Welcome to the July 2026 issue of our e-newsletter, which we hope you find both interesting and useful.

We are pleased to be able to let you know that we have taken the decision to fund some really important centre improvements over the next few months, the works include decoration and replacement flooring.

 

We will be carrying out works to our five changing rooms and toilets, all of our first floor corridors and foyers, and our stairs and first floor landing leading to the hall. 

As well as improving the appearance of the centre, we hope the building will feel more inviting and welcoming.

We are really excited about these works, and look forward to sharing more information with you in due course.  

Common Ground was written and performed by one of our adult drama classes and directed by Rebecca Kilbey, which was performed on Wednesday 10 June 2026 in our hall in an audience of friends, family and wider community members. The performance was a story about a community, although at the beginning, they don’t necessarily recognise that’s what they are.

 

A selection of audience feedback was;

Our charity has supported drama within the community centre for a number of years, and both our Chairperson and our Chief Executive were present at the performance and were very impressed with the groups acting ability, and the story they had developed. Our grateful thanks go to everyone who make the performances happen in our centre, which benefits us all.

Fringe 2026

From Monday 27 July to Friday 4 September 2026 we’ll be pausing our usual use of the community centre as we make our annual transformation to Zoo Southside.

 

However, our staff will all still be available by emailing hello@southsidecommunitycentre.co.uk.

Our community café is open Monday to Thursday from 9:45am to 4pm (last food orders at 3:30pm), and on Fridays from 9:45am to 3pm (last food orders at 2:30pm).

 

All of our soups are freshly made on the premises by our team, and are served with bread and croutons for only £3.50. Every day we serve lentil soup with a ‘guest soup’. 

Our main meals this week, which are £5 each, include quiche and lasagne - again, freshly made on the premises.

Payment can be made by card, contactless or cash. With our menu available for sit in and take away.

On the first Wednesday of each month we are joined by OM Music Sanctuary who provide live music from 1pm - 3:30pm. 

Fundraising success

On Monday 15 June 2026 the summer concert of Southside Community Orchestra was held in our hall, attracting a sizeable audience to hear music from Robert and Clara Schumann. Also Kol Nidrei by Max Bruch with Rosie Townhill (cello soloist).

 

Following the concert a collection was held for Drake Music Scotland which raised £323.50!

Southside / Newington by-election

We are NOT a polling place in the upcoming Southside / Newington Ward by-election on Thursday 3 September 2026.

 

Although we are usually a polling place in local, Scottish and United Kingdom elections we are NOT a polling place for this by-election.

 

If you usually vote in our community centre please check your polling card/letter which will detail where you should vote in person instead, or email elections@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Centre staffing update

A warm welcome to Melissa our new, part time, project worker in the centre. She'll be working on cost-of-living activities and setting up a befriending scheme for older people to reduce isolation as well as creating other opportunities that will be developed alongside members of the community. 

Melissa can be emailed at melissa@southsidecommunitycentre.co.uk. 

Fiona and Melissa will be running the Food Pantry each week in the café from Friday 3rd July between 09:45 – 11:45. We are currently exploring an alternative venue for this to run from over the summer and will be in touch with pantry members directly about this. 

 

From 1 April to 30 June 2026 our advisor obtained £102,224.63 in financial gains for our service users. This means that since we began this project in April 2025 (fifteen months ago) we have secured half a million pounds of financial gains. Could they help you to increase your income?

 

For example, we can review any benefits that you are already receiving to ensure you are getting the correct amount. We can also explore what other benefits you may be entitled to and help you to apply.

 

We currently have appointments available on Monday and Tuesday mornings, and Wednesday afternoons.

 

To make an appointment please do get in touch by calling us on 0131 667 0484 or emailing hello@southsidecommunitycentre.co.uk.

 

Access to the internet is considered an essential for today’s world. We have a small number of free SIM cards that come pre-loaded with free data. You must be 18+ and currently have low income to receive one.  If you would like one, Melissa will be in the centre most Wednesday, Thursday and Friday’s or you can leave your contact details with a member of staff, and she will be in touch directly.

We are currently developing a small-scale befriending scheme for older people to help reduce social isolation and strengthen community connections. We are laying the foundations and will soon begin recruiting volunteers. More information about the launch will follow in due course.

*We are grateful to have received a grant to fund this work from the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, which is administered by Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council and funded by the Scottish Government.

 

Our Friday Club continues to meet every Friday from 10am to 12noon, with any person aged sixty or over welcome to come along to take part in activities such as group discussions, board and card games, arts and crafts, and more! The group is free with free hot drinks and biscuits too.

 

 

From September 2026 our hall has availability each Saturday morning from 10am to 1:30pm, at an hourly rate of only forty-five pounds. 

With wooden floor space of 2,500 square feet our hall is suitable for a wide range of activities – which currently include salsa, fencing, drama, martial arts, and ceilidhs. 

 

The space is flexible and adaptive, and includes a tiered seating area and access to changing / shower rooms, if needed.

For more information, to arrange a viewing, or to make a booking please reach out to us by emailing hello@southsidecommunitycentre.co.uk.