Serving our Local Communities
Social Justice and Change
The different churches of the diocese serve their local communities in so many different ways, offering space for community activities, companions on the journey of faith, and hospitality. Many churches are involved in their local Food Banks and cook and serve at the Bethany nightshelters.
Some websites that might help in your ministry:
Local Authorities can offer support with a wide-range of issues including: housing, Social Services, Health & Social Care, education, benefits including helpp with the cost of living.
West Lothian: https://westlothian.gov.uk/
East Lothian: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk
Edinburgh City: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk
Falkirk: www.falkirk.gov.uk
Borders: https://www.scotborders.gov.uk
Homelessness
Bethany Christian Trust operate in Edinburgh and across Scotland, working with individuals and local communities across Scotland to prevent and end homelessness. They seek to support families, young people, rough sleepers and people recovering from addiction. Over the last few years, the Night Shelters which operate from October to April have been held each night at a central location and different groups and congregations have cooked each night to enable the support workers to concentrate on supporting those who need it. As well as a Care Van and Night Shelter they run a befriending service and offer training to equip churches towards build meaningful friendships with people who are lonely and socially isolated in the community.
Fresh Start – offers practical help to those who are getting their first accommodation.
Street Pastors run teams of volunteers whose aim is to talk to and assist folk to help them stay safe and happy, sometimes when they are at their most vulnerable.
Social Bite is a charity that aims to end homelessness through work, training and housing. It runs a number of coffee shops in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London and has a village in Edinburgh to provide support and opportunities for up to 20 homeless individuals.
Domestic or Sexual Abuse
There are many organisations that can help victims of domestic abuse. If there is an immediate danger to the person/family you must contact the police on 999. Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline 0800 027 1234 (24 hour service) Provides confidential information and support to anyone affected by forced marriage or domestic abuse. Victim Support Scotland Phone: 0800 160 1985 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm) Provides information and support for victims and witnesses of crime.
Committed to Ending Abuse provides support to adult and child victims of trauma and abuse in Falkirk: https://cea.uk.com/
Victims of sexual abuse can receive help and support from the Survivors Trust: https://safe-space.co.uk/
Young Families
Parenting across Scotland provides support for parents and families through its information service and partners’ helplines.
Baby Banks the Pregnancy Care & Counselling Service operate a baby bank in Edinburgh. It needs at least five weeks to process a referral.
Youth & Children
The Scottish Families affected by Alcohol or Drugs (SFAD) has a webpage of organisations that can offer support to young people and children that find themselves dealing with a wide range of issues including living with parents or carers with addictions as well as those that may be struggling with their own sexuality, mental health, bereavement or addiction.