Welcome to our latest e-newsletter! 

We hope you find this e-newsletter useful however, if you wish to unsubscribe you can do so at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the very bottom of this email. 

We are pleased to have been awarded nearly £55,000 by the National Lottery for us to support centre users through the ongoing cost of living crisis.

 

The biggest aspect of this work is that a full time Welfare Rights Advisor will be based in the centre for a year, this is a service that will, amongst other services support citizens to manage their money, address debts and increase their income.

Details are being finalised and we cant wait to share with you the full details of the work very, very soon.

Thank you to National Lottery players who have made this grant funding possible.

Earlier this year we took the decision to open our community centre at weekends in response to strong feedback we were receiving from the local community.

From September we have been opening at weekends with three new Community Centre Assistants (Facilities) joining our team to oversee the building on Saturdays and Sundays.

Since joining us the team have been working hard to ensure the building is a welcoming and safe place, as well as spending some time thinking about how we can improve the centres offering at weekends.

We're looking for a new Treasurer to join our Board, could it be you? Do you know someone who may be interested?

 

We're in an exciting time of development in which we are investing in new services and facilities, but also during a time of challenge as we focus on achieving a sustainable future.

 

As Treasurer you will support the Board to help manage its financial resources. Although you will take the lead in overseeing strong financial management, you will be aided by our Chief Executive and our very supportive accountants, as well as your fellow Trustees.

 

We know the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis continues to have an awful impact on the lives of many of our centre users, and those who live in nearby communities.

Below we have listed some of the services and facilities available in the centre which form part of our response to the crisis;

Period products (Free)

City of Edinburgh Council provide free tampons and pads, and reusable menstrual cups, pants and pads. Packs can be collected from our entrance foyer. Individual products are also provided in our toileting and changing facilities within the centre. This service is available at any time during our opening hours.

 

Goodies SCIO operate our in centre cafe providing access to free and low cost food, drinks and other items. This service is available Monday to Thursday from 10am until 6pm, and on Fridays from 10am until 3pm. Read more…

 

We provide free hot drinks and biscuits in a warm space during the winter months of November 2024 – March 2025. There are also optional individual and group activities provided. This service is available every Sunday from 11am until 4pm. Read more…

 

We facilitate two opportunities each week for those aged sixty plus to spend some time in a warm place, with a cuppa (and a biscuit!), in the company of others for conversation and activities.  This service is available on Tuesday from 10:30am until 12noon, and Fridays from 1pm until 2:30pm. Read more…

Join Frances every Tuesday morning from 10am to 11:30am in our hall for Hatha Yoga - beginners are welcome. £5 per class, on a drop in basis.

 

If you would be interested in taking part please call Frances on 07504 823 952.

All memberships of Southside Community Centre Association SCIO shall end on 31 December 2024.

 

If you wish to be a 2025 member please think about applying for your 2025 membership now.

 

Applications for 2025 memberships are currently being accepted. Membership forms are available from the centre office between 9am & 5pm Monday to Thursday, and from 9am until 3:30pm on Fridays. Or can be downloaded on our website by clicking here.

 

We have re-introduced membership cards, which will be issued to you when your 2025 membership application is approved.

The Southside Community Orchestra, who have been rehearsing and performing in our centre for a very long time, are holding their Christmas concert on Monday 9th December from 2:30pm. No need to book - just pop along.

Our in centre cafe, Goodies, who have been operating in the centre since January are offering a Christmas lunch on Tuesday 24 December 2024 from 12noon.

We have a variety of activities which take place in the centre across each month, many of which are open groups which welcome new attendees. Please keep in mind that some activities will take a break during the Christmas and New Year period.

Click here to view our programme on our website.

We are open for bookings every Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am until 4:30pm. We have availability for both occasional bookings and regular weekly or monthly bookings.

We can open later in the evening, subject to staff availability.

Crannie Christmas Community Lunch, Tuesday 10 December 2024. The Crannie are hosting a community lunch from 12:30pm until 1:30pm, which is free and vegetarian. Email community@eotdt.org to book your place. Click here to view their poster.

 

Christmas Lights switch on at St Patrick Square Gardens on Wednesday 4 December 2024. Southside Community Council are holding their annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony from 5:45pm in St Patrick Square Gardens. They are kindly inviting everyone  into Southside Community Centre for some festive hospitality following the ceremony. Click here to view their poster.

 

Charteris Centre Community Festive Lunch on Thursday 12 December 2024. A free Christmas festive lunch is being served from 11:30am in the Charteris Centre. Book your place by calling 0131 662 6850 or emailing info@charteriscentre.com. Click here to view their poster.

 

Mad Jam Open Mic, second Saturday of every month (except August). Held in the Augustine Utd Church on George IV Bridge from 6:20pm (doors open from 5:45pm). These events are a friendly & inclusive music and spoken-word event for this within & outwith the mental health community. For more information email mfmc11266@gmail.com.

A new home for the Fringe. Friday 6 December 2024. Pop along to South Bridge Resource Centre between 11am and 5pm to find our about plans to create a permanent, accessible and inclusive space that will broaden services to artists, audiences and residents, all year round. Click here for more information.