third sector – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie responds to Daily Express article

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern, has made a statement in response to an article published in the Daily Express, SNP Government fund group which wants police and councils to not cooperate with immigration raids in Scotland which can be found HERE:

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said: “I am deeply disappointed to see the rhetoric of Reform UK and their attack on Project Esperanza, which does immeasurable work for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“Project Esperanza provides support for migrant, refugee, and racially minoritised women, children, and families across Edinburgh and Scotland who are navigating poverty, insecure immigration status, racialised policing, gender-based violence, housing precarity, and barriers to healthcare, employment, and education. Without them, people in my constituency and beyond would lack life-changing support.

“A vital service such as this does not deserve to have its work demonised, nor should charities and community organisations representing the needs of the communities they serve have their legitimacy challenged simply because of the people they support.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in the place they call home, and organisations like Project Esperanza help make that safety a reality for women, children and families in Edinburgh.

“The Scottish Liberal Democrats firmly stand in solidarity with targeted communities and rejects racism across the city.”

You can read the Reform UK article HERE

Third Sector Poverty Prevention Grants Programme: Workshops

CALLING THIRD SECTOR ORGANISATIONS AND SMALLER COMMUNITY GROUPS WORKING ON POVERTY PREVENTION & MITIGATION

The City of Edinburgh Council is developing a new £2.5million per annum grants programme for third sector organisations who are working to prevent and mitigate poverty in Edinburgh.

If you’d like to have a say in shaping the grants programme, you can participate in one of the planned co-design workshops:

– Edinburgh Poverty Network (online only) – 3-5, Tuesday 27th October 2026

– Workshop 2 (in person) – Thistle Foundation, 10-12, Friday 30th October 2026

– Workshop 3 (in person) – Norton Park, 2-4, Monday 2nd November 2026

– Workshop 4 (in person) Space@Broomhouse, 12-2, Friday 6th November 2026

– Workshop 5 (in person) North Edinburgh Arts, 2-4, Wednesday 11th November 2026

The Council wants to hear directly from third sector leaders and workers on:

– How this fund should be used?

– Who should be eligible?

– What a good application process looks like?

– What makes for a well-managed grant fund?

Or email policyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk for more information.

Tackling poverty in Edinburgh: Third Sector Workshops

The City of Edinburgh Council is developing a new £2.5m per annum grants programme for third sector organisations who are working to prevent and mitigate poverty in Edinburgh.

Join us at these workshops to help shape this programme, and makes sure it meets the needs of the third sector in Edinburgh.

We want to hear directly from third sector leaders and workers on:

·How this fund should be used?

·Who should be eligible?

·What a good application process looks like?

·What makes for a well-managed grant fund?

There are six workshop options available:

– Edinburgh Poverty Network (online only) – 3-5, Tuesday 27th October 2026

– Workshop 2 (in person) – Thistle Foundation, 10-12, Friday 30th October 2026

– Workshop 3 (in person) – Norton Park, 2-4, Monday 2nd November 2026

– Workshop 4 (in person) Space@Broomhouse, 12-2, Friday 6th November 2026

– Workshop 5 (in person) North Edinburgh Arts, 2-4, Wednesday 11th November 2026

The workshops will all be the same, so please find the one that works best for you, or contact us directly at policyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk for more information on how to get involved.

Edinburgh’s third sector urged to shape future conference space

Survey to help shape future of community venue

COMMUNITY groups, charities, social enterprises and other mission-driven organisations across Edinburgh are being asked to help shape the future of an important conference venue serving the city’s third sector.

Norton Park has launched a new survey as it explores investment in, improvements to and potential changes to its conference facilities, with the aim of ensuring the space continues to meet organisations’ needs beyond 2026.

The research will help inform a business case and future plans for the building, with a focus on creating affordable, useful and impactful space for organisations working to make a positive difference in their communities.

Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “Norton Park has a long history of supporting Edinburgh’s third sector and community organisations.

“As needs evolve, it is important that our facilities evolve too. We want to hear directly from the organisations that use these kinds of spaces so we can ensure any future investment is shaped by demand, delivers genuine value and creates lasting impact for the sector.”

The study is being supported by Community Enterprise and Fraser Livingstone Architects, which have been commissioned to undertake research and develop a business plan for the venue’s future.

A key part of the project is understanding what charities, community organisations, social enterprises and other third sector bodies need from conference, meeting, training and event facilities in the years ahead.

The survey is open to charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises and other mission-led organisations operating in Edinburgh. Responses will help identify current needs, gaps in provision and opportunities for future development.

It takes just a few minutes to complete and is intended to give organisations across the city an opportunity to influence future decisions about the conference venue.

The research will also help ensure local organisations are at the heart of decisions about how the building and its facilities could develop in future.

Douglas Westwater of Community Enterprise said: “Third sector organisations are facing increasing pressures, from rising costs to changing ways of working.

“This survey is an opportunity for organisations to tell us what they need from affordable conference, meeting and event space in Edinburgh.

“Whether you are a small community group, a growing social enterprise or an established charity, your views will help shape future decisions about the venue.”

Feedback gathered through the research will contribute to the work being undertaken by Community Enterprise and Fraser Livingstone Architects as they consider the business case and future plans for the venue.

Norton Park is renowned as the home of charities in Edinburgh and currently accommodates over 25 third sector organisations.

To take part in the survey, visit Future Sector Survey.

Tomorrow: Volunteer Edinburgh Recruitment Fair 2026

On Tuesday 1 September, the Volunteer Edinburgh Recruitment Fair 2026 will bring together more than 60 charities, community groups and voluntary organisations under one roof.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering to come along, meet organisations, explore different opportunities and find out how they can get involved.

Event details

Tuesday 1 September 2026
10am–5.30pm
St Paul’s & St George’s Church, York Place, Edinburgh
Free entry – no booking required

Do you know someone who might be interested in volunteering?

A friend, family member, colleague, neighbour, student—or someone who has recently said they’d like to give something back, meet new people, learn new skills or simply find out what’s available?

The more people who hear about the Recruitment Fair, the more opportunities there are to connect Edinburgh’s fantastic charities and community organisations with people ready to make a difference.

For more information and the latest updates, visit edvolfair.org.uk.

Holyrood Palace invite for inspirational young charity ambassador

A Young Ambassador with the charity Action for Children spent an afternoon in the presence of the King and Queen at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh this week.

Jack Nisbett, 20, from Haddington, East Lothian, attended a Royal Garden Party on Tuesday in recognition of his outstanding voluntary work.

Jack sits on Action for Children’s Young Ambassadors Board made up of volunteers aged between 14-25 from around the UK.

The board gets involved in the charity’s work, and campaigns to influence decision-making to ensure it reflects the views of young people.

Jack has ADHD and autism and has been supported by an Action for Children housing support service for just under two years.

Action for Children representatives are nominated to attend Royal Garden Parties each year through its Patron the Princess of Wales.

Reflecting on the experience, Jack said: “I absolutely loved it. It was a brilliant day and I enjoyed every minute. I also got the chance to meet First Minister John Swinney.”

“I chose to become a Young Ambassador to help young people without a voice. I want to help make a change in the lives of other young people who go through similar situations to mine and make the world better for young people across the UK.”

Jack and Robert Inglis, Locality Services Manager at Action for Children, mingled with hundreds of guests at the garden party, which was also attended by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal.

Robert has worked at Action for Children since 2003 and supported almost 500 young people experiencing homelessness during that time.

Robert said: “Jack is an incredible young man who uses his personality and kindness to always try and improve the lives of others.

“He has so much to offer as a Young Ambassador, and recently travelled to Glasgow with young people from other voluntary organisations to write a letter to the Scottish Government outlining key priorities for young people that politicians should be addressing.”

Jack is one of around 30,000 children, young people and families supported each year by Action for Children in Scotland, through 90 services across 30 Scottish local authorities.

Action for Children, formerly known as National Children’s Homes (NCH), opened its first Scottish service in 1955 in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire. Since then, it has expanded to offer residential homes, disability support, youth justice, and family support services across the country.

Tackling gambling harms, supporting mental health

Funding for community-based organisations

New funding has been made available to support people impacted by gambling-related mental health problems in Scotland.

From today, organisations will be able to bid for a share of £375,000 to support projects and research linked to gambling harms and mental health, including suicide prevention.

The funding forms part of the £7.9 million allocated to Scotland through the UK-wide statutory Gambling Levy – supporting Scotland’s Population Health Framework commitments on prevention, early intervention and treatment services delivered across the NHS, local authorities and the third sector.

It is the second year the fund, which is administered by Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), has opened for applications, with a total of 16 projects supported in 2025-26.

Minister for Mental Health Maree Todd said: “Gambling affects too many people in Scotland – and while it is often normalised, it is linked to many hidden harms. Earlier this year we announced £7.9 million to tackle gambling harm across Scotland, and this fund is a key part of that commitment.

“Last year, our funding supported exploratory projects which found that gambling harms are strongly linked to, but often hidden by other issues including substance use, housing insecurity and debt.

“This funding will help many other organisations working with some of those most affected, and I urge all eligible groups to apply.”

The ALLIANCE Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, said: “For many people gambling has become part of their everyday life – but research shows it can evolve into a slow often invisible decline that places individuals at heightened risk of harm and impacts on their mental health and wellbeing.

In serious cases it can lead to severe mental distress and even suicide.

“We need to understand more about the support that is needed within our communities – and that’s why the ALLIANCE welcomes this funding from the Scottish Government to do just that. Too often the most marginalised people and communities, those that face the biggest barriers already to better health, are the ones most at risk from gambling.

“The ALLIANCE’s work understanding communities in Scotland through our membership, and projects, gives us a good grounding to manage this fund. Communities provide solutions and on the local projects often have the answers. Solving the significant problems caused by gambling in Scotland has become a non-negotiable.”

Apply to the fund: smfscotland.grantplatform.com.

Applications open from 2 July until 14 August

Dove Centre looking for new home

Official Statement From The Dove Centre:

We have to share some distressing news.

We have been located within the Wester Hailes Baptist Church for the last 13 years. There has recently been a change in their leadership, and with that, their vision for the future of their church has been under development.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t include us.

We have now been given 12 months’ notice to quit the premises. This has understandably been a huge shock for us.

We are therefore urgently seeking new premises for our services which include our own day services but also transport and catering services to many organisations within Edinburgh. We currently provide day care, catering and transport services to around 400 people per week. The repercussions of this decision could be truly devastating to our whole community if we cannot secure alternative accommodation.

We would kindly ask everyone to help us in our search for new premises and share this post far and wide! We are grateful for any support you can give us. We know that our organisation is truly valued in our community and we will do our utmost to preserve services going forward.

This is a stressful time for the Dove Centre but we are resilient and committed to all our users and will not let this decision by the Wester Hailes Baptist Church defeat us.

It should be said that we are thankful for those in the church who have wholeheartedly supported us during the last few years. You have our eternal gratitude for standing with us against this decision.

Please contact us if you have any knowledge of possible accommodation.

With thanks from all of us at The Dove Centre.

#TeamDove

#TheDoveCentreEdinburgh

#DoveTransport

#DayServicesWithADifference

Advocacy, Campaigning & Lobbying Matter More Than Ever

Yesterday, I had the privilege of facilitating the second Introduction to Advocacy, Campaigning and Lobbying training for third-sector professionals in Edinburgh (writes TESFU GESSESSE).

In a time when narratives of division, fear, and “otherness” seem to be growing louder, it is more important than ever that we stand up for inclusion, fairness, and community. Advocacy is not just about influencing policy—it is about amplifying voices that are often unheard, challenging misinformation, and helping to build a society where everyone belongs.

What gives me hope is the passion, commitment, and determination of the people in this photo. Their energy reminded me that many individuals and organisations are still working every day to strengthen community cohesion, promote social justice, and bring people together.

Thank you to everyone who participated, shared their experiences, and contributed to such thoughtful discussions. Change happens when people come together, organise, and speak up.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we can shape a fairer future.

#TheWelcomingAssociation

#StrongerTogether

More support for families with childcare costs

£15 million to help low-income households pay for childcare

Third sector organisations across Scotland are being invited to apply for a grant as part of a new £15 million Childcare Support Fund to help low-income families manage the cost of childcare.

The fund will provide short-term, flexible childcare through registered childcare providers, supporting families living in, or at risk of, poverty. This will ease the financial pressures of childcare costs which can act as a barrier to employment, training or learning.

The new fund is one of a range of measures set out in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Bringing Hope, Building Futures, which will help drive further progress in eradicating child poverty.

This one-year fund is designed to top up existing support – rather than replace current entitlements such as free childcare hours and Universal Credit childcare payments.

Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Siobhian Brown said: “Every family deserves the security of knowing their child is well cared for, but for too many low-income families the cost of childcare creates real pressure at already difficult times.

“The Childcare Support Fund will help families who are struggling with childcare costs at difficult times – such as a change in job or family circumstances, to support access to training, or during a major life event like bereavement or illness.

“Organisations which are successful in applying for grants will support families to find the right childcare and help cover the cost. The fund is open to help families with children aged from nine months to the end of primary school.

“I would urge relevant third sector organisations to apply, and I look forward to seeing this funding reach the families who need it most over the coming months.

“By the end of this Parliament we will be delivering a brand new offer of childcare for families 52 weeks a year. This will reduce the cost burden and ensure our childcare system is flexible to suit family life.”

Childcare Support Fund: how to apply – gov.scot