Scottish Book Trust has delivered books and toys to young patients at The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.
The national reading and writing charity donated twenty of their popular Squishy Bookbug Reading Cushions, which are normally sold through Scottish Book Trust’s online shop to raise funds for the charity.
These squishy cushions will be given to young patients, allowing them to enjoy books and Bookbug sessions in comfort during their hospital stay.
Scottish Book Trust also donated two boxes of brand-new books for children and young people to enjoy while at the hospital. These included engaging stories for primary school ages and flap books for early years. Books are so popular at the Hospital that donations always go quickly.
The supplies were distributed with the help of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, which supports the children who are admitted to the children’s hospital at Little France, and their families.
With support from Scottish Book Trust, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity has been running Bookbug Sessions in the Hospital Hub and on the wards to share stories, songs and rhymes with the children during their stay. These sessions are loved by children, young people and their families.
In this National Year of Reading, it’s more important than ever to promote the power of reading to children, and to inspire them through a love of stories and songs.
Catriona McIntyre, Arts and Wellbeing Manager at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity said: ‘Scottish Book Trust supports families within the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in a huge variety of ways.
“The books that are so kindly donated help moments of connection during challenging times, supports bedtime routines, aids imagination and curiosity. Books are such an important part of our Wellbeing Hub, highlighting that this is a space for fun and enjoyment, just for them.
‘Bookbug is incredibly popular and ECHC is delighted to be able to host such a familiar event for families that would normally be going to in their local libraries and bring a little piece of normality.
“Our Bookbug sessions are facilitated by our lovely volunteer, Alison. Alison’s sessions have been such a hit in the hospital that she recently won a Volunteer Edinburgh Inspiring Volunteer Awards for her work volunteering in The Hub.’
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘We were delighted to be able to donate our Bookbug reading cushions and books to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, and we are pleased to hear just how much enjoyment they will give children and young people who have been admitted to hospital.
‘Book gifting is a vital part of our mission at Scottish Book Trust. We aim to help everyone in Scotland access books and all the benefits they bring through reading and writing. All proceeds from our shop help fund our charity to do more of its life-changing work.’
New analysis of Scottish Charity Regulator data by Ansvar Insurance has highlighted the important contribution made by Edinburgh’s micro-charities, with 1,317 grassroots organisations supporting a wide range of causes across the region.
The figures show that 45 new micro-charities – organisations with an annual income of less than £25,000 – were registered during 2025, adding to an established network of local organisations delivering support to communities.
Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, a specialist insurer for the charity and not‑for‑profit sector, commented: “The latest figures show that community spirit remains strong across Edinburgh, with more people taking action to support causes that matter to them and their local area.
“Micro-charities may be small in terms of income, but their contribution to society is often far greater than their size suggests. Across the area, these organisations support a wide range of causes and play an important role in local communities.”
Despite limited income, micro-charities often face many of the same challenges as larger organisations. These responsibilities often fall to a small team, who must balance day-to-day service delivery with the regulatory demands of running a charity.
Building awareness of these challenges can ensure micro-charities are better placed to continue delivering vital services.
According to Ansvar, three key areas are:
Governance and trustee responsibilities – ensuring trustees understand their legal duties and that appropriate policies and procedures are in place.
Cyber security and data protection – protecting the personal information of donors, volunteers and beneficiaries from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Operational resilience – preparing for unexpected events that could affect the charity’s ability to deliver services, and ensuring appropriate insurance and contingency plans are in place to minimise disruption.
Adam Tier added: “Many of these organisations are run by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference.
“By building strong foundations early on, micro-charities can put themselves in the best position to continue supporting their communities for years to come.”
Ansvar conducted the analysis to highlight the important contribution made by grassroots charities and to recognise the people who dedicate their time and resources to supporting local causes.
Leading national charity Poppyscotland will be a noticeable presence at various events across the country this Armed Forces Day.
Taking place on Saturday, 27th June the day celebrates the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. It marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, which began on Monday 22nd June.
Poppyscotland provide lifelongsupport, expert guidance and ongoing care for current and former members of the Armed Forces as well as their families when its needed most.
Last year alone, the charity responded to almost 800 individuals and families with advice and practical help on a number of issues including financial support, interventions and advice for people and families living with dementia, practical assistance and advice dealing with mobility issues, housing, mental health support, employment issues and much more.
This Armed Forces Week, the charity is reminding the public why their work matters and how they support the Armed Forces community all year round.
One such beneficiary, is serving soldier Timoci Waqanibau and his wife Titilia who contacted Poppyscotland for help, to reunite them with their children after nearly two years apart.
After Timoci joined the British Army in 2019, the family made the heartbreaking decision to leave their nine-year-old son and six-year-old daughter in Fiji while they built a new life in Scotland, staying connected only through daily video calls and the promise of one day being together again.
When Titilia reached out to Poppyscotland for help, everything changed. Within weeks, the charity arranged everything: visas, flights, and full travel support to bring their children home to Scotland, and to finally meet their baby sister. The reunion in October was everything they’d hoped for.
“The children were so excited, screaming. We all cried,” Timoci said. “All we wanted was our babies all together, and thanks to Poppyscotland that dream has finally come true.”
Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, said: “Families like Timoci’s are at the heart of everything we do. No family should have to face challenges like these alone and with Poppyscotland’s support, they don’t have to.”
For more information on Poppyscotland and how they can help, please visit:
Projects supporting people most at risk of social isolation and loneliness have had their funding extended until March 2027.
A total of £1.05 million will help 52 organisations provide group and community activities, warm spaces, and opportunities for people to come together for a meal or other activities, aimed at older people, carers, disabled people and young parents.
This includes the Grampian Hospitals Art Trust providing arts and crafts to patients and their loved ones, Down’s Syndrome Scotland to support their social activities, such as last week’s summer prom for children and families, and the Big Hearts Community Trust in Edinburgh to host gatherings for older people and carers.
Other local beneficiaries of the funding iinclude Pilton Community Health Project, Edinburgh Tool Library, Pilmeny Development Project and Leith’s Living Memories Association.
Marking the end of Loneliness Awareness Week, Equalities Minister Simita Kumar said: “Loneliness can affect anyone and the cost-of-living crisis has increased isolation for many, including young people, carers and disabled people.Our funding will allow organisations to extend their projects, keeping people connected during this challenging time.
“I thank the organisations who are providing this vital support to people across Scotland, ensuring that people feel warmth and connection in their communities and can access important support networks.”
Launched in August 2023, funding through the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund will culminate in March 2027 with over £3.8 million having been invested and at least 20,000 people supported.
Grampian Hospitals Art Trust Art and social activities for people in NHS settings
Grampian Society for the Blind, operating as North East Sensory Services (NESS) Social groups and activities for people with a visual impairment
Mearns & Coastal Healthy Living Network Health, wellbeing and social activities for older people
Cowal Elderly Befrienders SCIO Befriending and social activities for older people, people with dementia
Helensburgh Lunch Club Lunch club for older people
North Argyll Carers Centre Social activities indoors/outdoors for unpaid carers (young and older). Intergenerational elements
Parent to Parent Ltd Peer social support groups for parents
Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise Walking football for older people
Contact Point in East Dunbartonshire SCIO Social club and café for older people, disabled people and those with long term health conditions
Carers Link East Dunbartonshire Café and social outings for carers
Home-Start East Lothian Volunteer befriending for isolated families
Our Community Kitchen Lunches and activities for older people, disabled people and those with mental health conditions
Stepping Out Range of indoor and outdoor activities for people with mental health conditions
Big Hearts Community Trust Social gatherings and activities for older people and carers. Volunteering.
Edinburgh Tool Library Group build project and volunteering for people from the LGBT+ community
Pilmeny Development Project Creative arts, health and wellbeing activities and refreshments for older people
Pilton Community Health Project Social indoor and outdoor activities for men and women
Care for Carers Small group breaks for unpaid carers
The Living Memory Association Range of group activities for health and wellbeing for older people
Denny Community Support Group Range of indoor and outdoor social and group activities for older, younger, families, recovery.
Freedom Of Mind Community Choir Choir singing
Abbey Church of Dunfermline Creative arts for people with dementia
Fife Society for the Blind aka Seescape Befriending, group sessions and drop ins for people with a visual impairment
The Linda Tremble Foundation (trading as SupportED) 1:1 befriending and support groups for people with eating disorders
Easthall Residents Association Men, women and single mothers (3 groups) – a range of indoor and outdoor activities
Gilded Lily Inspiring Enterprise CIC Craft and chat for women (BAME, refugee, asylum)
Maryhill Integration Network Choir for women of all backgrounds
The Urban Roots Initiative Lunch club for older people
The Well Multi-Cultural Resource Centre 1:1 support, toddler parent groups, ESOL, lunches and activities for women and children
Woodlands Community Development Trust Community café, activities, information, cooking for all age groups
Glasgow Association for Mental Health Wellbeing and social activities for young people aged 16-25 with mental health conditions
Glasgow Disability Alliance Digital connections for disabled people
Home-Start Glasgow South Community club for parents/carers with young families
British Deaf Association Providing information and support to the deaf community, online and in person
Project Ability Creative arts for disabled people
Down’s Syndrome Scotland Social face to face activities for people with Downs Syndrome
The National Autistic Society Online and face to face group sessions for people with autism
ENABLE Scotland Community based (indoor and outdoor) activities for people with a learning disability
Good Morning Project Limited (known as Good Morning Service) Telephone befriending for older people
Caithness Voluntary Group Befriending; mens group for older, disabled adults
Inverness Foodstuff Social lunches for homeless and other vulnerable people
Merkinch Partnership Ltd Developing a working group with lived experience to support others affected by SIAL
Scottish Men’s Sheds Association Develop and support Mens Sheds across the Highlands and Islands
Inverkip Community Initiative Community resource for a range of groups; access to chat, tea/coffee, internet, jobs information and signposting
Tagsa Uibhist Training, community walks and community social events for older people affected by dementia.
Cunninghame MS Drop-In Centre Social lunches, activities and trips for people with MS
Beith Community Development Trust Telephone befriending and social get togethers for older people
Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health (LAMH) Wellbeing activity classes for people with mental health conditions and older people, disabled people.
Sanday Afternoon Club Community meals, activities and outings for older people
Letham4All SCIO Community groups and activities for older people, parents with young children, young people
Lochside Neighbourhood Group Social meals and activities/info for older people with low income
Forth Community Resource Centre Steering Group Activity cafés for older people, living on own, carers.
Football fans in Edinburgh need little encouragement to cheer on whoever are playing England. And one business owner on Easter Road has an extra incentive to roar on our Auld Enemy’s opponents at the World Cup this summer.
Ernestina Doku hails from Ghana, who face England on June 23 in Boston. Ernestina runs Dazzelustrous, an independent shop selling handmade jewellery, clothing and accessories from Ghana.
The mother-of-three moved to England from Accra as a child and spent many years down south before crossing the border. But despite the time spent there, she is in no doubt about who she will be supporting at the World Cup.
“It’s Ghana all the way for me,” she said. “We are a small nation but very proud and we have some excellent players.”
Ernestina, 46, started the business in 2015 and works closely with her sister in Ghana to select the items for sale.
“I previously worked for a well-known accessories company so that experience was a big help for me in my new venture,” she added. “I contacted my sister about my idea and together we decided to create hand-crafted jewellery and accessories which were taking Africa by storm.
“My sister started taking regular craftsmanship classes and the rest is history.
“All our products are crafted in Ghana with a selection of our jewellery created by me here in Scotland.”
Ernestina has been delighted with the support received from the Edinburgh public for her business – and she is sure this will extend to her country’s football team.
“I wasn’t aware how strong the rivalry was between England and Scotland before I got here,” she said. “But knowing what I do now I am sure that the whole city will be supporting Ghana on June 23!”
Housebuilder staff brave mud and obstacles to support young people into education and employment
Eleven members of staff from Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland have raised £8,000 for Scran Academy, an Edinburgh catering social enterprise that supports school-aged young people facing poverty and trauma to engage in education and employment.
The funds were raised through the team’s completion of the Tough Mudder obstacle course challenge, with parent company Barratt Redrow match funding the £4,000 raised on the day.
The Tough Mudder team, drawn from Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland and Oregon Timber Frame, a Selkirk-based timber manufacturer acquired by Barratt Redrow in 2022, took on the course, battling mud pits, physical obstacles and teamwork challenges across the course’s demanding terrain.
Scran Academy is a youth-led catering social enterprise on a mission to help every young person, regardless of background or barrier, realise their full potential in learning, work and life. The organisation was selected as Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland’s charity partner of the year for 2026/27.
Yvonne Barrie, Regional Finance Managerfor Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland said: “Taking on the Tough Mudder is never easy, but having colleagues alongside you makes all the difference.
“The team gave everything on the day and the spirit throughout was brilliant. Raising £8,000 for Scran Academy makes it all worthwhile.
“The work they do to support young people through food education is genuinely important, and we’re proud that our fundraising can play a part in that.”
Through the match funding programme by the Barratt Redrow Foundation, every pound raised by the team on the day has been doubled, meaning Scran Academy will receive £8,000 to support its work helping young people across Edinburgh into education and employment.
For further information about Barratt and David Wilson Homes visit:
First Minister John Swinney has confirmed a package of up to £1 million will be provided to Clackmannanshire Council to support residents affected by ground movement in the Coalsnaughton area.
The money will ensure the local authority can cover expenses it has incurred as a result of its emergency response, including temporary housing, welfare and staffing costs.
First Minister John Swinney said: “I was grateful to hear from the residents of Coalsnaughton last week about the situation they have been placed in and understand the considerable stress this is causing.
“As residents will be out of their homes for at least eight weeks while the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) carries out its investigations, this £1 million package will allow Clackmannanshire Council to provide support for them during this time.
“Ministers will continue to ensure the UK Government is pressing the MRA to expedite its investigations as quickly as possible to prevent further disruption to people’s lives.
“The Scottish Government is working closely with Clackmannanshire Council to support residents.”
Hundreds of Scots have already provided nearly 900,000 meals for kids in crisis-hit Haiti with Scottish charity Mary’s Meals
Former Scotland star Stephen O’Donnell has backed a Scottish charity appeal to feed hungry children in Haiti ahead of the nations’ World Cup clash.
Scotland will play their first World Cup match in 28 years when they take on Haiti in Boston this Sunday. Haiti have qualified for only their second World Cup and first since 1974, but their participation is even more remarkable given they were unable to host any qualification matches on home soil.
The situation in Haiti is dire. Armed conflict has intensified and gangs now control an estimated 90% of the capital city, while dominating areas previously deemed safe. Widespread violence is devastating the economy, agriculture, and supply chains, leaving the country to face the worst hunger crisis in its history, with more than half of the population currently experiencing acute food insecurity.
Hardest hit are Haiti’s children. Hungry and surrounded by violence, many are being recruited into armed gangs – lured by the promise of food.
Mary’s Meals, the school feeding charity founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, has been providing school meals in Haiti since 2006. Under normal circumstances, Mary’s Meals reaches more than 196,000 children every school day, providing them with food, energy to learn and the hope of a brighter future.
In response to the escalating chaos, Mary’s Meals recently launched a crisis appeal. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of Scots, donations have already raised enough to provide nearly 900,000 meals for hungry Haitian children.
In the build-up to the World Cup opener, former Scotland international and current Motherwell footballer Stephen O’Donnell – a long-time supporter of Mary’s Meals – is backing the appeal.
Stephen says: “While all eyes will be on the pitch on Sunday, the match is also shining a spotlight on Haiti’s challenges off the pitch.
“The game holds so much excitement for me, my former teammates, the Tartan Army, and all of Scotland, but it gives everyone a chance to reflect on what’s happening in Haiti as well.
“As a father, I can only imagine how it feels to be struggling to feed your children, amid violence and the threat of your loved ones being recruited into gangs. I’m thankful there’s a charity in Scotland helping those in need, and I know the incredible work Mary’s Meals does in turning just one 10 pence coin into a nutritious meal for a child.”
Scottish donations are helping children in Haiti like Billy, who has overcome the loss of his father and his own difficult health issues to thrive in school and become top of his class. He says: “Receiving Mary’s Meals keeps me from being hungry. And it is much easier to follow the teacher and be active in class.”
Calling on people in Edinburgh to consider contributing to Mary’s Meals, Stephen adds: “It’s incredible – but not unexpected – that so many Scots have already responded to Mary’s Meals’ rallying call to reach families suffering in Haiti, and I’d urge anyone who has a spare 10p to follow in their footsteps.
“Although we’ll all be hoping for a Scotland victory this weekend, we can also support Haiti by donating to the appeal and providing a brighter future for Haiti’s next generation. Hopefully we’ll see some of the children fed by Mary’s Meals at a future World Cup too.”
Mary’s Meals UK Media Manager and Scotland fan Gary Armstrong says: “For the past 20 years, Scottish donations to Mary’s Meals have been helping feed children in Haiti. Today, our school feeding programme is more necessary than ever given the brutal violence and daily challenges families and their children are facing.
“We’d like to thank Stephen for his support, and the hundreds of people across the country who have responded to our appeal so far. Scots are known the world over for their friendliness and generosity, which I’m sure we’ll see in the US in the coming weeks. By helping friends in Haiti we haven’t yet met, this kindness has already been shown before a ball has been kicked.”
It costs Mary’s Meals just 10p to provide a child with a nutritious meal in school, or only £19.15 to feed a child for a whole school year. If you can, please donate today: www.marysmeals.org.uk
HMRC doubles funding for customers who need extra support
More than £11 million in funding available for organisations to help customers with their tax affairs.
Voluntary and Community sector organisations invited to bid for funding from today.
Successful organisations will receive three-year funding grants from April 2027.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has pledged more than £11 million to support customers who need extra help, as it launches the latest round of its Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme.
Bids can be submitted from today for the funding, which is available for voluntary and community sector organisations to provide specialist advice and support to HMRC customers who may need extra help with their tax affairs, interacting with its digital services, which continue to expand, or claiming entitlements.
HMRC has more than doubled the three-year grant funding allocation to £11.18 million starting April 2027. Applications can be submitted on GOV.UK until 3 July.
Organisations applying for the funding must show they can provide independent tailored support to customers who may experience barriers including those who:
may face difficulties in understanding their tax obligations
may have complex needs
are digitally excluded from accessing HMRC services
Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury said: “I’m delighted to build on our commitment to customers who need the most support and make this latest round of funding available for our partners in the voluntary sector who provide invaluable assistance to them.
“This funding means customers, who may be struggling with their tax affairs, are able to get the help they need to make a real difference to their situation.”
Successful organisations will work alongside HMRC’s Extra Support Team to ensure customers get straightforward advice and support in dealing with their tax affairs and ensuring they get the benefits they are entitled to receive.
Between April 2025 and April 2026, more than 43,000 customers, helped by grant-funded organisations working closely with HMRC’s Extra Support Team, were able to engage with HMRC in a way that works for them and access the information they need.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer said: “We are all about making it easier for people to get their tax right and by working closely with our Voluntary and Community sector partners we can ensure our customers who need extra support have access to help when they need it most.”
The grants, worth £3.73 million a year, will be awarded quarterly over the 3 years between April 2027 and April 2030. Successful organisations will be announced later this year.
For more information on the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme, eligibility and to apply, go to GOV.UK.
CASE STUDY
Elena*, who is from the South East of England, works as a self-employed hairdresser, partly at home and partly in a salon where she rents a chair.
When she contacted a Voluntary and Community Sector grant-funded organisation in September 2024, she was struggling with depression following the loss of a family member and divorce. In her mid-forties, she had no sustainable income, was receiving Universal Credit, and struggling just to afford the basics.
She was behind with her rent and Council Tax as well as a tax debt of £1,093, including Late Filing Penalties and interest.
Elena got in touch about her tax debt and three years of outstanding tax returns. As someone who had always struggled with maths, she found it difficult to manage her tax.
One of the volunteer advisers worked with Elena to help her complete her outstanding tax returns which resulted in an increase in her tax liability to £1,824.34.
After the grant-funded organisation contacted HMRC, they waived the Late Filing Penalties and associated interest leaving only the tax balancing payments and a small amount of interest, totalling £503 to pay.
Elena emailed the volunteer who had supported her to express the real difference our support had made to her future.
Two joiners from Harbour Multi-Trades went above and beyond to help create a safer outdoor environment at a local nursery after stepping in to collect fencing materials themselves when the supplier vehicle broke down.
Harbour Multi-Trades worked together with Little Larch Nursery in Craigentinny to secure the boundary next to a neighbouring bowling green, with the nursery supplying the materials. Aaron Fletcher and Bradley Anderson installed a new fence free of charge at the Little Larch Nursery’s premises on Loaning Crescent, making it easier for staff to supervise children safely while they play and learn outdoors.
Formerly Leith St Andrew’s Playgroup, Little Larch is a long-standing charitable outdoor nursery that has supported local children and families for around 50 years. After relocating from Leith St Andrew’s Parish Church on Easter Road to a new site on Loaning Crescent last year, the nursery has continued to develop the premises to make the outdoor space fully usable and secure.
The new fence was installed after the nursery identified a need for additional security along the site boundary. When the supplier vehicle carrying the fencing materials broke down, Aaron and Bradley stepped in to collect the materials themselves to ensure the work could go ahead without delay.
Their efforts have helped create a safer and more secure environment for children to play, learn and explore outdoors with confidence.
Louise Kelly, Nursery Manager at Little Larch Nursery, said:“On behalf of everyone at Little Larch Nursery, I would like to sincerely thank you for the fantastic work you carried out in building our new fence.
“Your generosity, craftsmanship and support have made a huge difference to our outdoor charity nursery. The new fencing has created a safer and more secure environment for the children to play, learn and explore outdoors with confidence.
“We truly appreciate the time, effort and care your team put into the project. It is wonderful to see local businesses supporting community spaces that benefit children and families.
“Thank you once again for your kindness and professionalism. Your contribution will have a lasting positive impact on our nursery and the children who attend it.”
Chris Thomson, Managing Director of Harbour Multi-Trades, said:“I’m incredibly proud of Aaron and Bradley for the way they stepped up to help Little Larch Nursery. Their willingness to go the extra mile and make sure the job was completed shows the community spirit that runs right through Harbour Multi-Trades.
“We are committed to making a positive difference in the communities we serve. Supporting local organisations like Little Larch Nursery is an important part of that, especially when it helps create safer spaces for children and families.
“This work will have a lasting benefit for the nursery and the wider community.”
