LifeCare – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Stockbridge Primary goes the extra mile for LifeCare

Pupils, families and local businesses come together to support older people and strengthen the local community

LifeCare Edinburgh is delighted to announce that Stockbridge Primary School has raised an incredible £1,016 through a wonderful whole-school fundraising effort, with every pupil getting involved to support the 85-year-old charity’s vital work tackling loneliness and isolation in the local community.

The fundraising event, organised by Stockbridge Primary Parent Council, saw pupils, families, neighbours and friends from the school community take part in mass workouts and a family-friendly guided walk in Stockbridge – along the pathways of the Water of Leith. Funds raised were shared between LifeCare Edinburgh and Stockbridge Primary Parent Council.

The event also featured a hugely successful raffle, generously supported by dozens of local businesses and Take Hold Church who collectively donated funds and prizes.

LifeCare offers a range of services for local older people including registered day clubs, outreach support, meals on wheels, help at home and dedicated wellbeing support for unpaid carers.

From its thriving Community Hub and Café on Cheyne Street, LifeCare also delivers a year-round programme of free activities and events designed to reduce loneliness and isolation, strengthen community connections and bring people of all ages together.

Community support has never been more important. With a rapidly growing older population, LifeCare has seen demand for its services increase by 32% over the past year and now supports more than 1,140 local older people annually.

The charity is working hard to ensure older people can continue to thrive in their own homes, stay connected to their communities and avoid the loneliness and isolation that too often accompanies later life.

Claire Montgomery, Fundraising and Communications Manager at LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Stockbridge Primary School, the Parent Council, the pupils, families and everyone who took part in making this such a wonderful community event.

“Raising £1,016 is a fantastic achievement and every pound will make a real difference to the lives of local older people and their unpaid carers.

“It is particularly special because this was a true community effort, bringing together generations of local people to support one another. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the businesses who donated raffle prizes so generously.

“Their support demonstrates the incredible community spirit that exists here in Stockbridge. At LifeCare, we believe no one should feel alone or isolated, and this support will help us continue providing practical help, companionship and opportunities for people to stay connected within their communities.“

For more information about LifeCare Edinburgh’s services and activities, visit:

www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk.

Repair Cafe at LifeCare

SUNDAY 28th JUNE from 11am – 2pm

Got something that’s broken? Want to try fixing it but not sure how?

Repair Café is a free community event where you can bring your item and volunteer fixers will guide you through your repair.

Sunday 28th this month, Repair Café Edinburgh will be at the LifeCare community hub at 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.

Repair Café volunteers will be on hand to help you to repair your broken electrical, electronic and mechanical devices such as toys, small / low-voltage electricals, laptops. We’ll have experts who can help you with bicycles, and our fabrics and clothing fixers will be here too.

Our café will be open for breakfast rolls, and refreshments

Want to learn how to fix something? The event is free, but we’re limited by time, spare parts, safety and capacity.

Please book in advance to check suitability and avoid disappointment!

Unfortunately not everything is fixable at our events to avoid disappointment we encourage you to email us at repaircafeedinburgh@gmail.com with your questions and to reserve your place. Or just turn up on the day and we’ll try to take a look.

Local charity celebrates carers and highlights vital support available across the city

This Carers Week (9–15 June), Edinburgh charity LifeCare is celebrating the extraordinary contribution of unpaid carers and encouraging more people to access the help available to them.

Every day, thousands of unpaid carers across Edinburgh provide practical, emotional and personal care to family members, friends, neighbours and loved ones. Many do not recognise themselves as carers, yet they play a vital role in helping people remain independent, connected and well within their communities.

LifeCare has been supporting local people for 85 years and, since launching its dedicated carers wellbeing programme in 2022, has welcomed hundreds of unpaid carers through free wellbeing activities, social opportunities and peer support. The charity also provides more than 19,200 hours of respite each year, helping carers take a break from their responsibilities, focus on their own wellbeing and recharge.

As pressure on health and social care services continues, unpaid carers are increasingly carrying greater responsibility for those they care for. LifeCare sees first-hand the impact this can have on carers’ physical health, mental wellbeing and social connections.

Through free activities including exercise, yoga, meditation, creative arts, massage, hairdressing and social gatherings, carers are given the opportunity to do something for themselves while connecting with others who understand the realities of caring.

Recent feedback highlights the difference these activities make. Ninety per cent of carers said the programme gives them something positive to look forward to, 86% said it allows them to do something for themselves, and 81% reported meeting others in similar situations, helping reduce isolation and build lasting friendships.

One unpaid carer said:

“It would not have been possible for me to care without these classes. I have made friends, learned new skills and taken care of myself when I didn’t feel like it.”

Another added:

“Without LifeCare and the classes I would be completely isolated. Most of my friendships have arisen through LifeCare carers classes.”

LifeCare would like to thank the Short Breaks Fund, administered by Shared Care Scotland, whose generous funding has helped make these free health and wellbeing activities possible for local unpaid carers.

To hear directly from a local carer and learn more about the growing importance of unpaid carers, watch LifeCare’s special Carers Week video on social media and discover why these activities have become a lifeline for so many people.

Find Out More

If you regularly help a family member, friend or neighbour because of age, illness, disability, frailty or a long-term condition, you may be an unpaid carer.

To find out more about LifeCare’s free activities and support for unpaid carers, call 0131 343 0940, visit our website or pop into the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.

LifeCare’s free Summer BBQ

FRIDAY 12th JUNE from 12 – 4pm

Join us for a fantastic afternoon of free BBQ food, a bouncy castle, musical entertainment, delicious cakes kindly provided by Soderberg, and a wide range of activities for all ages. There will also be a fun raffle featuring prizes generously donated by Lannan Bakery and itison.

The event comes at a special time for LifeCare as the charity celebrates 85 years of supporting older people across Edinburgh through free and affordable, accessible community services.

Each year, the LifeCare Hub and CafeLife welcomes more than 48,000 visits and hosts over 80 classes and activities every week. It is a place where people come together to connect, share experiences, and thrive.

As LifeCare faces rising operating costs alongside growing demand for its services, donations are warmly welcomed to help secure the charity’s future. Local people are encouraged to join the Friends for Life(Care) programme.

Regular supporters help sustain LifeCare’s vital work while enjoying a range of benefits, including early access to selected events, a complimentary hot drink at CafeLife, an exclusive supporter badge, and the opportunity to have their name added to the Tree of Life(Care) in the hub.

Bring your friends, family, and neighbours along for an afternoon of summer fun and community spirit, while helping to support one of Edinburgh’s most cherished organisations.

LifeCare would like to thank the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland for supporting this free community events.

Find out more at www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk

LifeCare: A Rambling Curiosity

UNPAID CARERS CLASS

Are you an unpaid carer looking for community, a new hobby or a moment of respite?

Join us next Monday for a collection of inspiring walks around the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Stockbridge followed by a gentle session of writing, facilitated by Catherine Muir.

These classes are completely free thanks to funding from Shared Care Scotland, short breaks fund.

Meeting places are a mix between LifeCare and The Cottage in the Botanics:

LifeCare Edinburgh 2 Cheyne street, Stockbridge, EH4 1JB

Royal Botanic Garden, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR

10.30am-noon with a comfort break

#freeactivity #botanics #stockbridge #localcharity

World Cup Menu at CafeLife

FOOD FOR FOOTBALL: MONDAY 15 – FRIDAY 26 JUNE

Join us at our community café for an exciting World Cup menu!!

Each day we have a different dish on offer inspired by the teams playing that day.

We’ll be serving up all sorts like Haggis, Stuffed Peppers, Beef bourguignon, Mexican chilli and more..!

LifeCare Edinburgh launches new free watercolour class for unpaid carers in Portobello

LifeCare Edinburgh has announced the launch of a new weekly watercolour class for unpaid carers in Portobello, offering much-needed opportunities for relaxation, creativity and social connection.

Unpaid carers—those who support family members, friends or neighbours without pay—play a vital role in communities but often face significant challenges, including social isolation, stress, and limited time for themselves. Access to regular short breaks and supportive activities can have a profound impact on their wellbeing.

This new class aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive space where carers can take time out, learn new skills, and connect with others who understand their experiences. No previous art experience is required, and all materials are provided.

Sarah Duckmanton, Community Activities Lead at LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “Caring for someone can be an honour—a deeply meaningful and loving thing to do—but we also understand the toll it can take.

“That’s why we’re here to make sure unpaid carers have the chance to take a meaningful break, so they feel valued, recharged and better equipped to continue in their caring role.

“As part of that commitment, we’re continuing to grow our free support for carers by launching these activities in Portobello for the first time.

“We’ve been delivering day club support for people living with dementia in the area for many years, so it feels like a natural step to expand our carers programme here too. We know there are many carers who need time out, and we’re here to provide that opportunity.

“These groups are about so much more than the activity itself—they create space for people to relax, build connections, and feel supported. We’d encourage carers to get in touch and come along to give it a try.”

The new workshop builds on LifeCare’s wider programme of free health and wellbeing activities for unpaid carers, delivered from its fully accessible hub in Stockbridge. The programme includes a range of physical, creative and social sessions designed to support carers in maintaining their own health while continuing in their caring roles.

The Watercolour Workshop will take place every Monday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at 53 Milton Road East, Edinburgh (EH15 2NL).

The class is free to attend and is open to anyone who provides unpaid care for an adult. Carers are also welcome to attend with the person they care for.

All activities are funded by the Short Breaks Fund.

To book a place or find out more, contact sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk or visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/free-activities-for-unpaid-carers/ the full timetable of activities.

Stockbridge Parent Council charity walk this Saturday

Stockbridge Primary Parent Council are hosting a charity walk, with half the proceeds being kindly donated to LifeCare.

The walk is completely free, and a lovely opportunity for everyone to get out, enjoy good company and have a picnic and raffle afterwards!

9.30am-11.30am this Saturday.

The walk starts at Saunders St EH3 6TQ in Stockbridge

#freevent

#stockbridgeevent

#raffle

Call for Volunteer Speakers at LifeCare Community Talks

Come along and share your passion!

Call for Volunteer Speakers at LifeCare Community Talks

Local charity, LifeCare is inviting local people to share their knowledge and passions as part of it’s popular free to attend monthly “Talks at LifeCare” programme.

Held on the second Friday of each month in LifeCare’s welcoming hub in Stockbridge, the talks offer a relaxed and friendly space for people to come together and learn something new.

The charity is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to deliver informal talks on a wide range of topics. Previous sessions have included The Water of Leith, Grandparent First Aid, and Fashion Through the Ages.

Full support is provided, making this an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in giving back to their community, sharing knowledge and expertise.

The LifeCare Talks project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland.

To find out more or express interest, contact Sarah Duckmanton at:

sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk

Edinburgh man to bring joy of Scottish music to people with dementia at new Fringe show

SINGALONG FOR SCOTLAND

A former business executive is swapping spreadsheets for songs to perform for people with dementia at the Edinburgh Fringe in memory of his father.

Johnny Collington, 62, who lives in the capital, first picked up the instrument in a bid to connect with his dad Stan, who had recently been diagnosed with dementia. Stan, originally from Motherwell, passed away in February aged 99.

Johnny is now registered to perform a series of shows at the Fringe in August to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland.

The married dad-of-two, who was born in Irvine but grew up in Lanarkshire, said: “I had been living and working in London for many years, but I took early retirement and moved back to Scotland, to Edinburgh, about six years ago. My mum Betty had passed away and my dad was in his early 90s and needed more support.

“My dad was diagnosed initially with severe cognitive impairment but his condition progressed quickly to dementia. He moved into a care home and soon could no longer communicate.

“I’d never been much of a musician in the past, but I owned a guitar and knew a few chords. By chance I took the guitar with me to visit dad and tried to play and sing a couple of traditional Scottish songs that I knew he liked.

“Amazingly, as soon as I started playing I could see him connect with me and start singing along. It was remarkable how he suddenly came to life. I realised then that music is a great connector.

“From that point I started seriously teaching myself how to play the guitar and looked for more songs to sing – anything quite traditionally Scottish with a good beat is always a winner.”

Before long, Johnny was asked by the manager of his dad’s care home if he would play for all the residents – many of whom also had dementia. Word soon spread and he now plays at 12 care homes, centres and other venues from Perth to North Lanarkshire and across the east coast, including at Alzheimer Scotland’s outdoor dementia resource centre at Lauriston Castle.

Johnny said: “I get the same reaction from the other people with dementia who I play for as I did from my dad. It’s fantastic how everyone brightens up when they hear the music and join in.

“One chap who was non-verbal and would usually seem quite disconnected, suddenly sat up, took a tambourine and started hitting it in time with the music.

“I’m a bit nervous about the Fringe but also really looking forward to performing and being part of such a world-famous festival. My shows are aimed at people with dementia but also to anyone who enjoys traditional Scottish music. It feels great to be on a new journey now and to be able to give back to the community.

“I want to keep doing what I can to bring music to people living with dementia and to support the amazing work of Alzheimer Scotland for as long as I can.”

Johnny Collington will be performing his show, Singalong for Scotland, at the LifeCare Centre in Cheyne Street, Stockbridge, each day from August 7 to 14, from 3pm to 4pm. Find out more at: www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/sing-a-long-scotland
Find out more about Alzheimer Scotland at www.alzscot.org, or call their 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline at 0808 808 3000.