Welcome to the latest Third Sector Update for East Lothian.

GOVERNMENT & LEGISLATION

Charities savage Scottish Government as it ditches climate pledge

“Re-writing Scotland’s climate rulebook is an acute global embarrassment”
Scrapping Scotland’s key climate change target is the “worst environmental decision in the history of the Scottish Parliament” according to charities.
Ministers have ditched the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030.
Màiri McAllan, cabinet secretary for net zero, said the target is now “out of reach”.
The Scottish Government will also scrap its annual and interim targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Charities savage Scottish Government as it ditches climate pledge – TFN

East Lothian community groups encouraged to find alternative funding as council cuts grants

More than £690,000 was handed out to third sector and community groups but many saw their funding reduced and some, including Amisfield Preservation Trust, received nothing.

More than 20 East Lothian community groups who applied for council funding this year have received nothing in a bid to ‘reduce reliance’ on local authority funding, a new report has revealed.

Grants issued by East Lothian Council have been hit by cut backs as it seeks to reduce the budget gap for the year ahead.
East Lothian community groups encouraged to find alternative funding as council cuts grants – Edinburgh Live

ORGANISATIONAL UPDATES

End of Year Stats – Trussell Trust

More than 3.1 million emergency food parcels were distributed by food banks in the Trussell Trust network in the past 12 months — the most parcels ever distributed by the network in a year and nearly double the number compared to five years ago.

Food banks in the Trussell Trust network saw the highest ever levels of need as more people found their incomes did not cover the cost of essentials like heating and food. Between April 2023 and March 2024, the number of people that used a food bank for the first time was 655,000
End of Year Stats – The Trussell Trust

VOLUNTEER INSIGHTS

PVG fee proposal for volunteers seen as a potential ‘tax on volunteering’

In early March this year, Disclosure Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government launched a consultation on a range of proposals related largely to fees and discounts for the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme.

One of the proposals, to replace the current fee waiver with a fee reduction for volunteers in Qualifying Voluntary Organisations (QVOs)*, led to a stream of concerned emails into my inbox. As Scotland’s national centre for volunteering, we were equally concerned at the potential impact.

Since the consultation was launched, we have sought the views of a range of key stakeholders, particularly the Volunteering Action Plan Policy Champions Network (PCN), on the proposals. The strength of feeling about the proposals, particularly the one related to volunteer fees, was palpable. Words and phrases like ‘a false economy’, ‘a disgrace’, ‘unfathomable’ and ‘self-defeating’ were littered through responses to a survey we circulated to the PCN – clearly this consultation has touched a nerve.
PVG fee proposal for volunteers seen as a potential ‘tax on volunteering’ – Volunteer Scotland

FUNDING & GRANTS

Fair Funding Survey

The aim of this survey is to gather thoughts and opinions from the third sector regarding the Scottish government’s plan to deliver fair funding by 2026. Your input will help shape a concrete definition of Fair Funding and help identify areas where potential new policy could be beneficial. Your responses will be kept confidential and used for research purposes only.
Third Sector Fair Funding Survey — Volunteer Centre East Lothian — VCEL (volunteereastlothian.org.uk)

Take a Break Fund
Take a Break is Scotland’s short breaks fund for carers of disabled children, young people and their families. Take a Break grants can be used for a break away, towards leisure activities or outings; sports equipment and much, much more.
Deadline: Monday 24 June
Take a Break | Scotland’s short breaks fund to support carers of disabled children and young people who have complex additional needs (takeabreakscotland.org.uk)

TRAINING & EVENTS

New Training Opportunity: Leading a Systemic Approach to Anti-racism

This EVOC training programme focused on supporting people to lead a systemic approach to anti-racism within their organisation 
The Black and Minority Ethnic/People of Colour Working Group established through EVOC’s Children Young People and Families Network have  developed this concept to meet the needs of local community-based organisations. The facilitators of the programme are Vicky Nyanga-Ndiaye (Project Esperanza) and Helene Rodger (Passion4Fusion).
Book here: New Training Opportunity: Leading a Systemic Approach to Anti-racism – EVOC

Re-thinking Volunteer Recruitment

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the landscape of volunteering is transforming. Are you ready to seize the opportunity?
This dynamic and engaging seminar is designed to equip your organisation with the insights and practical tools to attract, engage, and retain dedicated volunteers who will drive your mission forward. Your organisation will walk away with actionable tips and insights to attract and retain volunteers in the current volunteering landscape.
Over his career, Martin J. Cowling has been a volunteer, hands-on manager, leader, researcher and consultant. He has worked from small grassroots organisations through to senior management roles with large social purpose organisations and the Federal government. He has provided consulting services across the globe.
Book here: Re-thinking Volunteer Recruitment Tickets, Thu, May 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
 

Minds Matter East Lothian

Are you ready to be part of an impactful event dedicated to mental health awareness and support?
This year, Minds Matter goes beyond just resource tables – we’re featuring inspiring keynote speakers who will share their expertise and insights on mental health advocacy and resilience. It’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

Keynote Speakers:

• Keynote Speaker from the Scottish Government Mental Health Directorate

• Guy Whitehead | East Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership

• Emma McLean | NHS Lothian

Here’s your chance to not only connect with the community but also to learn from statutory partners and experts in the field. Whether you offer counselling services, peer support, or educational resources, your presence at Minds Matter can make a significant impact on mental health awareness in East Lothian.
Book here: Minds Matter East Lothian Tickets, Wed, May 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

COMMUNITY & WELLBEING

Drop-in East Lothian Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub

Wednesdays 12pm – 2pm within the foyer area East Lothian Community Hospital’s main entrance

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub is available for people across East Lothian to access information, advice and practical support about mental health and wellbeing.  Any adult who is concerned about their own mental health and wellbeing, or supporting someone else’s, can drop in to pick up information or speak to an advisor.

NHS clinicians are on hand to help direct people to the information and support available. A Citizen’s Advice Bureau Adviser is also available to help with queries about housing, finances and benefits and other questions.

The Hub is run by a team of psychologists at the hospital who are regularly joined by representatives from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, East Lothian Works, Changes East Lothian, and Community Link Workers from Penumbra.
Mental health support | East Lothian Council

OPPORTUNITIES & VACANCIES

Amisfield Walled Gardard

Amisfield Walled Garden offers volunteering, community and therapeutic gardening activities set within a beautiful and tranquil 8 acre walled garden on the outskirts of Haddington. No experience is
necessary, and tools are provided, but participants should provide their own protective clothing including gloves and suitable footwear. We can offer initial 1:1 support for volunteers who may have, for example, additional support needs, or long-term physical or mental health conditions.
We are developing a programme of wellbeing activities to take place throughout the year and are open to working in partnership with other organisations that share our inclusive ethos. The garden and the education building are wheelchair accessible, and parking is available on site. The Garden is run by the Amisfield Preservation Trust, a charity registered in Scotland.
Opening Times
Monday to Friday: 10am-4pm
Saturday: 10am-1pm
Volunteering sessions: Mon, Weds, Thurs, Fri, Saturday
Contact  volunteers@amisfield.org.uk
Supported volunteering: Mon, Weds, Thurs by arrangement
Contact  wellbeing@amisfield.org

Employability Support Worker (Schools) – Bridges Project

SALARY: £24,000 – £26,000 (Full time)
Location: Musselburgh (On site)
Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people? Do you want a flexible, varied and meaningful job in a supportive team? Do you value great employee benefits such as 360 Wellbeing membership and an annual training budget? Apply to join us!
Bridges Project is a leading youth work charity that helps young people aged 12-25 in East Lothian and Midlothian overcome challenges and adapt to adulthood. For nearly 40 years, we have helped young people develop their life skills, improve their educational attainment and move into employment or further education.
We have a vacancy for an Employability Support Worker (Schools) to deliver a yearling employability skills programme to young people in S4 at schools throughout East Lothian who have been identified as leaving school with no positive destination in place.
Employability Support Worker (Schools) with Bridges Project – Goodmoves