GOVERNMENT & LEGISLATION
Scottish Government Budget 2025-2026: A missed opportunity to fund the third sector fairly?
Commenting on the budget, a spokesperson for the TSI Scotland Network, said the new Scottish budget was a great step forward in beginning the reinvestment process in our communities and valued local services.
The commitment to developing plans to mitigate the two-child benefit limit underlines an approach from government that is based on fairness, justice and a commitment to eradicating child poverty.
However, there were also a number of points of contention. A spokesperson for the TSI Network said that “we need to see the Scottish Government mandate the NHS and councils to collaborate with local communities and third sector organisations in commissioning and planning a fairly funded network of local services on a multi-year basis. Only then will be see a concerted shift in spend towards early intervention and prevention at a community level.”
The spokesperson also noted that concerns remained over the lack of uplift in the Third Sector Infrastructure budget – which amounts to a real terms cut – as well as a lack of specific investment in Community Wealth Building. As the budget is debated through Holyrood we would also like to see further detail on local climate action and consistent investment in employability programmes.
TSI Network Response to Scottish Budget – TSI Scotland Network
Public Consultation on Proposed Youth Work Bill
Access to youth work for young people across Scotland could soon be enshrined in law, after Scottish Labour MSP Martin Whitfield launched a public consultation on a proposed Youth Work (Scotland) Bill
This legislation aims to embed youth work as a statutory service, ensuring equitable provision for all young people and addressing longstanding disparities in access and support.
If enacted, the legislation would establish a legal right for all young people aged 11 to 25 to access high-quality youth work services, setting a new standard for equitable provision across Scotland.
The Key Objectives of the proposed Bill would include:
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Universal Access: Mandating youth work services to be available to all young people aged 11–25, with particular focus on targeted support for disadvantaged groups.
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Equity and Fairness: Breaking down systemic barriers to ensure youth work is inclusive and accessible, regardless of geography or background.
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Sustainability: Establishing a dedicated Youth Work Fund to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery across Scotland.
You can respond the consultation by downloading consultation document and emailing Martin Whitfield, follow this link for more information on the process.
Members Bill Seeks to Secure Legal Right to Youth Work in Scotland – Youth Link Scotland
ORGANISATIONAL UPDATES
Share Your Pearls of Wisdom to Help Celebrate Befriending Networks 30th Anniversary!
Befriending Networks is 30!
Traditionally the 30th anniversary is the pearl anniversary, so to celebrate Befriending Networks are inviting you to share your Pearls of Wisdom. What are the biggest lessons you’ve learnt through befriending? If you could give advice to someone starting out, what would it be? How can we all keep building a society where meaningful connection is valued for another 30 years?
You can submit your Pearls of Wisdom in whatever form suits you – as text, images, video or audio. They will be shared throughout the next year, as well as other stories from Befriending Networks history. Just use this form or get in touch with Communications Officer Cat at cat@befriending.co.uk.
Befreinding Networks is 30! – Youth Befriending Networks
East Lothian Foodbank ‘Calling all ELFS’.
Help East Lothian Foodbank reach their 10 to 10 target.
People in our community are still going hungry, and this winter will be harder than the last. With the help of its ‘East Lothian Foodbank supporters’, East Lothian Foodbank can raise £10,000, and collect 10,000kg of food and essentials to support communities.
If you would like to donate food or essential goods, you can check out ELF’s Christmas Wishlist and drop off your donations at your nearest collection point. If you would like to make a financial donation, you can text ELFS followed by your donation amount to 70450. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message. Alternatively, you can give online by following the link below.
Calling all ELFS – East Lothian Foodbank
New for 2025! Register to join our Volunteer Manager Forum today!
Our Volunteer Managers’ Forums are open to anyone who works or volunteers in East Lothian and who is involved in the recruitment and/or management/supervision of volunteers.
The forum will give you the chance to meet other Volunteer Managers, share ideas and approaches to various issues that are important now within the volunteering sector.
Register here: admin@volunteereastlothian.org.uk
VOLUNTEER INSIGHTS
UK Volunteer Policy Template & Volunteering Agreement
UK charity volunteer policy template and volunteering agreement for charities – sample policies and procedures for volunteer management. This resource is in 4 sections – a volunteering policy template, a volunteer agreement template, the biggest section to use as a volunteer management policy template and for your volunteering strategy. If you want volunteer job descriptions, Charity Excellence Framework has put 30 online.
UK Volunteer Policy Template & Volunteering Agreement
East Lothian solo brain injury charity worker recognised for ‘going above and beyond’
An East Lothian woman has been celebrated for her commitment to brain injury survivors.
Joyce Cattanach was recognised for ‘going the extra mile’ by UK brain injury charity, Headway, as they handed her an award.
The 58-year-old has been the only member of staff at Headway East Lothian for almost 20 years but has been aided by a team of volunteers.
Working as a development officer since 2007, Joyce has gone above and beyond which led to her being handed the Extra Mile Award at the charities annual awards ceremony.
Headway – the brain injury association supports a network of independent local Headway charities and volunteer-run branches throughout the UK providing rehabilitation and support in their local community.
East Lothian solo brain injury charity worker recognised for ‘going above and beyond’
FUNDING & GRANTS
East Lothian Investments Fund
Could East Lothian Investments help you?
East Lothian Investments Ltd (ELI) is a limited company by guarantee with no share capital that is a not for profit organisation. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The purpose of ELI is to provide small businesses with financial assistance and aims to alleviate access to finance. The scheme is 0% interest, only requiring a set up fee. It is open to those who wouldn’t be considered for mainstream finance, such as start-ups and groups with less than 3 years experience
ELI is an arm’s length company of East Lothian Council and the fund is managed by employees of the council but governed by a Board of Directors. The board of directors comprises of two East Lothian Councillors and three private sector business people who provide their time free of charge to the company and who take the decision to award or decline loan applications.
East Lothian Investments Fund – Applications Process
Grants available for families raising disabled children and young people
Grants are now available for families living in Scotland.
Whether you need a kitchen appliance like a fridge, cooker or washing machine; clothing and bedding; sensory or play equipment; technology for your child, or a much-needed family break, we are here to help.
You can apply for a grant if:
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you’re the main carer for a disabled or seriously ill child, aged 17 or younger
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you have lived in the UK for the past six months
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the child you’re applying for is not in the care of the local authority or in foster care
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you are living on a low income or receiving benefits
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your child needs high levels of support in at least three areas of our eligibility criteria
Apply now in Scotland – Family Fund
TRAINING & EVENTS
Information Drop in Session at Port Seton Centre
Port Seton is hosting an area wide drop in for people looking for support in the run up to Christmas.
The session will run on Wednesday the 11th of December at 2pm, and is free and open to all. Organisations attending include Social Security Scotland, Circle, Climate Change Hub, Sure Start, Enable Works, Citizens Advice Bureau and East Lothian Council’s early years’ service.
The event has been planned to offer the community support within their local area on issues that are important to them. Confidential spaces can be provided if required.
Local Support Event at Port Seton Centre – East Lothian Council
Reasonable and Realistic Adjustments: Creating Inclusive Environments
This online only session is designed to help professionals make small adjustments for big impacts amid rising support needs and resource pressures.
With increasing numbers of young people being diagnosed with additional support needs, and cumulative pressures on resources across communities, education and the NHS, professionals can feel at a loss on how best to care for young people in need. This session supports professionals to make small yet effective adjustments that create a BIG impact in a variety of settings.
Reasonable and Realistic Adjustments – Children in Scotland
COMMUNITY & WELLBEING
‘CONVO’
The Podcast produced by Volunteer Centre East Lothian is looking for your stories!
Would you like your organisation heard on the next series of our Podcast? Do you have a success you want to share? Would you like to celebrate the work of a volunteer?
For further details contact Mitch Stevenson
podcast@volunteereastlothian.org.uk
What’s Next For Human Rights in Scotland : Policy and Practice
The Poverty Alliance is Scotland’s anti-poverty network.
Together with our members, we influence policy and practice, support communities to challenge poverty, provide evidence through research and build public support for the solutions to tackle poverty. Our members include grassroots community groups, academics, large national NGOs, voluntary organisations, statutory organisations, trade unions, and faith groups. See the link below for an insight into the alliance’s upcoming work.
Briefing – What’s Next For Human Rights in Scotland
OPPORTUNITIES & VACANCIES
Support Worker Nights- Musselburgh Port Seton
SALARY: £24,544
LOCATION: On site: Port Seton
Blue Triangle is a social care organisation that empowers people to thrive, by delivering solutions in connected communities which focus on the needs of each individual. We are looking for enthusiastic people who share our values (Kind, Passionate and Creative) to join our services accommodating and supporting people experiencing homelessness and empowering them to thrive.
If successful, you will be required to register with the Scottish Social Services Council within 6 months of your start date. After registration, there is a requirement to be qualified and to maintain professional learning, which we will support you to achieve.
Blue Triangle recognises and actively promotes the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.
Closing: 31st December 2024
Support Worker Nights- Musselburgh Port Seton with Blue Triangle – Goodmoves
Area Manager
SALARY £40,054 – £45,776
LOCATION: On site: Scottish Borders, East & Midlothian Services
We have an exciting opportunity for an individual to join our Scottish Borders, East Lothian & Midlothian services as an Area Manager.
Autism Initiatives Scotland provides a range of person centred services throughout Scotland. The charity provides services to autistic people who are 16 years old and over and encompasses supported living and outreach services.
The Area Manager is responsible for the design of the support programme to the people we support and to ensure, through the management team, the delivery and maintenance of high level autism specific services. The Area Manager’s responsibilities also include financial management, service development and liaison with external agencies. To provide leadership to the group of services, the Area Manager must ensure all staff are managed and supervised effectively. The Area Manager will be required to travel to our sites across Scottish Borders, East Lothian & Midlothian.
Closing: 15th December 2024
Area Manager with Autism Initiatives – Goodmoves
