help for me and my family but the truth of it is that I am out working and I still can’t manage. Pay day becomes pay away day and I am constantly living on my overdraft – it’s a never-ending cycle.

“That’s why places like the Annexe are so important right now, they keep contact with me and it’s good to know that people are there for me and that it’s a safe place for me to come and not sit in my house stressed and isolated.”

Jane Cowie, Development Worker, Annexe Communities, said: “This funding means we can support struggling local families and people over the next few months so they can eat and are able to heat their homes.

“We have joined forces with other local organisations and are using our collective knowledge to work together and to reach and to help as many people in need. The money means we get the relevant support to people who need it now.”

Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: “This latest round of funding is just one of the ways our National Lottery funding is being distributed to organisations who will directly support people and communities facing very difficult circumstances.

“Local charities and community groups are fully aware what’s going on right now in their local areas and are therefore best placed to deliver this support quickly so there’s no delay with providing people with the help they so desperately need.

“It’s all thanks to National Lottery players that they can continue this vital work.”

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. 

Full list of projects:

Community-Anchor-Awards January 2023.pdf

Free Food! Cooking with Emma at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Would you like to learn how to cook some new recipes and learn about food, nutrition and looking after your oral health? Sign up for our new cooking course at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre in partnership with LINKnet Mentoring.

We will be delivering a FREE 6 week course starting Thursday 2nd February from 1pm to 3pm. Come and join us for some fun activities, food and meet new people!

If you would like to know more or to sign up, please contact Emma at emma.hamill@edinburghcommunityfood.org.uk, 0131 467 7326 or sign up online at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx…