The Ripple Project is proud to announce the launch of North-East Edinburgh’s first community-run refillery project from its Restalrig Lochend Community hub.
The volunteer-run ‘Ripple Refillery’ will open on 27th March and is the latest sustainability initiative from the North-Edinburgh membership-led community charity. Local people will have the opportunity to bring their own containers and jars to stock up on a variety of essential items, such as dry foods, toiletries, pet food and cleaning products, all supplied at affordable prices.
The project is led by Tristan Green, Community Action Worker, at The Ripple, who commented: ‘Our goal is to help the community by providing access to good quality, low-cost food.
“Our stocked items are based upon a community feedback survey which highlighted essential items that local residents struggle to afford in retail quantities.
“Given the continuous cost-of-living crisis and the harrowing news reported this week that there are now 12 million people in absolute poverty in Britain, more creativity is required when trying to ease the worries of those most in need.
‘The refillery will help local people to save money whilst also supporting the environment by removing the need for single use plastics and reduce food wastage. We’ve been working with local producers including Edinburgh Community Food and Organic Egg Supplier Dave Stoddart to ensure that we’re able to offer the best local produce where possible. Any small profits will be re-invested into community-based projects in the area.
“I’d like to thank all of our amazing community volunteers who give up their time to help run the refillery and we would love to hear from local businesses who might be able to support us with the supply of stock.”
A six-week consultation is asking residents, businesses and other interested groups how they think Seafield could be transformed and regenerated into a vibrant new 20-minute neighbourhood.
The consultation is being run by the City of Edinburgh Council and Seafield: Connecting Coastal Communities*.
The local community is being invited to attend two events where they can give their views in person. Those attending will be asked what they like best about the area just now, what kind of housing they would like built there in the future and how the existing promenade could be improved.
The consultation is also seeking to get views from the local community on what other facilities they would like in the area such as health centres, schools and shops as well as how public transport could be improved.
Thursday, 27 April between 3pm – 8pm at The Ripple Project Cafe, 198 Restalrig Road South, Craigentinny.
Saturday, 29 April Between 12:30pm – 3:30pm Bellfield (Celebration Foyer) 16B Bellfield Street, Portobello.
Cllr James Dalgleish Planning Convener said: “This part of our precious coast in Edinburgh has been highlighted as an area which can be greatly improved and regenerated in our draft City Plan 2030, currently with Scottish Ministers for approval.
“We’re at an early stage looking at how we can use sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood principles at Seafield, a new way of thinking for us in Edinburgh. We want to make Seafield more sustainable, with improved access to quality services.
“This is the start of a conversation with the local community to empower them to help us to make this happen. A 20-minute neighbourhood in Edinburgh is about living well locally, giving residents the ability to meet most of their daily needs by walking, cycling, wheeling or taking public transport. Residents will be able to live, shop, work and travel more easily and enjoy well-connected spaces with and improved greener public transport.
“I’d encourage everyone with a link to Seafield to come along and tell us how what kind of homes and other facilities they would like to see built at Seafield for future generations to come. If you can’t make the events please do fill out our short survey as it’s really important we hear from as many people as possible about this important regeneration project for the city.
“The next stage is for the Council to share a draft vision for feedback before consulting on a draft masterplan for Seafield this summer. This will then be presented to the Council’s Planning Committee for approval.”
*Seafield: Connecting Coastal Communities is a group made up of the following community councils:
Tommy Sheppard, MP for Edinburgh East, is hosting a free advice event with key local and national organisations to help constituents through the current cost of living crisis.
It will take place on Friday 31 March at The Ripple Project, 198 Restalrig Road South, Edinburgh EH7 6DZ, and will run on a drop-in basis from 11am to 1pm.
Representatives from Citizens Advice Edinburgh, Social Security Scotland, Home Energy Scotland, Age Scotland and the Edinburgh Food Project will be on hand to offer practical support and expertise on a range of issues including money and debt advice, welfare and benefits, energy costs, and personal finances.
Granton Information Centre also provides a weekly advice service for local people at The Ripple Project.
The advice event follows a similar one hosted by the SNP MP in October last year, which saw over eighty people attend from across the Craigmillar area.
It also comes as polling carried out by Survation in partnership with campaign group 38Degrees revealed the stark impact of rising costs imposed on households in recent months, with findings showing in Edinburgh East:
• 21% of people have missed rent payments in the last six months
• 32% of people haven’t been able to afford to turn the heating on
• 21% of people fear they may have to use a foodbank
Commenting, Tommy Sheppard MP said: “With each passing day, we see new figures which highlight how devastating this crisis is for households. I’m determined to do everything I can to support those who are struggling, and ensure they have the information they need to tackle the rising cost of living.
“From practical ways to save money on your energy bills to signposting you towards extra money you may be eligible for, the organisations invited have been chosen to cover a range of problems that ordinary families are facing right now.
“We shouldn’t need to have events like this, because our Government in Westminster ought to be doing something about it. Instead, at a time when households desperately need help, they are withdrawing vital support and imposing real-term cuts to incomes.
“That’s why it’s more important than ever that people know that help and support is available – I’d encourage anyone struggling with the cost of living to attend this free advice event.”
Jamie Gray, Centre Manager for Home Energy Scotland, added: “We’re looking forward to meeting and supporting lots of people at this cost of living event.
“With more people now worrying about their energy bills, our advisors will be there to give advice on ways you can reduce your energy use and save money on your bills. They will also be able to look at whether you would be eligible for any grants or funding that can help make your home more energy efficient which will lower your energy bills.
“If you aren’t able to make it along to the event, we can still support you. Just give us a call on 0808 808 2282 or email us via our website at homeenergyscotland.org/contact.”
CAN’T ATTEND FRIDAY’S EVENT?
GRANTON Information Centre holds weekly outreach surgeries every Thursday at the Ripple Project for people with an EH6/7/8 postcode.
To make an appointment to see Shannon at the The Ripple Project (Restalrig and Lochend Community Hub) please contact GIC on 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458 or email appointments@gic.org.uk .
COMMUNITY ANCHOR AWARDS TO EIGHT EDINBURGH PROJECTS
Community led groups across Scotland are today sharing in over £1.5 million of National Lottery funding to distribute to individuals most vulnerable to the cost-of-living pressures.
The latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to 73 groups means that well targeted support from food or fuel provision and access to warm clothing or electric blankets can be distributed immediately in response to the challenges that people are currently facing on a day-to-day basis.
Eight Edinburgh projects received grants. There’s £28,600 for Edinburgh Commmunity Food, who will work to support their community who have been particularly affected by the cost- of- living crisis.
Bridgend Farmhouse will support their local community by running warm spaces sessions, setting up a crisis fund and piloting some affordable eating sessions in schools – they receive £19,580.
Edinburgh Community Health Forum applied for Community Anchor funding on behalf of its eight member organisations so that they can support people and families most affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
They receive £26,491 which will be used to provide support including food and food vouchers, community meals, cooking sessions, access to warm spaces and warm clothing.
Restalrig’s The Ripple Project was awarded £25,232.
This group will support people most in need due the cost-of-living crisis by providing food, heating, warm clothing and blankets, laundry, cheaper cooking options and transport.
There’s funding, too, for Old Town Development Trust, Home-Start Edinburgh, Lister Housing Co-operative and Prospect Community Housing.
Elsewhere in Scotland, an award of £23,500, Annexe Communities will provide emergency provisions to local people and households in Partick.
As well as distributing food vouchers, clothing vouchers and energy top ups the group will be able to run a soup social and provide soup packs with all the relevant ingredients needed for people to make their favourite soups at home.
The money means that the Annexe can continue this work which began during the COVID-19 pandemic helping many more people like 41-year-old Kelly Young from Partick. Kelly is mother to four children and was referred to the Annexe when she lost her job in December 2021.
Struggling to keep up with rent payments and put food on the table, Kelly lost two stone in six weeks because she wanted to make sure that her children ate first.
Over the last year Annexe Communities have been there for Kelly providing advice, food parcels and fuel vouchers. Kelly said: “I now have a job as a cleaner and am working hard to support my family as best I can. I have always been a believer in being able to help yourself but when you are in such a deep hole it’s impossible.
“It took a lot for me to swallow my pride and admit that I needed help for me and my family but the truth of it is that I am out working and I still can’t manage. Pay day becomes pay away day and I am constantly living on my overdraft – it’s a never-ending cycle.
“That’s why places like the Annexe are so important right now, they keep contact with me and it’s good to know that people are there for me and that it’s a safe place for me to come and not sit in my house stressed and isolated.”
Jane Cowie, Development Worker, Annexe Communities, said: “This funding means we can support struggling local families and people over the next few months so they can eat and are able to heat their homes.
“We have joined forces with other local organisations and are using our collective knowledge to work together and to reach and to help as many people in need. The money means we get the relevant support to people who need it now.”
Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: “This latest round of funding is just one of the ways our National Lottery funding is being distributed to organisations who will directly support people and communities facing very difficult circumstances.
“Local charities and community groups are fully aware what’s going on right now in their local areas and are therefore best placed to deliver this support quickly so there’s no delay with providing people with the help they so desperately need.
“It’s all thanks to National Lottery players that they can continue this vital work.”
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.
The Festive season can be an especially lonely time for many thousands of Scots, but over £8 million National Lottery funding announced today (TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER\) means that charities and community groups across Scotland can continue to bring people together all year round.
The latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund is shared amongst 246 community projects. A full list of projects is attached.
An award of £121,192 means that Restalrig based charity, The Ripple can continue to deliver their ‘Older Person’s Service’ for over 65s which offers a range of activities, trips and support services helping people in the community come together, making them feel less isolated.
Rachel Green, Director of The Ripple, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded a grant by The National Lottery Community Fund. We have a thriving social club for over 65’s on a Friday but this funding means we can now extend our opportunities across the whole week.
“Older people bring so much to our community, and we are looking forward to working with them to plan activities and events that will help them stay physically well, connected to their community and keep them energised and active as life moves on.”
Branch Out Together also welcomes the award of £98,774, which will allow them to continue their ‘Basecamp’ youth club for autistic children. The programme offers children the opportunity to develop skills in social communication and interaction using games and arts and crafts projects.
Michael Penny, Chief Executive of Branch Out Together, said: “It’s great that The National Lottery Community Fund is supporting our Basecamp project which will allow us to help more children and their families.
“Children with autism will get the chance to make friends, have fun and grow confidence around others.”
There’s also Lottery joy for Wester Hailes-based With Kids, who will use their £150,000 grant to expand their child mental health support service across South West Edinburgh, and Niddrie’s Caring in Craigmillar receives over £59,000 to provide dementia-friendly activities. Euan’s Guide is also a big winner, picking up over £144,000 to provide opportunities for disabled people in Edinburgh to write reviews on accessibility.
Among the local organisations receiving small grants are Ama-zing Harmonies (£9900), Friends of Victoria Park (£2150) and Saheliya (£10,000), who will be using their award to deliver a series of talks, workshops and activities to celebrate their 30th anniversary.
Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fundsaid: ““It’s fantastic to see this latest round of funding go to charity and community groups helping people in communities across Scotland come together.
“The connections we have to our family, friends and the wider community makes us feel we are not so alone and that we are part of something bigger. The strength and comfort that we draw from this will be important for us all as we face some challenging times ahead.
“National Lottery players can be proud that they are supporting this vital work, not only during the Festive Season but all year round. “
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.
WELLBEING OPEN DAY – SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER 9am – 4pm
People living in cities around the world care about their mental health and the mental health of their fellow residents; they also know that urbanization – living amongst masses of people with its related stressors and burdens – can often be toxic to mental health and well-being.
Edinburgh is no different to any other global city BUT the areas The Ripple Project works in – Restalrig, Lochend and Craigentinny – are different to other parts of Edinburgh.
Low and insecure income and problem debt, unemployment and poor quality housing has consistently been associated with an increased risk of common mental health problems, loneliness and social isolation only adds to this already bleak picture.
As part of their wellbeing programme, on Saturday 16th October the Ripple Project is offering local residents the opportunity to stop, look after themselves and try something new. Activities on offer FREE of CHARGE include Reiki, massage, singing, drumming, capoeira, creative art, reflexology and many others.
Cat Robertson, Wellbeing Co-ordinator said “This is a day where people can come and take stock, try something different and think about the things that matter. So often we forget to do things that just make us happy”
The Ripple Project is a grass roots community that has a strong track record spanning over 20 years of tackling poverty and inequality by working with local people to help them to help themselves.
Based at the Restalrig Lochend Community Hub since 2010, the charity normally provides daily activities including a community café, a youth service, a wellbeing project, a community shop, a programme for volunteers and support for people to make and sell their own items.
The Ripple Project also writes and delivers a community newspaper into 6000 homes every 3 months.
Their Community Hub at Restalrig Road South is open 5 days and 4 evenings a week – 8am to 8pm as well as occasional weekends. The Ripple Project has a small staff team, with the rest of the activities delivered by over 100 volunteers who commit to and give us over 5,500 thousand volunteering hours per year.
Rachel Green, Director of The Ripple said: “The Ripple is the place in our community that people come to chat with others, to have a healthy meal and to take part in exercise, learning and other social activities.
“So often we see people who do not see anyone from one day to the next or just need help with some something small that is bothering them. We get to know people and they get to know us, we know when they don’t turn up or when somethings wrong.
“We work together to help each other and try and make our area a better place to live and work in.”
