Tag: engagement

Community Planning Consultation

Invitation to Participate in Community Planning Transformation and Improvement Stakeholder Engagement Sessions

The Edinburgh Partnership agreed to look afresh at the role of Community Planning in Edinburgh to maximise the relationships between public sector agencies and the voluntary and community sectors to address poverty and inequality and the climate and nature emergency. We need your views to help shape the future of community planning in Edinburgh.

These sessions aim to bring together key partners to discuss, plan, and drive forward positive changes for communities. Your insights and contributions are highly valued, and we would be pleased if you could join us.

Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to book your place as soon as possible to secure your spot at your preferred session.

To register, please email communityplanning@edinburgh.gov.uk with your name, contact details, and the date of the session you would like to attend.

Thursday, 10th October | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Craigentinny Community Centre

or

Friday, 11th October | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre

or

Wednesday, 23rd October | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM | St. Bride’s Community Centre

or

Thursday, 24th October | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | West Pilton N/hd Centre

or online

Monday, 28th October | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Microsoft Teams

Background Information on the Edinburgh Partnership Transformation and Improvement Programme –

Please share the invitation with your networks.

To register, please email communityplanning@edinburgh.gov.uk with your name, contact details, and the date of the session you would like to attend.

Scottish Parliament going to Glasgow to continue 25th anniversary events

HOLYROOD Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone will go to Glasgow next week as she continues her series of visits to all eight Scottish Parliament regions as part of marking the Parliament’s 25th anniversary.

The visit is an opportunity for the Presiding Officer to hear directly from local people about their reflections on the Parliament and their aspirations for its future. The Presiding Officer is seeking views on 25 years of devolution and how the Parliament has impacted local communities.

Taking place on Monday 30 September, the visit has been set up in collaboration with community organisations Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector and Willowacre Trust.

In the morning the Presiding Officer and Glasgow MSPs will meet with people who are supported by local community groups, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises. They will discuss the opportunities that exist for people to get involved in the Parliament’s work and will also hear about efforts to improve citizen engagement in the city.

In the afternoon, the Presiding Officer and MSPs will attend an interactive presentation of Willowacre Trust projects from community members. This will be followed by an opportunity to hear their views on the Parliament at 25 and what their priorities are for the future.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Presiding Officer Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “I’m excited to continue our visits across Scotland to meet with local people and to hear their views on the Parliament and their aspirations for its future.

“Although in its 25 years the Parliament has become an established part of public life in Scotland, we know there is work to do.

“Having already visited the Highland and Islands region and the Borders, this visit to Glasgow is an opportunity to meet with local community groups to hear about the challenges facing them and how their Parliament can best meet the needs of their communities.

“Scotland’s Parliament belongs to its people and its vital their voices are heard and help shape the Parliament’s future.”

Linda Allan, Community and Support Services Manager at Willowacre Trust said: “We are excited to welcome the Presiding Officer and members of the Scottish Parliament to Willowacre Trust’s community centre at the heart of Glasgow’s bustling Barrowfield community.

“Our team works in partnership with a diverse range of residents, volunteers and organisations from the local area to provide services and host events that address the needs of residents and help encourage community togetherness.

“This visit will be a valuable opportunity for our community members to meet the Parliamentary Team, and to speak with them about their experiences and the issues that matter most to them.”

Ian Bruce, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (GCVS) said: “We look forward to welcoming people to this Scottish Parliament anniversary celebration with the Presiding Officer and MSPs.

“This event will contribute to people feeling that the Scottish Parliament is accessible to them, which is so important. It won’t be too serious, though, and we’ll make sure everyone has fun with a little help from our friends at Nemo Arts.”

Share your views on Edinburgh’s housing strategy

THE city council is looking for views on the local housing strategy which will set out the vision for housing related services in the city for the next 5 years & beyond

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Come along to one of our consultation workshops to share your thoughts.

Find out more:

https://edinburgh.gov.uk/local-housing-strategy/consultation-engagement-opportunities

For organisations:

LHS consultation workshop for organisations

Monday 23rd September 2024, 9.15 am – 12.30 pm (in person)

Location: City Centre venue

This workshop provides an opportunity to share an overview of the strategy, set out current thinking on key issues, challenges and priorities, share the findings of the early engagement survey and open up for break-out group discussion across a range of topics including the private rented sector, housing quality/energy efficiency, and accessible housing/independent living. 

Housing supply will be considered separately in other forums and via an on-line feedback route.

For residents

LHS consultation workshop for residents

Wednesday 25th September 2024, 1pm – 2.30pm (online)

LHS overview and scene setting, break-out discussion across a range of topics and interactive visuals. The programme is being finalised and updated information will be added here shortly.

LHS Consultation workshop for residents

Tuesday 1st October 2024,  6pm – 8pm, (in person)

Location: City Centre venue

LHS overview and scene setting, break-out discussion across a range of topics and interactive visuals. The programme is being finalised and updated information will be added here shortly.

How to register – to attend the above events

Please email localhousingstrategy@edinburgh.gov.uk with

  • the event name and date
  • your full name
  • email address
  • organisation and job title if attending the organisation event

We will confirm your booking and provide further information such as venue details and meeting format. Please let us know if you have any particular accessibility needs. Tea/coffee will be available at the events. Thank you for your interest.

Phase 2 online engagement survey for organisations and residents

If you are unable to attend any of these events, but would like the opportunity to share your views on housing issues and actions in Edinburgh, please email us directly at localhousingstrategy@edinburgh.gov.uk with your comments, or write to us for free – you only need to include the words; Freepost Housing Research on an envelope, by 1st October 2024.

Scottish Youth Parliament priorities – have your say!

All 12 – 25 year olds living in Scotland can respond to our #SYPHaveYourSay survey today!

We will then use your responses to further consult on individual policies to be included in our manifesto later this year.

Have your say here: http://bit.ly/sypyourviews

Sun shines on R2 Garden Party

More than fifty people representing community organisations from across North Edinburgh attended the ‘Garden Party’ held by R2 at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre on Tuesday.

The networking and information event, which was also attended by politicians Ben MacPherson MSP and new MP Tracy Gilbert, was a great success and initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

R2 Coordinator Anita Aggarwal said: “We were more than 50 people and it sounded like there was lots of good chat. 

“Thanks again to everyone who contributed, particularly the team at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, Jed for the tunes and Scran for tasty food.  You can see the lovely picture of us all here Facebook

“I also collected a lot of information about what you want from and can offer to R2.  I’ve attached what I have heard so far.

“If you weren’t at the meeting yesterday (or have thought of something else) you can still feedback your thoughts on R2 by completing this short form:

https://forms.office.com/e/V9cabAA4ye

“And one more request for information: I’m trying to build a better sense of what organisations have to offer, so please, if you haven’t already, could you also complete this little table for your organisation – you’ll see some examples in the notes attached.

OrganisationStrengths of my organisation that I could shareStuff that my organisation has that I could lend
Eg  R2Knowledge of organisations in north EdinburghFund raising experienceUnderstanding and experience of Community Development and Participatory Action ResearchPost it notes

“Please respond by end of Monday 26 August.

“I’ll use what you tell me to inform the workplan for R2 for the next few months.”

You can contact Anita at hello@r2northed.org.uk

DAVE P. writes: I had the pleasure of hosting a session where local projects were offered a five-minute opportunity to talk about their activities and share what they are up to with others.

North Edinburgh has a wealth of amazing organisations supporting our community and it was fantastic to learn what is being achieved across the area, despite the many challenges faced by North Edinburgh’s third sector groups.

Many thanks, then, to Adele (North Edinburgh Community Festival), Sarah (NEDAC), Jed (Tinderbox), John (Community Renewal), Lynn and Rebecca (North Edinburgh Childcare), Billy (Royston Wardieburn Community Centre), Anna (Granton Goes Greener), Holly (National Galleries Scotland), Tom (Pianodrome), Debbie (Muirhouse Housing Association) and city council engagement officer Elaine Lennon for your positive contributions!

You can contact Anita at hello@r2northed.org.uk

240806 notesDownload

Community Grants Fund open for applications

Do you have an idea that will make a difference to your local community? Apply now for a grant of up to £5,000 to make your idea a reality!

The Community Grants Fund was set up in 2007 to kickstart projects that benefit local communities. It is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities and fostering grassroots initiatives.

There are 13 local funds, each covering a different area of the city. If you are part of a community group with a project in mind, see if you can apply to your local Community Grant Fund .

The next application deadline is Monday 26 August, excluding Western as the deadline is Monday 12 August.

If you are in Leith, applications for the Leith fund should be submitted to £eith Chooses between 16 August and 10 October this year.

The Community Grants Fund has supported some fantastic projects in the past, such as The Friends of Victoria Park pumphouse mural, ‘Place to Pause’ at The Eric Liddell Centre and the Broomhouse Street Party – and yours could be next!

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “Our communities are the lifeblood of our city and we’re committed to ensuring that they have the resources to bring their ideas to life.   

“As this is the final round of funding for 2024, the amount available in each neighbourhood varies. Our City Centre, Liberton/Gilmerton, and Portobello/Craigmillar neighbourhoods have already allocated their available funding for 2024, applications will be open again in the spring of 2025.

“I always enjoy seeing the projects in our communities come to life, and I’m really excited to see the projects that apply for funding during this round of applications.”

Chair of Friends of Victoria Park Lucy Metcalfe said: “Thanks to community grant funding from the Council, the park has been greatly enhanced by the vibrant artwork that replaces the unsightly dirty and graffitied walls of the old pumphouse.

“The students from the local high school were able to spend a week working with a renowned artist, developing, painting and teamwork skills.

“The mural is a testament to the commitment of the school and its students to the park and the local community. The Friends are very proud of this achievement.”

For the best chance of securing a grant, apply by the relevant August deadline. 

Applications will be reviewed in October and successful applicants will be advised.

Child Poverty Action Group: Youth Panel members wanted

We are looking for new members to join our amazing Youth Panel!

Applications are now open!

Who is the opportunity for? Young people aged 14-18, living in London. Please click and share this paid opportunity!

Apply through the easy online form: https://bit.ly/3XRfz1L

Heart of Newhaven: Update on our Christmas Tree Project

The tallest knitted Christmas tree in Scotland project has reached the halfway mark. The knitters are aiming for an ambitious height of between five and six metres for the tree, about the height of a giraffe, but are more than happy with progress so far.

The veritable army of knitters in Edinburgh and beyond has been busy knitting multi-toned green squares and colourful Christmas baubles and decorations for several months now, and are celebrating having reached the halfway stage. They now have 5,000 squares and need another 2,500 while the pile of decorations has reached the 1,000 mark, about half of what is needed.

The community project, based at the Heart of Newhaven Community (the old Victoria Primary School), has given people across Edinburgh a purpose for their knitting and is creating a real sense of community.

The squares are also coming from across the UK, sent by people who are happy to contribute to the imaginative project. 

The tree is being supported by knitters in Edinburgh and the surrounding area as well as from as far afield as Liverpool, Southport, Luton, Norwich, Fife and Inverness.

Children at local primary schools have been learning to knit with the help of the Tree@ The Heart supporters and in return have been handing in their green squares. Local care homes have also been getting involved.

It is hoped the ambitious project will encourage donations which will go towards improved disabled access at the Heart while Homestart is the chosen local charity that will also benefit. 

The Heart is now beginning to get ready for the official reveal on 30th November when the Tree will be the star of the show, but centred around the growing tree, there will also be a Christmas craft market and live music.

The team knows that there are many squares still out there but the Heart is open and ready to receive them all.

Apart from the current knit and natter sessions at the Heart (see the website Heart of Newhaven) there will now be new Friday afternoon sewing sessions to get the final branches ready.

They’ll be held on the following dates from 2 – 4pm:  5th July, 19th July and 2nd August.

The sewing sessions will concentrate on sewing the squares into leafy triangles ready to go on the Tree, while the trunk is being created by the craftsmen at the Men of Leith’s Men Shed, who are based at the Heart.

Everyone is invited to go along and join in at one of the knit and natter or sewing sessions. There’s always a warm welcome!

The Heart of Newhaven Community 

‘Bringing People Together’

The Poverty Alliance launches #VoteYourValues campaign

This election could be the most unequal in 60 years, with people on low incomes being shut out of our democracy.

The #VoteYourValues campaign gives our members access to tools that can help people in their communities get vote-ready.

In a democracy, everyone’s voice matters equally.

So it’s completely unjust that so many people on lower incomes get shut out from using their vote. This General Election looks set to be the most unequal for more than six decades, due to a ballooning turnout gap at elections and the growing role of money in British politics, according to a recent report from IPPR.

We can help change this.

In the run-up to July 4, we will be working with Citizens UK’s Voter Registration Champions scheme to raise awareness about how people can register to vote.

Poverty Alliance members can download PDF posters to put up in their centres, and an infographic that they can share on their social media networks.