Spring has arrived at the NEA Community Garden, and we’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! We’ve received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support our Garden and Shed projects over the next two years.
This funding will help us grow more than just plants. It will create opportunities for our local community to get involved in activities that respond to the climate emergency, focusing on outdoor learning, sustainability, and the circular economy.
It also means we can continue to strengthen North Edinburgh Arts’ commitment to sustainability, improving how we manage our carbon impact.
Watch this space for more updates!
In the meantime, come and visit our NEA Community Garden within our opening hours (Monday-Wednesday: 9am-5pm, Thursday & Friday: 9am-8pm & Saturday: 10am-2pm)
If you live locally in the areas of Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw and Telford, come and join our free drop-in sessions at the Garden (Tuesday & Thursday, 1.30pm – 4pm) or the Shed (Tuesday – Thursday, 10am – 2pm).
Funding will support new Youth-Led Change for Neurodivergent Rights project and participation programme, aimed at neurodivergent young people aged 8-24
Mindroom, a leading charity that champions all forms of neurodiversity, has been awarded £96,279 in funding from Young Start.
Young Start, delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund, awards dormant bank account funding to projects that help young people reach their full potential. The grant will support a new rights and participation project designed to ensure neurodivergent young people are heard, included, and have access to opportunities which drive positive youth-led change.
Over the next three years, the programme will support as many as 100 young people and 10 volunteers, going a long way to ensure those who are part of the project are actively involved in shaping their own futures.
Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Mindroom, commented: “We are incredibly grateful for this vital opportunity to support the work we do and to enable us to further empower young neurodivergent people across Scotland.
“By creating spaces where they can lead, share their experiences, and advocate for their futures, this project will be a significant step towards building a more inclusive society that values neurodiversity and the unique contributions these young people can make.”
The project, named Youth-Led Change for Neurodivergent Rights, will utilise a co-production model to create youth-led awareness campaigns and neuro-affirming resources by and for neurodivergent young people.
It will also provide opportunities for participants to build self-confidence, gain new skills, and develop peer networks within their communities.
Kate Still, The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair said: “We are delighted to announce our latest Young Start funding, which allows us to support so many fantastic organisations, who are providing a safe and welcoming environment where the door is always open for young people to go and learn new skills and hone their talents.
“Through our Young Start grants, we want to continue to support more projects which work so hard to encourage and develop the potential of young Scots.”
The funded project is set to create long-term impact by promoting better physical, mental, and emotional well-being among young neurodivergent people – as well as offering new skills and opportunities – and will ultimately provide participants with the tools they need to advocate for their rights and make a meaningful impact in their local communities.
For more information about Mindroom please visit the official website:
