Midlothian Third Sector News
Midlothian TSI: Midlothian Community Action
Promoting Community Benefits Across Midlothian
Midlothian Community Action (MCA) has continued to build momentum around Community Benefits, a legacy of our UKSPF-funded CB project.
We’ve continued to run training sessions for local community groups, raising awareness of how the ESESCRD & NHS Lothian portals work. Discover Community Benefits for Your Organisation - Midlothian Community Action (MCA)
Alongside ongoing training and guidance, we have actively promoted Community Benefits opportunities emerging from major projects, helping local groups connect with potential support and resources.
Recent activity included working with AtkinsRéalis to promote a fully funded feasibility study opportunity linked to the Penicuik High School project, giving community organisations access to professional expertise to explore building improvements, asset transfer opportunities and future development plans.
By strengthening connections between developers and the third sector, we are helping ensure Community Benefits deliver meaningful and lasting impact for local communities.
Photo shows AtkinsRéalis staff volunteering at the decant of Penicuik High school.
From left to right – Dean Carrick, Practice Manager – QS, James McQuaker, Client PM for MLC, Peter Adair – Managing QS, Jessie Denholm – Social Value Lead and Shirley Tao – Social Value Coordinator.
Tackling Child Poverty in Midlothian and Borders
Two Third Sector Interfaces involved in the East of Scotland City Region Deal, Midlothian Community Action and Borders Community Action, have secured a share of a £1.63 million Scottish Government investment to strengthen support for children, young people and families experiencing poverty.
Working alongside Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, the partners will lead the new South of Scotland Whole Family Rural Collaborative, bringing together around 30 community organisations to provide coordinated, community-based support across Midlothian, the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. South of Scotland Partnership Secures £1.63 Million to Transform Support for Families Living in Poverty | Borders Community Action
The programme will help families access joined-up support, including wellbeing services, income maximisation, employability support, childcare assistance and help with the cost of living. It will also strengthen collaboration across the third sector, improving referral pathways and reducing duplication.
The partnership aims to deliver almost 1,780 family interventions while sharing learning nationally to improve whole family support across Scotland. http://South of Scotland Partnership Secures £1.63 Million to Transform Support for Families Living in Poverty | Borders Community Action
Photos show Max Allen and Amy Taylor, the project leads for Borders and Midlothian respectively.