Tag: Libertus

LIBERTUS launches Positive Futures initiative to help address social isolation amongst over-50s

Edinburgh charity will host an interactive event to offer volunteer opportunities and promote the ‘Positive Futures’ initiative

Libertus has announced that it will host an Interactive event on the 24th of October 2024 to officially launch its Positive Futures Services Project at the Canalside, Wester Hailes location.

At this informal event attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy some light refreshments, try some of the activities and speak with Libertus’ volunteers.

Libertus, an Edinburgh-based charity committed to supporting independent living since 1981, with Positive Futures groups designed to reduce social isolation among over-50s by supporting individuals to attend, develop and facilitate art classes, jewellery making, knitting, and crafts, to board games, chair-based Pilates, and gym groups.

In the past year, Positive Futures Volunteers have facilitated nearly 1,300 weekly groups and supported over 220 participants across Central, North West, and South East Edinburgh.

The Libertus Interactive Event will provide attendees with a glimpse into the services available at Canalside. Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, has expressed his support for the launch of the new initiative in South West Edinburgh, and will be present during the Interactive event to discuss Libertus services and its continued work in supporting individuals across Edinburgh.

Andrew Farr, General Manager at Libertus, said: “Since opening in 2021 we have identified a need in the local community for an initiative to help address social isolation particularly amongst the over 50s.

“We are delighted to invite people to explore our volunteering and activity opportunities at Libertus Canalside.”  

Jennifer Fairgrieve, Chairperson of Libertus Board of Directors, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming attendees to our Interactive Event in October, and to hosting MP Ian Murray.

“In addition to highlighting the Positive Futures programme, the Interactive Event will also provide visitors with the chance to explore Libertus Day services for its older people and its mental health drop-ins for over 25s.”

Dan Fuller, Project Manager of Positive Futures, commented: “The Positive Futures program has supported individuals in the community to reduce social isolation amongst over 50s.

“By having a shared passion our service attendees are able to build strong bonds and networks. Positive Futures also helps individuals add an element of structure to their week.”

Alison Brown, a volunteer at Positive Futures, has seen firsthand how the services at Libertus have supported individuals in the local Edinburgh community. Alison commented: “My mum attended Libertus as a service user in the 90s, and the positive impact it had on her well-being inspired my husband to start volunteering in 2000.

“When he was no longer able to volunteer, he became a Day Service member in 2015. Following in their footsteps, I began volunteering at Libertus, which eventually led to me joining the board in March this year.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity for me to give back to an organisation that has supported my family for the past 30 years.”

By helping people stay active, connected, and engaged, Positive Futures is playing a vital role in reducing social isolation and improving well-being across Edinburgh. 

The Interactive Day is free to attend and will take place between 11am to 2.30 pm on October 24th. To sign up and find out more information please reach out to the Libertus team on: enquiries@libertus.org.uk

Positive Futures groups in North Edinburgh

I am a community development worker for Positive Futures (Libertus services). I am currently engaging with people aged 50+ in the Muirhouse, Granton and Pilton areas, to facilitate community led self-supporting activity groups to alleviate social isolation.

We are particularly keen to increase the numbers in our allotment group at Lauriston Farm allotments as well as making contact with  anyone in the area with an sewing skills or learning the same, with a view to starting a new sewing group in the very future at Birnie’s court community room.

Baz Simcock

Positive Futures Community Development Worker
Libertus Service

Barratt boost for Edinburgh charities

Barratt Homes, the UK’s largest builder has donated £3,000 to three charities across Edinburgh and the Lothians, helping them with a number of projects in 2020.

A £1,000 donation was made to Libertus Services, Edinburgh North West Food Project and NSPCC Scotland as part of the Barratt Homes Community Fund.

The Barratt Homes Community Fund pledges £1,000 every month to a charity or organisation which supports local people across Edinburgh, The Lothians and Fife. Charities are nominated and voted for by employees of Barratt Homes and the focus for the fund continues to be on organisations that improve the quality of life for those living in the area.

The series of donations follows on from a successful year of volunteering by Barratt Homes. Throughout 2019 employees from across the business completed a grand total of 88 days volunteering for different charities in the region including CHAS, Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home and RSPB.

Part of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks, The Edinburgh North West Food Project provides emergency food parcels to people living in food poverty. The North-West Edinburgh branch was opened in 2012, based out of its founder’s garage, with only a handful of volunteers, and now has seven foodbanks across Edinburgh with over 190 dedicated volunteers, working with over 230 support agencies.

Ryan Strachan, operations manager, Edinburgh North West Food Project commented: “We can’t thank Barratt enough for their kind donation. Each box we issue costs roughly £5 and we are roughly putting out 1,000 boxes per month.

“The donation will be used towards these boxes and help cover things like stock crates, wheels to move stock around the warehouse, vans plus their upkeep, rent and maintenance of warehouse, as well as electricity and stationery.”

The NSPCC Speak Out Stay Safe assemblies help children to recognise different types of abuse and to feel confident about speaking out to a trusted adult.

NSPCC Scotland began delivering the service to primary schools in Scotland in 2012, and since then its staff and team of dedicated volunteers have spoken to tens of thousands of schoolchildren the length and breadth of the country.

Katie Bruce, corporate partnerships manager for NSPCC Scotland said: “We’re really grateful for the donation and without Barratt Homes’ support, and other organisations like them giving back to their community, we wouldn’t be able to deliver programmes like ‘Speak Out. Stay Safe’ across the East of Scotland.

“Through their donation, Barratt Homes has ensured that NSPCC Scotland will visit another two primary schools in the Lothians, helping children understand about their right to be protected from abuse and neglect and how they should speak to a trusted adult when something worries or upsets them.”

Libertus Services is an Edinburgh-based charity dedicated to supporting people to live independently.

Providing a registered Day Care service to local older people alongside a plethora of recreational, educational, cultural and social projects, the charity is dedicated to empowering its members to make informed choices and to engage with activities which offer a selection of physical activity, reminiscence, games and art as therapy.

Dan Fuller, positive futures project coordinator, Libertus said: “We’re really thankful for Barratt’s donation, which will help support our Positive Futures project. Positive Futures supports people over the age of 50 across Edinburgh to develop and run weekly activity groups in community based settings.

“The donation will specifically help with a number of supplies, from stationery for the craft workshops to equipment for our gym and pilates classes. With this project we aim to reduce social isolation by offering local people opportunities to get involved, meet new people, develop and use their skills.”

Anne Ross, Director for Barratt Scotland East said:  “All three charities provide an invaluable service across Scotland for children, those in food poverty and the elderly.

“At Barratt East Scotland we are committed to supporting the communities we serve, and through this fund and our volunteering days, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to the services that make a positive impact on so many lives.”

Last year £1.2 million was donated across Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in the UK.

For more information on Barratt Homes visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/