Tag: free service

OMNi gives toys a second chance as Toy Hospital arrives ahead of Toy Story 5

Free Toy Hospital Pop-Up comes to OMNi this weekend

Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre is set to give beloved toys a new lease of life this weekend (20 – 21 June),  as it hosts the Leith Toy Hospital for the very first time. Offering free toy repairs for local families.  Coinciding with the buzz around Toy Story 5, visitors can bring along their well-loved teddies and dolls  for expert TLC. 

Run by skilled toy surgeons, the Toy Hospital based in Musselburgh specialises in soft toy and doll  repair and restoration, giving cherished toys a new lease of life.

Visitors are invited to bring along teddies or dolls in need of repair to OMNi on 20 and 21 June where the Leith Toy Hospital team will be  on hand to carry out first aid style repairs, along with prescription cards for toys needing further work offsite.  

The pop-up toy hospital service is free of charge and charity donations for OMNi’s charity partner  Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) are welcome on the day. 

Neil Mackie, OMNi Centre Manager, said: “We’re delighted to host Leith Toy Hospital’s expert team for the first time at OMNi.

“Offering  free toy repairs is a fantastic way to give back to our community and bring families together  around something truly special.” 

Mari Jones, director of Leith Toy Hospital, added: “Favourite toys become part of the family, and just like Woody and Jessie, they each have a  story to tell. It’s an honour to care for these treasured companions so that their stories can  continue for many years to come.” 

The free pop-up will take place from 10am-4pm on the 20th and 21st June, with no booking required.  Free on-the-day repairs will include seam repairs, stuffing top ups, surface cleaning and sprucing up  of fur. 

The family fun doesn’t stop there… OMNi will continue its family entertainment into July, with money saving offers and a free craft station to keep little ones busy.

For full details, visit the OMNi website and join OMNi on its social channels for latest information and behind the scenes content: Instagram,  TikTok and Facebook.

OMNi is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening times may vary, including  Bank Holidays.

Free support available for benefit applications 

People urged not to pay for help to apply

Anyone in Scotland who needs additional support to apply for benefits can receive free help to complete their applications.  

There are several options available for people who need support:  

Social Security Scotland’s Client Advisers can help people by talking to them by phone or through webchat.  

We can support people to apply over the phone on 0800 182 2222 or via webchat.

People can also get help in their communities from our team of local advisers.

In addition, the Scottish Government funds an independent advocacy service to deliver free advice and support to disabled people applying for benefits.

Organisations including Citizens Advice Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support, Age Scotland and local authority welfare rights teams can also help. 

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I urge everyone to avoid any company asking people for money to help them apply for benefits. Free support is readily available from Social Security Scotland and several organisations.

“People should get every penny of the vital support we are delivering to help them live with dignity. Companies charging fees to make benefit applications are exploiting people and taking money from those who need it most.” 


 
Derek Mitchell, CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland said:  “Our advisers in local Citizens Advice Bureaus across Scotland provide free and confidential advice expert advice that gets money back in people’s pockets.

“Whether you need that face to face, over the phone or online, advisers based in local communities will work with you and make sure you get all the support you need.  

“No one should have to pay for advice to get the social security payments they’re entitled to. Every penny of the nearly £170 million we secured for people last year, stayed with them.”