A Community Manifesto: can we shift the balance of power in Leith?

A new way of working is in the air.  That’s the bold, cheering and challenging statement at the start of the Community Manifesto which has emerged from a series of community discussion events in Leith and north Edinburgh. Can we turn words into actions?

Blue sky thinking? Let’s write a bold community manifesto

Let’s invest in more affordable housing, a sustainable local economy, better care for young and old, better use of public space….these were among top issues at our Open Space event in December. Let’s turn them into a community manifesto for the Scottish Parliament elections in May.

Let’s write a community manifesto

More power for local communities. That was a strong theme of our Open Space meeting in December 2015. Now we hope together we can turn words into a Community Manifesto for Edinburgh Northern and Leith in the Scottish Parliament elections in May. Please join our community discussion event on Saturday (2 April) in Newhaven Church … Continue reading “Let’s write a community manifesto”

Five priorities for community action

Could community co-ops help to solve local housing and childcare shortages? These were two of the most radical proposals to emerge from a Community Manifesto meeting for Edinburgh Northern and Leith. Other priorities included zero waste strategies for the local economy, an empty space audit and devolving more resources to community level.

Leith is many places, whose voice is unheard?

The place is packed. The hall is fairly humming with that unmistakeable sound of people getting properly engaged. All ages. Busy tackling the big issues of local life. So why are we worried about who is not here?

World Kitchen in Leith celebrates a Gala Day birthday with food for thought

The heat is on.  Menu written. Recipes ready. Shopping done. Cooking starts tomorrow. World Kitchen in Leith is preparing for a tenth anniversary celebration at Saturday’s Gala Day on Leith Links.  And memories are flooding back.

Childcare: investing in our future

Each child will be actively encouraged to become a confident individual, successful learner, effective contributor and responsible citizen. North Edinburgh Childcare ‘Please don’t make childcare an afterthought.’ The heartfelt message from Theresa Allison is clear and simple. Good quality childcare is an investment in the next generation – or to put it another way, in the future … Continue reading “Childcare: investing in our future”

Housing and energy: Wall of Success

‘If you are homeless there is no such thing as social mobility’ Josh Littlejohn We lay the foundations of the ‘Wall of Success’ by reporting local achievements and aspirations in housing and energy. Meet Port of Leith Housing Association and Home Energy Scotland. But first, let’s set the scene with inspiration from an ambitious social … Continue reading “Housing and energy: Wall of Success”