Our Community Natters group will be returning as of next week!
These informal discussions around current affairs and community issues will take place every Wednesdays from 10–11.30am in our community café. This will be hosted by our fantastic volunteer Gordon.
Feel free to stay around for our games afternoon afterwards. Every Wednesday afternoons, from 1.45–3pm, Games Afternoon offers a chance to socialise over board games and puzzles, including Scrabble, chess, dominoes, cards and more.
If you have any questions feel free to get in touch. All our community events are free and no booking is required. Just pop along and join in!
Team LifeCare invites runners of all abilities to join Scotland’s biggest running festival
Local runners are being encouraged to kick off their New Year fitness goals – or keep their good habits going – by signing up to run for a cause at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026.
With standard entries for the Full and Half Marathon now sold out, the charity-exclusive entry period is officially underway. That means the only way to secure a place in these flagship events is by running for charity – and LifeCare Edinburgh is calling on the local community to join Team LifeCare!
Taking place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend 23/24th May 2026, the Edinburgh Marathon Festival offers nine distances, from 5Ks to the full 26.2 miles, all set against some of Edinburgh’s most stunning routes. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, there’s a challenge to suit every ability.
Why run for Team LifeCare?
By running for LifeCare, every mile you cover helps support older people in our community to live healthier, more connected lives.
Guaranteed charity place in the Full or Half Marathon when you fundraise
A choice of nine distances, from 5K to Full Marathon
Unforgettable routes through and around Edinburgh
Be part of something meaningful while achieving a personal fitness goal
Final entry deadline: 1pm, Saturday 31 January 2026 (Full & Half Marathon charity places)
What your fundraising could support
Funds raised by Team LifeCare runners help deliver vital services for older people across Edinburgh, including:
Nutritious meals delivered directly to older people’s homes
Health and wellbeing activities that reduce loneliness and support unpaid carers
Social clubs, entertainment and companionship for older people
One-to-one care and support that helps people stay independent for longer
Ready to start your New Year challenge?
Places are limited, and demand is high. Runners are encouraged to sign up now to avoid disappointment.
LifeCare invites locals to get together with a packed programme this winter
LifeCare Edinburgh is inviting local people to stay connected with a full programme of free and welcoming community activities at its thriving Community Hub in the heart of Stockbridge.
January can feel long and isolating, but LifeCare’s hub offers a warm, friendly space for people of all ages to come together. From relaxed social groups to creative and wellbeing activities, the charity’s timetable is designed to lift spirits and build connections during the winter months.
The popular Chatty Café runs every Monday from 11am–1pm, offering a relaxed space for anyone who fancies a blether and a cuppa. Tables are set aside specifically for people who want to meet others and enjoy friendly conversation. Join us next Mon 19th to help celebrate our Chatty Café’s 2nd birthday complete with a piece of cake!
Families are welcome at the Pop-Up Play Area for Under 5s, available on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am–2pm, allowing parents and carers to relax in the café while children enjoy safe, fun play.
Creative types can join Craft in the Café on Tuesdays from 12.30–2.30pm. These informal sessions welcome knitters, crocheters and crafters of all abilities, with no need to book.
Wednesday afternoons from 1.45–3pm offer a Games Afternoon, with board games and puzzles including Scrabble, chess, dominoes and cards. The Community Natters discussion group will also be returning soon, with details to be announced.
At weekends, LifeCare’s Saturday Social runs from 12.30–3.30pm offering games, conversation and a hot lunch and drinks.
All these activities are provided for free thanks to our volunteers and funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
LifeCare also provides a range of free, accessible health and wellbeing activities for unpaid carers, supported by the Short Breaks Fund. Carers are welcome to bring along the person they care for.
From everyone at LifeCare Edinburgh, thank you to all who donated, attended an event, volunteered, visited our café or liked or shared our social posts this year – we couldn’t have delivered our vital support for over 1,000 local older people and their unpaid carers without you.
On behalf of us all, have a lovely Christmas and we can’t wait to welcome you again in 2026!
Join us at LifeCare’s free Christmas Fair on Sat 6 Dec, 11 AM–3 PM at The LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB!
Enjoy festive stalls, treats, gifts, and community cheer. Perfect for all ages — come along, support local, give to a good cause and celebrate the season together
Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland and ScottishPower Foundation for making our free support possible.
LifeCare is delighted to host a special St Andrew’s Day storytelling celebration led by storyteller Fergus. Families are invited to drop in for a fun-filled morning of stories, dancing, and crafts—perfect for children aged 3–10.
The free event will take place on Saturday, 29 November at 11am, with guests encouraged to wear something tartan to join in the spirit of the day.
This fantastic storytelling adventure is supported by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s Big Scottish Story Ripple initiative, organised by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) and supported by the Scottish Storytelling Forum.
No booking required just come along to the Lthe LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB
“Community support is the secret ingredient” – 60% of LifeCare’s meals are free for the growing numbers of local older people struggling on a low income
LifeCare Edinburgh’s Meals on Wheels service is celebrating its 5th birthday — a remarkable milestone in local community care. Since launching in the midst of the pandemic in 2020, the charity has freshly prepared and delivered more than 42,000 hot, two-course meals to over 300 older people across north Edinburgh and Leith.
Thanks to the generosity of funders and donors, 60% of all meals – over 29,000 in total – have been delivered completely free of charge to older people living on low incomes. This fundraising support has ensured that thousands of older residents have had access not only to nutritious, hot meals, but also to vital social connection and care.
Prepared fresh each day by LifeCare’s café team and delivered by kind-hearted drivers, the service has become a true lifeline for many older residents. With more than 75% of clients living alone, that friendly knock on the door and a familiar face can be as uplifting as the hot meal itself.
The service also acts as an important early warning system — if someone doesn’t answer the door or seems unwell, LifeCare’s team can quickly check in and ensure further support is put in place.
Chef Tony, from LifeCare’s community café, CafeLife, said: “Every meal we send out is made with care, because we know it’s not just food – it’s comfort and company too.
“The team in the kitchen puts their heart into making sure every meal is tasty, nourishing, and feels like something special arriving at the door. Community support is the secret ingredient, and if local people and businesses can continue to give generously to support us, it will help keep our wheels in motion for the years ahead.”
A Lifeline with a Long History
Sarah van Putten, CEO of LifeCare Edinburgh said.“It’s a huge moment of pride for us. Our history of support goes back a long way – LifeCare actually predates the NHS, and as a charity we first offered Meals on Wheels almost a century ago.The needs we were meeting back in the 1940s – tackling isolation, nutritional concerns, and low incomes – are still very real today.
“When the pandemic hit, many of our older clients were shielding, and as a team we worked hard to relaunch the service to reach those most in need.
“Five years on, we’ve delivered more than 42,000 hot meals, and it’s become a true community lifeline. It shows what’s possible when people come together to care for one another.”
John, 77, receives free Meals on Wheels twice a week, he said:“I realised I just couldn’t do as much for myself as I could a few years ago. I’ve always been independent despite my disability, but getting older makes things harder. Everyone at LifeCare is marvellous — they always find a way to help.
“I get Meals on Wheels twice a week — kindness delivered to my door! The food is amazing, and the drivers are great company. LifeCare’s support has changed my life. I don’t feel isolated anymore, and I know they’re always there if I need them.
“To anyone thinking about using or supporting LifeCare — don’t wait. It’s the best thing you’ll ever do!”
LifeCare’s ability to deliver this life-changing service depends on the generosity of its funders and supporters.
The ScottishPower Foundation has played a vital role over the past two years, helping to bring 6,000 free, freshly prepared meals to people’s doors this year — meeting nearly half of all requests for support across the last 12-months.
Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “We know that older people in communities across the country are facing significant challenges as we head into the winter months – from nutritional needs to social isolation. The Meals on Wheels service by LifeCare is a lifeline, addressing these critical issues with compassion.
“Over the past two years, our partnership with the charity has made a real difference. They are providing delicious hot meals and also social connection with care. We’re proud to have played a role in supporting LifeCare Edinburgh’s essential services.”
Share the Warmth This Winter
As the colder months draw in, LifeCare is inviting the local community to help spread a little Christmas cheer by supporting its Meals on Wheels service.
This festive season, the charity will be delivering hundreds of traditional Christmas meals with all the trimmings, alongside its regular daily service bringing freshly prepared, hot nourishing meals to older people across the city.
With each meal service costing £7.50 to prepare and deliver, LifeCare relies on the generosity of local people and businesses to help meet growing demand throughout the winter months.
A small donation can make a big difference — ensuring that older residents continue to enjoy warm meals, friendly visits, and vital social connection all season long.
Donations can be made online at www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk by calling 0131 343 0940, or in person at LifeCare’s community hub and CaféLife on Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.
Almost a third (28 per cent) of people in Scotland still don’t seek professional advice or support when struggling to pay their energy bills, despite the support available.
Reasons for this include belief that they won’t qualify (34 per cent), stigma or embarrassment (31 per cent) or due to a lack of information (27 per cent)
In fact, 53 per cent agree they find it difficult to talk about struggling to pay their energy bills, rising from 33 per cent last year.
A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), found gas and electric costs are the most challenging for 24 per cent, followed by council tax (18 per cent) and mortgage payments (13 per cent).
It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and 20 local charities to offer 120 free drop-in events across Britain over the next 12 months.
These events give people the chance to get practical, face-to-face support on budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants, and accessing simple energy-saving measures to help keep homes warmer and bills lower.
Tracey Talbot, Interim Chief Executive Officer, at British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost of living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we’re starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with the Post Office and trusted local charities to bring support into communities across Britain – including Scotland.
These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing grants, all in a friendly and approachable setting. Our Individuals and Families Fund and Energy Support Fund are also now open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers – whether you’re on a prepayment meter or a credit account. If you need support, you can find out more and apply through the British Gas Energy Trust website.
“No one should feel alone in this – and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life.”
According to the research, for those who are willing to seek support, their first ports of call are either friends and family (38 per cent) or energy provider payment plans (29 per cent).
It also found 60 per cent believe advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would also make it much easier for them to get the support they need during difficult times.
With 50 per cent likely to go straight to their energy provider in this situation.
63 per cent believe there should be more Government and charity programmes to help people manage rising energy costs.
Christina King, Customer Vulnerability Manager at British Gas, said: “It’s encouraging to see more people speaking to their energy provider when they’re finding things tough. That first conversation can make a real difference and there are many ways we can help.
“Our British Gas advisors will be available at local pop-up events to offer practical, face-to-face guidance – and these sessions are just one of the ways we’re helping customers during the upcoming winter. We committed £140 million to help customers since 2021 with their energy bills, the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company.
“Through the British Gas Energy Trust, we’re providing access to grants, funding, and free advice services alongside additional support like matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for those in serious difficulty.”
The drop-in events are taking place in Edinburgh in partnership with Citizens Advice Edinburgh at LifeCare Edinburgh on 11th & 12th November and then at Citizens Advice Edinburgh on 18th & 19th of November.
Christmas is right around the corner…
