Tag: LifeCare

LifeCare announces Sweet Partnership Afternoon Tea with Lannan

Because supporting the community should taste this good!

Local charity, LifeCare Edinburgh is thrilled to announce a brand-new Sweet Partnership Afternoon Tea in collaboration with one of the city’s most celebrated bakeries, Lannan.

Taking place on Monday 20th October at 3:30pm this special event offers guests the rare opportunity to savour Lannan’s exquisite cakes and pastries in comfort – all while supporting LifeCare’s vital community services for older people across Edinburgh.

Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “This event is a chance to enjoy Lannan’s truly special famous treats without the wait – and, even more importantly, to know that every slice and every sip is helping to support older people in our community.

“LifeCare has been providing care, connection, and companionship across Edinburgh for over 80 years. Partnerships like this allow us to continue that work, reach more people, and remind our city that community care is something we can all be part of.”

Darcie Maher of Lannan said  “We’ve always been humbled by the incredible support and loyalty from our customers in our local community. Partnering with LifeCare Edinburgh felt like the perfect way to give something back. 

We’re excited to bring our bakes to this special Afternoon Tea, knowing that together, we’re not only creating a delicious experience but also raising vital funds to support some of the city’s most vulnerable people. Cake really can bring people together, and this time it’s for an important cause.”

Spaces are limited for this special fundraising event, and early booking is strongly advised. Tickets go on sale on Sunday (28th September), priced at £50 per person.

Guests are invited to bring their own drinks (BYO), and every penny raised will support LifeCare’s vital services — from delivering freshly prepared meals, to offering companionship, classes, and care for older people across Edinburgh.

Meet LifeCare at Stockbridge Market this Sunday

Come and meet LifeCare’s friendly team at Stockbridge Market tomorrow (Sunday 24th August)! 

Learn about the support we offer local older people and unpaid carers, the wide range of weekly activities for all ages, and our Love the LifeCare Hub campaign – including a unique chance to sponsor a space at the heart of the community. 

Make a lasting impact!

Free Information Event Empowers Older People to Stay Independent

LifeCare Teams Up with Balfour+Manson 

LifeCare, the Edinburgh-based charity supporting local older people, is proud to announce a new free event in partnership with legal firm Balfour+Manson LLP:

What to Do If You Can’t Do It Yourself – An Introduction to Client Services

Taking place next week at 3pm on Wednesday 27th August in LifeCare’s fully accessible community café, CaféLife (2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB), this informative and friendly session will introduce attendees to the support available when managing daily life becomes more challenging.

The event will showcase Client Support Services – a person-centred approach designed to support older and vulnerable individuals in staying safe, secure, and well cared for. From managing finances and understanding powers of attorney to arranging practical help at home, the service is designed to help people live as independently and comfortably as possible.

Attendees will hear directly from Susan Russell, Client Support Manager at Balfour+Manson, and Catriona Torrance, Partner in the firm’s Private Client Team.

Susan brings a wealth of experience from her background in social work, working closely with individuals to ensure the right help is in place and stays in place.

Catriona is highly experienced in supporting clients with wills, powers of attorney, and planning for the future.

Catriona Torrance, Private Client Partner, said: “Helping clients plan for the future is about more than legal documents — it’s about giving them confidence and control during uncertain times.

“We are really proud to be partnering with LifeCare to run this important event, we aim to empower older people and their families to make informed decisions that protect their wishes and wellbeing for years to come.”

Susan Russell, Private Client Support Manager, said: “What I find most rewarding is seeing the relief and reassurance on our clients’ faces when they realise they’re not alone in managing these challenging transitions.

“Our role is about more than paperwork and services — it’s about supporting people’s dignity and peace of mind, helping them feel secure in their independence and cared for every step of the way.”

This relaxed and welcoming session is ideal for older individuals, their families, and carers who want to understand the practical steps and support available during later life transitions.

The event is free to attend, and complimentary tea and coffee will be served. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about LifeCare’s vital community services.

To secure a place, attendees are encouraged to register on Eventbrite or call the friendly LifeCare team on 0131 343 0940.

Eat Cake for a Good Cause … LifeCare’s Afternoon Tea is back!

THURSDAY 4th SEPTEMBER at 12.30pm

Following a sell-out success in March, local charity LifeCare Edinburgh is delighted to announce the return of its popular Afternoon Tea at the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street on Thursday 4th September.

Guests can look forward to a delicious spread of homemade cakes, savoury treats, and endless cups of tea and coffee, all served in the heart of one of Edinburgh’s most loved community spaces. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy a relaxed afternoon with friends, family, or neighbours – all while supporting a fantastic local cause.

But this event is more than just tea and treats – every ticket sold will directly support LifeCare’s urgent fundraising appeal to keep the Hub running. With rapidly rising costs, the charity is calling on the community to help protect the services so many people rely on.

Sarah Van Putten, CEO of LifeCare said: “The LifeCare Hub is a lifeline for thousands across the city. Whether it’s classes for isolated older adults, support for unpaid carers, or just a welcoming place to connect, the Hub brings people together. 

“This Afternoon Tea is a chance to enjoy a lovely afternoon whilst helping us secure the Hub’s future.”

The Hub, which first opened in 1975 as ‘Stockbridge House’, now welcomes over 47,000 visits a year, offering 80+ weekly activities for all ages. As a charity, LifeCare works hard to ensure that its services are affordable or free, so no one is left out.

Afternoon Tea Details:

  • LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge EH4 1JB
  • 1230pm Thursday 4th September 2025
  • To book, call 0131 343 0940 or pop into the Hub
  • £15 per person including a small donation.

Spaces are limited and expected to sell out fast – so early booking is strongly advised.

Visit www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk for more information.

Tomorrow: Celebrate Community at LifeCare’s FREE Summer BBQ

Everyone is invited to LifeCare’s free Summer BBQ tomorrow – Friday 20th June, from 12 noon to 4pm at the LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.

Come along for a fantastic afternoon of free food, a bouncy castle, delicious cakes (thanks to Soderberg!) and a wide range of fun activities for all ages.

This special event is part of the Love the LifeCare Hub campaign, celebrating 50 years of LifeCare supporting local people – from young children to older adults – through affordable, accessible community services. The hub welcomes over 47,000 visits each year and runs more than 80 weekly classes and activities. It’s a place where people connect, share, and thrive.

As LifeCare faces rising running costs, donations are being welcomed to help safeguard this much-loved community space. Every pound helps ensure LifeCare can continue to offer vital support and joyful connections for generations to come.

So bring your friends, family, and neighbours for an afternoon of summer celebration – and help support one of Edinburgh’s most cherished community hubs.

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

Stall places left at LifeCare’s Summer BBQ

Everyone is welcome to come along to LifeCare’s free family Summer BBQ on Friday 20th June, 12 – 4pm, Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.  

We have two market stall places left for those wanting to sell their crafts or promote their local business – first come, first served!  

Donations welcome.  

Email enquiries@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk

LifeCare launches ‘Love the LifeCare Hub’ campaign to save vital North Edinburgh community space

GIVE SOME LOVE TO THE LIFECARE HUB

  • LifeCare’s community hub has supported local people for half a century
  • LifeCare’s dedicated staff team with volunteers, room-bookers and hub-goers 
  • “It’s there for everyone, young to old and the combination of everyone interacting together is just priceless”’

Opened as Stockbridge House in 1975, the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street has been a vital part of the local community for fifty years.  

Originally established as a day centre for older people, it has evolved into a fully accessible, intergenerational community hub for everyone.  A hugely popular big, bright and beautiful space, the hub hosts over 80 different weekly activities and welcomes over 47,000 visits a year from people who live across the city.  

Run by local charity LifeCare Edinburgh, the organisation ensures all its services are affordable, or offered for free, so that everyone gets the chance to take part in community activities which help to keep them connected and support their health and wellbeing.  

However, with continuing rising energy, staff and insurance costs the charity is bracing itself for an anticipated 30% increase in overall running costs this year creating a shortfall of around £30,000 this year alone.  

The charity is launching an urgent appeal to help cover this shortfall and help sustain its hub and support for those that need it most.

Sarah Van Putten, CEO of LifeCare said: “The LifeCare hub is a really important place for local people.  We are very proud of the support we offer and the accessible spaces we make available for everyone in our community.  In an increasingly isolated world, where would people go if we didn’t exist?  

“We want to be here for years to come, but we need support.  No donation is too small, if we received £1 each time a person visited, we’d cover our shortfall and help sustain our future. Please give what you can.”

Lynne Herbert provides LifeCare’s free hairdressing for unpaid carers and runs her own yoga classes from the hub on a Monday and Thursday. Lynne said: “The LifeCare Hub is such an amazing place.  

“From the moment you walk in, you feel welcomed and full of joy. It’s there for everyone, young to old and the combination of everyone interacting together is just priceless.”

LifeCare works alongside a dedicated group of volunteers who generously give their time to ensure the smooth running and a friendly greeting for visitors. 

 Shirley Galbraith is often one of the first happy faces visitors encounter when they enter the hub.  Shirley said: “I feel that I am making a small difference to some peoples’ day by just chatting or helping them see what classes or services they could use. It makes me feel great!

“People should support the hub appeal to make sure that these services can continue – it is such a fantastic charity.

“The best thing is the variety of amazing services and classes that are offered. Supporting this appeal will ensure they are there for years to come!”

The charity is running an information morning from the LifeCare Hub on Monday 2nd June 11am-1pm.  Come along to find out more and chat about how to get involved.  

Everyone is also welcome at LifeCare’s Community BBQ on Friday 20th June 12noon – 4pm, with free food, bouncy castle and a whole range of activities for local people of all ages.  

Visits www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk for more information.

Tomorrow: IT support for silver surfers at LifeCare

Are you over 50 and looking for a wee bit of help with your IT?  LifeCare Edinburgh and ACE IT are here to help.

Come along to CafeLife, 2 Cheyne Street, 10am-12noon on Tuesday 29th April to chat with the experts.  

We’ll be offering support and answering questions about how to use a device, access online content and how to stay safe online.  And any other burning technical questions you might have!

All advice is free thanks to support from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Everyone is invited to the LifeCare Spring Fair this Saturday

Everyone is invited to the LifeCare Spring Fair this Saturday 26 April, 1030-1330.

Come along to our fully accessible community hub on Cheyne Street in Stockbridge to enjoy a wander around our stalls, indulge in some delicious home baking, pick up some new plants or raffle tickets and help support our charity!  

FREE Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund 

Teas, coffees and morning rolls will be available from our cafe.  

We can’t wait to welcome you!

“Future planning felt like an act of love and respect”

Back by popular demand, LifeCare Edinburgh to re-run free Power of Attorney info event to help local people simplify the future 

Thinking about what would happen in the future if our, or our loved ones, faculties deteriorated can be stressful and worrying. How would someone manage our affairs, access our accounts to set up the right care for us, or pay the bills? Without the right processes in place, an already very emotional situation can be made worse with often very serious consequences.  

Local charity, LifeCare Edinburgh understands how daunting and complex these situations can be and will next month host a free information giving event to help debunk the complexities and help people put the right practical support in place to ensure someone trusted can quickly make decisions on behalf of a loved one if they’re not able, or no longer able, to make them themselves.  

Power of Attorney is a legal document where someone – while they still have mental capacity – nominates a trusted friend or relative to look after their affairs if they later lost capacity in the event of an emergency, illness or accident. It is not limited to people who are older or unwell, everyone needs to consider setting up a Power of Attorney at any stage of life to avoid any future complications. For example, due to having a stroke, serious accident or dementia.  

Delivered in partnership with experts from Lindsay’s Legal Services team, LifeCare initially held this successful event last year designed to help simplify matters for local people.  This first event was so well attended that the organisers are bringing it back to meet demand.   One attendee noted:

“LifeCare’s informative Power of Attorney talk spurred me on to have the difficult conversations with my mother that we had both been avoiding, resulting in her setting up a will and PoA. Future planning felt like an act of love and respect; it also inspired me to start planning for myself. Thank you.”

Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare said: “Unfortunately at LifeCare we are well aware of how stressful life can be when people don’t have the right documents in place.  No one can predict when they may face an unforeseen illness, accident or other debilitating event that may render them incapacitated.  

“As one of Edinburgh’s leading charities providing practical care support we know how emotional these situations can be at the best of times but we also know how much worse they can be when family members and loved ones are locked out of helping access the support for the people they care for. 

“Relatives can’t just walk into a bank and access your money, even if it is to pay for your care. Unless you’ve a Power of Attorney, loved ones would need to apply through court, which can be long and costly. 

“We understand that thinking about the future can be upsetting and frightening. We’re thrilled to bring back our free and informal information giving event delivered in partnership with Lindsays; there will be no jargon and there will be plenty of time for questions and discussions and an opportunity to discuss any concerns with legal experts for free.”

LifeCare’s ‘What is Power of Attorney’ event, delivered in partnership with Lindsay’s, will take place at 3pm on Wednesday 21st May in the charity’s fully accessible community café, CafeLife at 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB. 

Free tea and coffee will be available along with the opportunity to find out more about LifeCare’s vital services for older people and the community overall.  

The event is free to attend but those interested are encouraged to register their interest on Eventbrite https://shorturl.at/ypqMO or by calling the friendly team on 0131 343 0940.