Tag: engagement

Sign up for Adult Education Courses in North Edinburgh

Please find information below and attached about free courses this term for adults in North Edinburgh:

FIRST STEPS

Following on from the success of last term the First Steps course will now be on a Tuesday morning. Highlights last term included: visits to Edinburgh College, Lauriston Farm; Fresh Start; Granton Community Gardeners; and information sessions at the community centre on:

  • the redevelopment of West Pilton Park from ELGT;
  • the National Museum’s collection;
  • and volunteering. 

Sessions start on Tuesday 8th September, but folk can join throughout the term.

We’ll meet at Royson Wardieburn Community Centre, as well as having sessions out and about. Please see the poster for more information and how to book a space.

ADULT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (AAA)

Five local people completed their AAA at a variety of levels last term. We’re going to stick with a time and venue that worked so it will be Thursday mornings again at Muirhouse Library.

Any adult who would like to gain a qualification by reflecting on current or recent learning or volunteering is eligible (SCQF levels 2-6 available). The course starts Thursday 17th September. Please see the poster for more information and how to book a space.

SOCIAL HISTORY

We have limited places available in the Social History group at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, starting back on Thursday 24th September.

Social History is how your life was growing up. What were the formative things that shaped your life? What was the world of work like in the past? How have we got where we are today?

The group will build on their recent work and publication OUR HEALTH, OUR NHS. The group meets on Thursday mornings – prior booking is essential.

SCOTTISH HISTORY

We have limited places available in this group at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, starting back on Tuesday 13th October. 

An introduction to some of the key events in Scottish History. Visits to the Museum of Scotland to see Scottish History for ourselves. Scottish history is your past seen in the light of today. See you, See me. We are the future of Scottish History. The group meets on Tuesday mornings – prior booking is essential.

If anyone wants to book a space or wants more information, please do get in touch.

Best wishes

Tim Randall

Development Officer (CLD – Adult & Family Learning)

Wider Achievement & Lifelong Learning I Education I Children, Education & Justice Services

Edinburgh community groups invited to join the 2026 People’s Procession

Community groups and organisations from across the city are being invited to register by Saturday 15 August to take part in the 2026 Edinburgh People’s Procession.

The People’s Procession takes place on Sunday 13 September 2026 and forms part of the spectacular Edinburgh Riding of the Marches, an annual event celebrating Edinburgh’s heritage while showcasing the city’s vibrant communities, culture and future. The procession gives local organisations the opportunity to raise awareness of their work and celebrate their contribution to life in the capital.

Organised by Edinburgh March Riding Association, with support from the City of Edinburgh Council, the procession will bring together more than 600 participants representing groups and organisations from across the city.

Participants will travel from Holyrood, near the Scottish Parliament and Palace of Holyroodhouse, along the Royal Mile to St Giles’ Cathedral ahead of the arrival of the Riding of the Marches cavalcade later that afternoon.

The Riding of the Marches will once again be joined by the Lord Provost Rt Hon Cllr Robert Aldridge, alongside the Edinburgh Captain and Lass, who will lead the cavalcade of 280 horses and riders up the Royal Mile watched by an audience of thousands.

City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I’m delighted to see the return of the People’s Procession for 2026. The enthusiastic response to last year’s inaugural procession demonstrated the pride, diversity and community spirit that make Edinburgh such a special city.

“The procession is a fantastic opportunity for local groups and organisations to come together to celebrate the invaluable work they do and be part of one of Edinburgh’s most unique and historic events.

“I look forward to seeing even more community groups represented this year as the People’s procession continues to grow and become an established part of Edinburgh’s Riding of the Marches.”

Further information on the event including expected timings and the registration form is available via the events Eventbrite page.

Advocacy, Campaigning & Lobbying Matter More Than Ever

Yesterday, I had the privilege of facilitating the second Introduction to Advocacy, Campaigning and Lobbying training for third-sector professionals in Edinburgh (writes TESFU GESSESSE).

In a time when narratives of division, fear, and “otherness” seem to be growing louder, it is more important than ever that we stand up for inclusion, fairness, and community. Advocacy is not just about influencing policy—it is about amplifying voices that are often unheard, challenging misinformation, and helping to build a society where everyone belongs.

What gives me hope is the passion, commitment, and determination of the people in this photo. Their energy reminded me that many individuals and organisations are still working every day to strengthen community cohesion, promote social justice, and bring people together.

Thank you to everyone who participated, shared their experiences, and contributed to such thoughtful discussions. Change happens when people come together, organise, and speak up.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we can shape a fairer future. 

✊

#Advocacy#

Campaigning

#Lobbying

#CommunityCohesion

#SocialJustice

#Equality

#Togetherness

#Edinburgh

#ThirdSector

#CivilSociety

#CommunityLeadership

#NewScots

#TheWelcomingAssociation

#StrongerTogether

New engagement toolkit ‘puts disabled people at the heart of the Timms Review’

The Timms Review into Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is expanding its engagement to hear from more disabled people, following the closure of the Call for Evidence on 28 May

  • New resources launched to help organisations run workshops and events with disabled people and those with long term health conditions  
  • The workshops cover three key themes: what PIP is for, what it is like to apply, and how decisions are made.   
  • All materials are available on GOV.UK. and organisations can submit insights from their Workshop in a Box until 17 July.  

Launched last autumn, the Timms Review is being co-produced with disabled people and aims to make sure the benefit is fit and fair for the future and better reflects the impact of people’s conditions in the modern world.   

New resources are now being made available to support organisations and communities across the country to run workshops, bringing together disabled people to share their experiences and views. These sessions will focus on key aspects of the system, including what PIP is for, people’s experience of applying, and how decisions are made. 

Their responses will shape the Review, with its launch following the closure of the Call for Evidence last month which received 38,000 responses.   

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said: Hearing from disabled people across the UK is vitally important to inform the Review. 

£That is why we are co-producing this review with disabled people every step of the way — to make sure that PIP is truly fair and fit for the future.  

“I encourage any organisation that is able to host a workshop to do so, because we need to hear the views and lived experience of as many disabled people as possible.”

The resources include downloadable, ready-to-use engagement materials to help organisations across the UK engage with the review, run their own sessions with the people they advocate for, the public, or other stakeholders.   

While the workshops are designed primarily for disabled people and those with long-term conditions, organisations are encouraged to adapt the materials for carers, advisors, and others with relevant knowledge and experience of PIP.    

Co-chair Sharon Brennan said: “It is vital to the success of the review that we hear from as many people as possible about their thoughts on PIP, especially those whose voices are less heard such as those from marginalised communities or who are do not feel comfortable engaging with government-led consultations. 

“We hope this new engagement method allows people to have conversations that matter with the organisations that they most trust so their lived experiences can shape the outcomes of our Review.

It is open to anyone who would like to host a session, including Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DDPOs), disability and health charities, community groups, and elected representatives.  

Organisations can sign up for information sessions on how to conduct a workshop in a box taking place on 10 and 16 June and access the materials via the Timms Review webpage on gov.uk. Those taking part will need to submit their insights by 17 July to directly inform the steering group’s recommendations.    

  • The newly released resources which make up the ‘Workshop in a Box’ are one of six evidence and engagement strands within the Review’s programme. The others are analysing existing data and research; carrying out new quantitative survey research; hearing evidence from experts; and running deliberative events.  
  • We have approached a small number of organisations to offer financial support to deliver accessible workshops with local groups and communities in their networks. These organisations have been identified for their ability to reach individuals and groups who are less likely to engage with government research or public consultations, including those from marginalised or underrepresented communities.  
  • An interim report will be published in the coming months, providing a fuller update on the steering group’s work to date.  
  • The resources can be found on GOV.UK at: The Timms Review – GOV.UK  
  • The Review sits alongside reforms already made to the broken welfare system inherited from the previous government, including:  
  • Rebalancing Universal Credit to remove the perverse incentives that encourage ill health rather than looking for work  
  • Allowing sick or disabled people to try work without fear of immediate reassessment   
  • Investing £3.5bn into employment support for sick or disabled people by the end of the decade  
  • Connect to Work which delivers tailored, personalised, local support that will help 300,000 people into work by the end of this parliament  
  • The national expansion of WorkWell backed by £259mn, helping up to 250,000 people with health conditions to stay in or return to work  
  • The deployment of 1,000 Pathways to Work advisers who’ve already helped tens of thousands of people the previous Government wrote off

The ‘Workshop in a Box’ isn’t so easy to find on the wesite, though? – Ed.

Renewal and re-engagement: A Parliament for all of Scotland

Measures to make the Scottish Parliament more efficient, topical and effective are to be put into place by Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson MSP. 

The changes, which the Parliament was informed of today, will be part of what the Presiding Officer calls “renewal and re-engagement”.

There will now be two First Minister’s Questions a week, with 30 minutes on a Tuesday for backbenchers and 30 minutes on a Thursday from Party Leaders.

MSPs were informed of the changes by the Presiding Officer during a meeting of the Parliament on Thursday. 

The Presiding Officer also informed Members that:

  • Time taken for interventions will be added, to protect the time of speakers who most engage
  • Labour and Reform will alternate each week in leading off on questions in First Minister’s Questions, debates and statements
  • Chamber Business will run from 2pm to 5.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to provide more time for scrutiny in the Chamber
  • Chamber Business will run from 1.30pm to 5pm on Thursdays to accommodate more time for committee business in the morning
  • Questions to the First Minister will no longer be published in advance
  • There will be 18 general questions a week, 10 more than previously
  • Members will have to identify relevant procedure when making points of order
  • Events and cross-party groups will be permitted during Members’ debates to prevent delays to visitors 

Informing MSPs of the changes, the Presiding Officer, Kenneth Gibson MSP, said: “Parliament needs renewal and re-engagement – with independent, innovative and open-minded leadership. That’s of critical importance and exactly what I’ll provide. 

“We need to de-clutter and simplify how we work, make Parliament more efficient, topical end effective for those we represent. 

“The collegiate working anticipated in the 90s, prior to Devolution, has not fully transpired. The status quo is not an option – and I’m keen to push at the boundaries of what’s possible within my remit.” 

Watch Presiding Officer’s Proposals for the Parliamentary Week 

North Edinburgh Community Festival: TODAY’S THE DAY!

AND THE SUN IS SHINING ON WEST PILTON PARK ONCE AGAIN!!

North Edinburgh Community Festival is back TODAY – Saturday 16 May, taking over West Pilton Park for a full day of music, food, activities, sports, arts and crafts and proper community spirit.

Expect live performances, family fun, local groups showcasing what they do best, and plenty of free things to get stuck into. It’s a celebration made by the community, for the community, and everyone’s invited to come along, get involved and make the park buzz.

The festival parade will set off from North Edinburgh Arts at 1030am and wind its way to West Pilton Park arriving for 12noon. It’ll be led in vibrant style by local groups, organisations, schools and performers – a wonderful colourful collaboration with Edinburgh Carnival.

Expect colour, music and a proper burst of energy as the community walks, dances and drums its way into the heart of the festival.

Bring your pals!

The festival is free to attend, 12 noon to 5.30pm

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

Love football? Join Team United!

Love Football – Aged 16–21 and neurodivergent? Join Team United’s 16+ project funded by The National Lottery, Young Start programme.


REGISTER YOUR INTEREST BY COMPLETING THE FORM IN THIS LINK:

 https://forms.gle/GQcv8Dc737oMj6Zx7

New sessions start July/August 2026

ELECTION DAY: It’s Time to Choose

TODAY – Thursday 7 May – the people of Scotland will decide which MSPs will represent them in the Scottish Parliament, and which party will form a new Scottish Government.

But how does the voting system work in Scotland?

Everyone gets two votes

73 constituency MSPs are chosen by First Past the Post

56 regional MSPs, representing Scotland’s eight regions, are chosen by the share of the regional vote (Additional Member System)

Each constituency has one MSP and seven MSPs are chosen to represent each region

It’s REALLY important that you use your vote, so that our elected politicians best reflect the views of the people of Scotland.

Watch this video to find out how the system works in more detail:

👇

Polls will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday May 7.

You can find your nearest polling place on the city council website.

The candidates for each constituency at that deadline are listed below:

Edinburgh Central:

  • BONNIE PRINCE, Bob – Independent
  • CREIGHTON, Chris – Independent
  • DALGLEISH, James William – Scottish Labour Party
  • DUNDAS, Charles – Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • LAIRD, Tam – Scottish Libertarian Party
  • MOWAT, Jo – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
  • MURRAY, Craig John – Alliance to Liberate Scotland
  • NEILL, Gary – Reform UK
  • POWNALL, Robert Neil – Independent
  • ROBERTSON, Angus – Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • SLATER, Lorna – Scottish Green Party

Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith:

  • LEES, David – Reform UK
  • MACPHERSON, Ben – Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • NEVENS, Kate – Scottish Green Party
  • OWEN, Liss – Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • THOMAS, Oliver Philip – Scottish Labour Party
  • YOUNG, Haris – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Edinburgh North Western:

  • AHMED, Irshad – Scottish Labour Party
  • CAIRNS, Rachel – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
  • COLE-HAMILTON, Alex – Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • HENRY, David – Scottish Workers Party of Britain
  • JARDINE, Lyn Ann – Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • THOMSON, Davie – Reform UK

Edinburgh Northern:

  • COWDY, Christopher – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
  • DIJKSTRA-DOWNIE, Sanne – Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • HYSLOP, Euan – Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • KINROSS-O’NEILL, Kayleigh Ferguson – Scottish Green Party
  • MCLAUGHLIN, Andrew – Reform UK
  • MERON, Abu – Scottish Workers Party of Britain
  • RYAN-SAHA, Eleanor – Scottish Labour Party

Edinburgh South Western:

  • KUMAR, Simita – Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • MUNRO, Catriona – Scottish Labour Party
  • ROSE, Cameron – Reform UK
  • WEBBER, Sue – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
  • WILLIAMSON, Andy – Scottish Liberal Democrats

Edinburgh Southern:

  • ALLISTON PICKARD, Jane Patricia – Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • BROCK, Deidre Leanne – Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • JOHNSON, Daniel Guy – Scottish Labour Party
  • MUNRO, Marie-Clair – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
  • TURNER, Charles – Reform UK
  • WILKINSON, Marc – Edinburgh & East Lothian People

Edinburgh and Lothians East (Region):

ADVANCE UK

  • MOFFAT, Sean

ALLIANCE TO LIBERATE SCOTLAND

  • MURRAY, Craig John
  • SMITH, Joe
  • KERR, Hugh
  • DALY, James
  • CARO, Anna

ANIMAL WELFARE PARTY

  • SCOTT, Mark
  • WILLISCROFT-FERRIS, Lee Christopher
  • MOIR, Vivienne Margaret
  • SMITH, Jane Catherine

COMMUNIST PARTY OF BRITAIN

  • CULLEN, Chris

EDINBURGH & EAST LOTHIAN PEOPLE

  • WILKINSON, Marc
  • SISSON, David Henry Alan

EQUALITY PARTY

  • RENTON, David
  • MACKINTOSH, Laura
  • DYKES-JOHNSON, Caitlin

INDEPENDENCE FOR SCOTLAND PARTY

  • HANNAH, John

INDEPENDENT GREEN VOICE

  • BURNS, Megan

REFORM UK

  • ROSS, Angela
  • CHIDAMBARAM, Pal
  • DOUGLAS, Nigel
  • LEES, David
  • TURNER, Charles
  • MCLAUGHLIN, Andrew
  • NEILL, Gary
  • THOMSON, David
  • ROSE, Cameron

SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVE AND UNIONIST PARTY

  • BRIGGS, Miles
  • WEBBER, Sue
  • MUNRO, Marie-Clair
  • COWDY, Christopher
  • MOWAT, Jo
  • JONES, Tim
  • CAIRNS, Rachel
  • YOUNG, Haris

SCOTTISH FAMILY PARTY

  • HOLDEN, Philip
  • DEEPNARAIN, Niel
  • LUCAS, Mairi
  • MACEACHEN, Helen
  • COX, Peter James

SCOTTISH GREEN PARTY

  • SLATER, Lorna Jane
  • NEVENS, Kate
  • MANIVANNAN, Q
  • KINROSS-O’NEILL, Kayleigh Ferguson
  • BOOTH, Chas
  • AL-KHATEB, Adam
  • PHILLIPS, Jo
  • WADHWA, Mridul Machindra
  • HEAP, Dan
  • KVASSNES, Astri JS
  • STANIFORTH, Alex
  • CEBULSKI, Mariusz Artur

SCOTTISH LABOUR PARTY

  • AHMED, Irshad
  • SANGSTER, Katherine
  • JOHNSON, Daniel
  • MUNRO, Catriona
  • WHITFIELD, Martin
  • STOTT, Caitlin
  • DALGLEISH, James
  • RYAN-SAHA, Eleanor
  • THOMAS, Oliver

SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

  • DIJKSTRA-DOWNIE, Sanne Carlien
  • ALLISTON PICKARD, Jane Particia
  • DUNDAS, Charles Christopher
  • YOUNIE, Lewis James
  • BUTLER, Jenny Claire Marr
  • OWEN, Alissa Jayne
  • GRANT, Alan

SCOTTISH LIBERTARIAN PARTY

  • LAIRD, Tam
  • SMITH, Gary Finlayson

SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY (SNP)

  • SHEPPARD, Tommy
  • BROCK, Deidre
  • KUMAR, Simita
  • ROBERTSON, Angus
  • MCLENNAN, Paul Stewart
  • BEATTIE, Colin
  • JARDINE, Lyn

SCOTTISH SOCIALIST PARTY

  • FOX, Colin
  • REID, Natalie
  • MAXWELL, Ally

SCOTTISH WORKERS PARTY OF BRITAIN

  • HENRY, David
  • MERON, Abu

INDEPENDENT

  • BONNIE PRINCE, Bob
  • BALFOUR, Jeremy Ross
  • DAVIES, Morgwn Carter
  • REGAN, Ash

The count will take place on Friday May 8. 

NSPCC Scotland calls for young changemakers to join its online safety panel

  • NSPCC Scotland starts search for 12 – 15-year-olds to join the charity’s Voice of Online Youth Group
  • Participants will meet key decision makers, help influence policies, laws and regulations, help tackle online safety issues and learn new life skills
  • Young people can apply via the link: The Voice of Online Youth | NSPCC

Do you know of, or are you a young person in Scotland who is passionate about making the online world safe for children and young people?

The NSPCC is currently recruiting up to 20 young people aged 12 – 15, from across the UK, to join their campaigning group – ‘The Voice of Online Youth’.

This is an incredible opportunity for young people from all backgrounds, who have an interest in the digital world to be at the heart of the charity’s online safety campaign and work to make the internet safer for children across the country.

Having young people’s voices and experiences heard and recognised is one of the main driving forces behind the NSPCC achieving its goal that every child is safe online, can enjoy age-appropriate online experiences and help to ensure tech companies are held accountable for making their platforms safe for children. 

Children’s opinions and experiences of the online world should be invaluable to decision makers as they know first-hand the risks young people are facing.

Members of the Voice of Online Youth will enable the charity to amplify children’s voices and experiences and help keep others safe online. They will meet with key decision makers, help influence policies, laws and regulation, share their experiences and opinions, and help tackle online safety issues.

No previous experience is required – just a passion for making the online world safer for children and young people.

Membership will run for 18 months, and successful applicants will need to attend online sessions and workshops every other month – with some in-person meetings.

The NSPCC will cover the cost of travel, accommodation and reasonable expenses for regional and national meetings.

It’s a great opportunity for a young person to learn a range of valuable skills, make a difference and have lots of fun. Participants will:

  • Meet decision makers, attend events and take part in workshops to explore all aspects of online safety.
  • Advise the charity, politicians, regulators as well as parents and professionals about the best way to protect children online. 
  • Get training in campaigning, public speaking and teamwork – all valuable skills for education and life.
  • Have the chance to travel around the UK, meet other young people and take part in residential events.

Last year, members spoke at the world’s first Children’s AI Summit in London; attended the Global AI Summit in Paris and met with Peter Kyle, who was at that time Secretary of State for Science Innovation and Technology. 

Earlier this year, three members of the group also met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London and spoke to him about their views on children’s access to social media as the debate around social media bans continues.

Child Safety Online Senior Project Officer, Adam Diment, who runs The Voice of Online Youth said: “Children and young people can teach adults so much about the online world.

“The more we listen to their experiences, champion their voices, and include them in the national conversation, the safer we can make the online world for young people and for everyone.

“Through my work with The Voice of Online Youth, I have watched young people grow in confidence and develop skills that will last them a lifetime.

“That’s why the NSPCC set up the Voice of Online Youth – and we want you to encourage more children and young people to be part of it.”

More information and details of how to apply can be found at: The Voice of Online Youth | NSPCC or by searching ‘Voice of Online Youth’ online.

Applications close on 22nd May.