Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is celebrating one of its dedicated team members and volunteers, Wendy Loftus, who has been recognised for her outstanding commitment to animal welfare at this year’s Inspiring Volunteer Awards.
Wendy, who serves as a Data Analyst & Pet Food Drive Volunteer at the Home, has dedicated countless hours as a Data Analyst. She works closely with the Fundraising Administrator on data input for various campaigns, often managing time-consuming tasks.
Recently, Wendy also signed up as a Pet Food Drive volunteer, fundraising at local supermarkets to support the Pet Food Bank.
Her ability to engage with the public passionately about the Home’s work has been invaluable, and her collaborative spirit and innovative ideas have significantly contributed to the success of the charity’s different initiatives.
At a special ceremony at the City Chambers, Wendy received a certificate presented by Robert Aldridge, The Rt. Hon. Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the Home and the wider community.
Wendy commented: “I was brought up with the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home being part of my life.
“It is nice to be able to give something back to a Charity that has given three generations of my family so much joy & pleasure over the years, with the dogs we’ve been allowed to rehome.”
Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, added: “Wendy truly embodies the spirit of volunteering. Her dedication and warmth have brought comfort to countless animals and inspired our entire team.
“We’re thrilled that her efforts have been recognised at such a prestigious event.”
The Inspiring Volunteer Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals who make Edinburgh a better place through selfless service. Wendy’s recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the power of community-driven support for animal welfare.
To learn more about volunteering opportunities at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, visit www.edch.org.uk.
Inspiring climate action through this year’s Edinburgh Climate Festival
As we take in the fearful effects of the worsening climate crisis and the uncertainty that takes hold of the many challenges we are facing around our planet today, looking ahead to a hopeful future can be a very daunting task.
For this, we find great importance & delight in announcing the return of this year’s Edinburgh Climate Festival, a free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities. A day that brings together numerous climate related organisations, projects and individuals, all looking to help positively raise awareness & work towards creating a brighter future!
The festival will be taking place at the Edinburgh Meadows, Melville Dr EH9 1ND, on Saturday 28th June 2025, from 12 to 7pm.
During the day, attendees can find a variety of free lively performances, workshops, art installations & themed talks, as well as a bouncy castle and activities that welcome everyone of all ages.
The festival will also be welcoming stallholders that cover topics related to circular economy, mitigation, adaptation, climate education, transport, activism, conservation and more.
As a special feature to the ninth edition of the festival, this year the team have introduced an additional theme: Root & Rise.
The theme represents a call to root in ourselves by grounding in who we are, reconnecting with nature, and prioritising our well-being. The festival defends that just as strong roots support a thriving tree, a deep connection to ourselves and the earth can allow us to rise with strength and purpose.
By truly rooting in nature, we find the power to rise – to embrace new sustainable habits, take meaningful action, and stand together in the fight for climate justice and systemic change. This message is present throughout the event, through visuals and tailored activities encompassing this ethos.
As an additional attempt to become more sustainable as an event itself, this year the festival is also trialling a few new schemes in hopes to achieve better waste reduction & improve its practices overall.
A few to highlight, is their additional single use packaging fee that will be implemented by all food vendors as well as a free raffle that aims to encourage attendees to bring their own containers, rewarding their commitment by offering a chance to win one of three prizes (which are valued at £60, £50 and £40).
Franciele Sobierai, the ECF Event Coordinator said: “The climate crisis can be daunting, leaving us feeling powerless.However, when we unite, work together, and support one another, we can accomplish far more.
“This is the message the Edinburgh Climate Festival aims to spread — encouraging community-driven climate action and solidarity to tackle the climate emergency.”
The attractions and activities will include various artwork, free yoga, somatic movement, paper-making, dancing, climate stories, musical performances from Airdan Band, Fossilheads, Samba Sene, an energetic Ceilidh & much more!
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate our collective efforts towards a sustainable future! You can find the full programme here
Confirm your presence on the event here, with the option to give a donation here.
Volunteering: If you like to get involved in the delivery of the event, the ECF team is looking for individuals passionate about climate and community action to help on the day.
The Edinburgh Climate Festival is brought to you by Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) & Networking Key Services (NKS), through the Communities’ Reduce Reuse & Recycle (C3R) Project.
The festival is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund and is supported by The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier University.
Charities of all sizes in Scotland are being encouraged to sign up to a new volunteering platform, to help recruit more volunteers to support their invaluable work.
Leading volunteering charity, Royal Voluntary Service, has created a digital volunteering platform, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, to help charities across the country to connect with would-be volunteers in their communities.
Local and regional charities are vital to the fabric of the country, and many rely on the time and support of volunteers, yet charities across the board are seeing fewer people step forward in recent years.
However, research by Royal Voluntary Service found that people in Scotland are interested in volunteering their time, if they could fit it around their lives. 48%1 of people in Scotland agreed that an app or platform offering the ability to volunteer on an ad-hoc-basis and fit in and around their life would make them more likely to volunteer, suggesting there’s an untapped pool of potential volunteers.
When combined with the finding that making a valuable contribution to society or local community was a leading motivator for people to volunteer, a positive picture is painted for local causes looking to recruit.
The platform will launch to the public in the autumn, when potential volunteers will be able to browse, search, filter, click and connect with causes and charities they care about.
Charities across the region are able to sign up to the platform now completely free of charge and will be invited to upload roles to test the platform from June onwards, ahead of the full launch to local people in the autumn.
It is hoped that the platform will be a hub of flexible, accessible digitally-enabled volunteering, and a resource that local charities can tap in to, to supercharge their volunteer recruitment.
Charities of all shapes and sizes, from sporting or arts charities, to those supporting people living with health conditions, and environmental causes to animal charities, are urged to sign up and consider uploading as diverse a range of volunteer roles as possible in the coming weeks and months.
Ensuring volunteering opportunities are varied and inclusive, from one-off, remote and flexible roles, to team-based, skilled, and traditional volunteering roles will help to broaden access to volunteering and inspire a new generation of volunteers for the benefit of causes and communities across the country.
Charities will also be able to benefit from welcoming new volunteers, whilst reducing the costs and admin associated with recruitment.
The goal of the platform’s simple ‘on-board once’ process for volunteers will mean that once a person has registered and completed an identity check, they will be able to move seamlessly between volunteering opportunities, charities and causes through the platform, without the need to re-register and repeat basic assurances.
Eventually, charities will also be able to utilise free criminal record checking, which will be introduced to the platform at a later date.
Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service said: “We have shaped this exciting new platform in partnership with charities big and small across the country, to make sure it’s valuable for causes of all sizes.
“Together we can make volunteering more accessible and empower more people to give their time to support the host of invaluable charities and causes they care about, across Scotland.
“The platform addresses what we know to be barriers for would-be volunteers and makes fitting volunteering in to modern life easier than ever. Thanks to support from Postcode Lottery players we are on the cusp of a volunteer revolution, and I am passionate that as many charities and causes be a part of it as possible.”
Clara Govier, Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We work with a range of amazing charities and we understand the fundamental part that volunteers play in their operations and in civil society.
“Thanks to our players’ support, Royal Voluntary Service is creating a platform which makes it simpler for volunteers to find the opportunities that suit them, either where they live or online.
“Just think what could be possible for our communities if new generations of people start to volunteer their time. I’d like to thank everyone who plays People’s Postcode Lottery for their support in making this possible.”
Partnerships for Wellbeing is a Highland charity best known for its community transport, health walks and friendship groups. It also organises the annual festival of walking and wheeling.
Jeff Zycinski, Manager at Partnerships for Wellbeing, said:“Small community-based charities like ours are always looking for new ways to recruit volunteers.
“It’s been so great to be involved in the early development of this project which has the potential to be a game-changing tool for people looking for ways to include an element of voluntary work in their lives and so make a difference to the lives of others.”
The platform is entirely free for charities to use, including identity checking of volunteers.
Charities interested in participating in workshops and webinars, or registering to upload their volunteering opportunities to the platform can find out more and sign up at royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.
Edinburgh Leisure has paid tribute to the vital role of its volunteers with a special Volunteer Thank You Day, held on Thursday 6 June as part of the UK’s annual Volunteer Week celebrations.
The event brought together 60 of the organisation’s 190 volunteers for a day of appreciation, connection, and insight into the impact of their contributions. Hosted at one of Edinburgh Leisure’s Meadowbank Sports Centre, the gathering recognised the essential role volunteers play in supporting health and wellbeing across the city.
“Our volunteers are the heartbeat of many of our community programmes,” said Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure.
“They help us reach more people, deliver more services, and ultimately improve lives through physical activity. This event was a small way to say a big thank you.”
Volunteers at Edinburgh Leisure support a wide range of initiatives, from health walks and inclusive fitness sessions to youth engagement and wellbeing programmes. Their efforts help reduce barriers to physical activity and promote healthier, more connected communities.
The celebration also offered volunteers the opportunity to share their experiences, learn more about Edinburgh Leisure’s services, and connect with fellow volunteers and staff. Many spoke of the personal rewards of volunteering, including meeting new people, supporting others, and seeing participants grow in confidence and wellbeing.
Volunteer Week, which runs annually in early June, is a UK-wide initiative that recognises the invaluable contributions of volunteers in all sectors.
Interested in Volunteering?
Edinburgh Leisure is always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join its volunteer team.
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.
The Lord Provost of Edinburgh hosted a Civic Reception at the City Chambers last night to honour the 25th anniversary of Volunteer Edinburgh as an independent organisation and its outstanding contribution to the life of the city.
The event brought together past and present staff, volunteers, trustees, and civic leaders to mark a quarter-century of innovation, impact, and service.
At the heart of the celebration was a powerful address by the organisation’s CEO, Paul Wilson, who reflected on the journey from a small volunteer exchange to becoming one of the city’s most dynamic and adaptive third sector organisations.
Paul said: “If anyone asked me what Volunteer Edinburgh is all about,I simply say: ‘people’.”
A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Volunteer Edinburgh has supported over 60,000 individuals in their volunteering journeys and welcomed more than 20,000 visitors to its annual recruitment fair over the past 25 years. Its pioneering Health and Wellbeing Service, which began as the UK’s first “Voluntary Work as Therapy” project, has helped more than 2,500 people in the past decade improve their lives through volunteering — many credit it with literally saving their lives.
However, this world-leading project is currently under threat due to potential disinvestment from the Health and Social Care Partnership. The CEO called on civic leaders to recognise and protect this invaluable service that embodies Edinburgh’s compassionate values.
Leading in Digital, Crisis Response, and Community Engagement
From launching Scotland’s first local authority-backed Volunteering Strategy in 2006 to building the country’s most-used volunteer management resource at volunteerwiki.org.uk, Volunteer Edinburgh has consistently led the way in developing practical solutions that scale.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation rapidly built and deployed a Community Taskforce, onboarding 550 trained volunteers to deliver over 17,000 critical support tasks city-wide. This flexible model later supported displaced Ukrainians, NHS vaccination efforts, and even mobilised 200 volunteers during the vigil for the Queen at St Giles’ cathedral in 2022.
“We Just Get Things Done”
Described by peers as an organisation that “just gets things done”, Volunteer Edinburgh has continually reinvented itself — from launching an AI tool for volunteer managers to establishing city-wide hubs and community engagement tools. The CEO paid tribute to the team’s dedication, noting “for a tiny wee organisation, we regularly punch above our weight.”
A Shared Belief in Service
Reflecting on his own 27-year journey with the organisation, the CEO emphasised that the core of Volunteer Edinburgh’s success is a shared belief across its team that “service to others is inherently a good thing.”
He paid tribute to his predecessors, trustees, and colleagues past and present, saying, “Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making Volunteer Edinburgh the vital asset it is today.
“Edinburgh needs it — and I hope it continues to flourish for decades to come.”
New research shows that 82% of Scottish young people feel a personal responsibility to be positive role models – with many already making a real difference in their communities.
Ruby McDonald from Glenrothes, Fife, Hayley Melrose from Danderhall, Midlothian and Magnus Turpie from Edinburgh are already making a difference to their communities and are being celebrated by The National Lottery as part of a new campaign spotlighting the inspirational young people driving real change across the UK.
Ruby, who after being diagnosed with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome later in childhood causing learning disabilities, has continued to pursue her passion of sport as a disability swimming, athletics and cross-country archery champion, and as well coaching other children with disabilities with Glenrothes Strollers.
Ruby, a member of Disability Sport Scotland Young Persons Sports Panel – a voluntary position that ensures that those with disabilities are represented regionally – has won numerous prizes in recognition of her amazing work including BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero award.
National Lottery funding from sport scotland is used for a Young Ambassador programme as part of the organisation’s contribution to developing young people as leaders in sport.
Each year, pupils fromsecondary schools across Scotland can become Young Ambassadors to promote sport and motivate and inspire other young people to get involved in sport in their schools, clubs and local communities.
Ruby has served with distinction as an additional ambassador at her school in Fife.
Ruby McDonald said: “Sport has given me confidence, purpose, and the chance to help others – especially young people with disabilities who might not think opportunities are out there for them. I want young people with disabilities to know they belong in sport – not just as participants, but as leaders too.”
Committed to preserving Scottish heritage Hayley Melrose, a fourth year History student at the University of Stirling, has been a volunteer for the eco-museum of Scottish Mining Landscapes, since the project launched in 2024, a virtual museum which explores the hidden local landscape legacies of coal mining across the Scottish midland coalfield through a series of cycling and walking routes.
The project has been supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Through her volunteering with the eco-museum, Hayley was invited to sit on the board of the Collection Trust for the National Mining Museum of Scotland.
With just 5 trustee members before Hayley joined, she is the youngest member to have ever been on the trust at just 21 years old, and the second woman to sit on the collection trust with her university tutor, Dr Catherine Mills.
Hayley Melrose said: “Inspired by my own family’s rich mining heritage, I’m passionate about preserving the legacy it leaves o and making sure these stories don’t get lost.
“Getting involved in volunteering and the Eco-Museum has opened up opportunities I never knew young people could get involved with.
“Looking ahead, I want to use my platform to advocate for other young people and change the face of heritage in the UK.”
Musician, Magnus Turpie has Down Syndrome and plays and composes for several instruments, particularly the accordion.
When Magnus was young, the expectations of what he could achieve were rock-bottom, according to mum Linda. Despite that, Magnus has gone on to achieve incredible things – he’s been a regular player at ceilidhs, pub sessions and festivals, and has performed with numerous groups including Lung Ha Theatre Company, Totally Sound, Paragon and Drake Music Scotland and at venues such as Edinburgh Castle.
He has received National Lottery funding from Creative Scotland.
Magnus Turpie said:“Music is a language and means of communication open to all. Through music, I’ve been able to show that Down’s Syndrome doesn’t define what I can achieve.
“The National Lottery Create:Inclusion funding has helped me to make inroads into the traditional music world here in Scotland and beyond.
“I’ve gone on to play in ceilidhs, festivals, and release my own album and work hard to push the boundaries of what people expect from people with learning disabilities.”
Ruby, Hayley and Magnus’ stories exemplify the findings of new research by The National Lottery, which reveals that young people across Scotland are stepping up to become role models for the next generation – and doing so in deeply personal, community-driven ways.
The study, conducted with Gen Z expert Chloe Combi, surveyed 5,000 young adults across the UK and found that 82% of Scottish young people say they feel a personal responsibility to set a positive example for the next generation.
A further 83% expressed concern about the impact of toxic role models, particularly those online, prompting many to take proactive steps in real life.
While high-profile figures like Barack Obama, Greta Thunberg, Sir Chris Hoy and Stormzy were identified as influential, most young adults said their greatest role models are real people – parents, grandparents, friends, teachers and colleagues – people they see making a difference every day.
This surge in real-world role modelling is fuelling a wider movement, dubbed ‘Generation GC’ (Game Changers) by The National Lottery – a generation using their skills, values and energy to build stronger, kinder, more connected communities.
Across Scotland, this is already happening:
77% of young adults surveyed said they’ve taken part in a community project in their past year.
77% want even more opportunities to get involved, from volunteering to leading local initiatives.
58% believe the best way to be a role model is by getting involved with community volunteering projects.
Chloe Combi, author and Gen Z researcher, said:“This incredible research from The National Lottery and myself both highlights and confirms what I’ve seen for over a decade – young people are deeply committed to community and change.
“They are nothing like the self-absorbed stereotype often portrayed in the media. Their admiration for role models who foster social good is refreshing and powerful.”
Thanks to the £30 million raised every week by National Lottery players, thousands of projects – including those that helped Hayley and Magnus on their journeys – are funded across the arts, sport, heritage, and community sectors.
Jonathan Tuchner, from The National Lottery Promotions Unit, said: “This study shows how passionate young adults are about stepping up as positive role models and making a difference in their communities. They’re determined to shape a better society, and that commitment deserves real recognition.
“Every day, we see National Lottery-funded projects led by and involving young people transforming lives through sport, the arts, heritage and community. From grassroots initiatives in Scotland to large-scale programmes nationwide, these efforts are helping to build stronger, more connected communities.
“We encourage everyone to discover what’s happening locally in Scotland and get involved. Thanks to the £30 million raised each week by National Lottery players, these inspiring efforts are having a game-changing impact across the UK.”
Keith is a local volunteer for the charity Care & Repair Edinburgh that helps older and vulnerable people stay independent, comfortable, safe, and secure in their own homes for as long as they can and want to.
Keith gets the bus or walks to the homes of older and disabled people in EH3, EH4 and EH5 (and further abound!) who have booked some DIY work with the charity.
Keith has completed 50 jobs since August 2022 in the area which has included changing many lightbulbs, and he is up a ladder in a whizz!
This is the most popular job that Keith does and can make so much difference to someone who only has one bulb as the main light source in a room. Another popular request is changing lightbulbs in fridges and hanging curtains or setting up a new laptop.
Keith goes that extra mile and has done jobs like typing up simplified instructions on how to use a mobile phone for an older person. In many cases, just visiting the client makes a big difference to them especially if they are housebound and have had few visitors.
2025 is the 40th anniversary of the charity Care & Repair Edinburgh who provide practical help around the homes of the elderly and disabled residents of Edinburgh.
The charity, which was based in Leith, was established in 1985 with the premise of “helping elderly people who are in most need and whose homes require repair or improvement”.
Forty years later the charity still provides affordable DIY and repairs for older and disabled residents of Edinburgh, however the services and the number of people being helped has dramatically increased.
Between a four-year period of 1985 to 1989 670 clients were helped but in 2025 the charity will help nearly that number of elderly and disabled people in one month!
In 2024 Care & Repair Edinburgh carried out over 6,000 DIY jobs around the homes of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable residents.
This has ranged from changing lightbulbs and putting up pictures through the Volunteer Service or installing keysafes so that an older person can stay independent in their own home with a little bit of help from friends, family members or carers. Small electrical repairs have been carried, which have included changing cracked light fittings and socket plates.
The joiner has fixed sash cords in windows, installed grab rails and handrails so clients can get out into their garden or installed shelves and curtain poles to make a house more homely.
Interestingly the age range of clients that the charity has helped has also changed over the years. In 1985 only 17% of the clients were over 80 years’ old, while today the figure is more than 46% and 11over 100-year-olds were supported last year.
Care & Repair Edinburgh’s Director, Allison Strachan, said: “It is wonderful to see the difference that we can make to the lives of the elderly and disabled residents in Edinburgh, and we receive such kind feedback from clients.
“Sometimes what seems like an impossible job for an elderly person who does not have very good mobility, for example climbing a ladder to change a lightbulb can be done by our wonderful volunteers in a flash!”
Today Care and Repair Edinburgh help older and vulnerable people stay independent, comfortable, safe, and secure in their own homes for as long as they can and want to.
Please get in touch with Care & Repair Edinburgh if you think we can help you and need some practical work carried out around your home or you would like to volunteer or make a donation so that this Edinburgh institution can carry on for another 40 years.
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