Community Information

Edinburgh City Council NW Area – News, Information and Event roundup:

The latest 050522 News and Opportunities News and Opportunities Edinburgh City Council NW Area Newsletter containing a roundup of useful local information.

Locations of COVID Community Test Centres or mobile test units run by the Scottish Ambulance Service

Free Meals on Wheels from LifeCare:

LifeCare’s Meals on Wheels service launched in September last year in direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The service is:

  • Delivering fresh, nutritious meals, hot and ready to eat
  • To over 65s in North Edinburgh, twice a week
  • Free of charge– this project is currently fully funded thanks to Barclays 100×100 UK Covid-19 Community Relief Programme.

We have found that the service has been of benefit to

  • Older carers in need of some respite
  • Those who cannot currently attend day or lunch clubs
  • Those who are recovering after a period of illness, a fall or a stay in hospital
  • Those who are struggling with their mobility
  • Those who have become more isolated due to the pandemic
  • Those at risk of food deprivation

We hope that the service will not only benefit people now but protect them from the longer term impacts of the pandemic and help then to maintain their strength, health and abilities so they can re-entre the community when the pandemic is over.

Following the service’s success so far and in light of a new ‘stay at home’ orders we are now extending the support to provide 400 meals every week.

“It’s first-class and could not be better…I look forward to Monday and Wednesday knowing I am going to get a lovely cooked hot meal. Many, many thanks to all”

“the whole day is a little bit lighter for not having to worry, or even think, about preparing a main meal”

“We get properly fresh cooked meals twice a week and very tasty too! … Don’t know how we managed before this help- thank you”

“A huge difference. I find it more and more difficult to motivate myself to prepare and cook food … it is also difficult for me to stand for any period of time in the kitchen…Deliverers(!) are always cheerful which helps a lot- especially in this difficult time”

If you know of anyone who would benefit from the service please get in touch

0131 343 0940   www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/services/meals-on-wheels

Safer Communities, Safer Scotland:  Useful information on keeping you, your family and your community safe can be found here.

Free benefit and debt advice for Edinburgh residents

As the coronavirus pandemic hits the economy harder, more people are now dependent on benefits due to job loss and reduced income. Many people aren’t able to pay for essential things like rent and mortgage costs while others struggle with fuel and food costs.

Four of the city’s advice services are still busy working to support residents to maximise their income and support through these difficult times – whether it is helping people to get the benefits they are entitled to, helping manage debt or rent arrears, giving advice on housing problems or budgeting or help with food and bills. All services are currently providing assistance remotely though some are starting to offer limited face to face appointments.

Contact us if you or any of your clients/residents/community/members need help through these difficult times:

Doorstep Crime – Shut out Scammers:  A video with key tips can be viewed and shared here: https://youtu.be/esLVTNy3afg

PETAL (People Experiencing Trauma and Loss):  Offering time limited bereavement support to anyone bereaved by Covid-19, as well as their usual services for those bereaved through murder and suicide. See PETAL leaflet.

HcL Transport – Service Update

Alcoholics Anonymous:  ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS GOES ONLINE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Volunteering in the Community:  Information about how to volunteer at Ready Scotland

 

 

 

 

Ss John the Baptist and Kentigern is a Parish of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, registered charity No. SCO08540