Forth Action
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Forth Action brings you information about charities and events happening in your area
If your voluntary organisation, charity, club or community group is up to something then get in touch! You can email us here.
Please don't forget to include the following details -
Your Daytime Contact Number
Brief description of the charity or background information of the community project
Details of the fundraiser: What it is, When it is (time/date), Where is it and how much does it cost?
And if you can, include a number, email or website for people to get more information about it.
Alternatively you can call us:- 0131 475 1236
Throughout the week we air a number of features on local community-based issues. If we can help you - get in touch! You can email here
Below are just a few of the groups we've worked with recently...
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Barnardo’s Fostercare Fortnight
Barnardo’s Scotland is asking people in the local area to think about foster care.
As part of Foster Care Fortnight, the children’s charity is particularly keen for people to come forward to care for older, more vulnerable children as well as groups of siblings.
At the moment, there’s a general shortage of foster families across the country – at least 1,000 new foster families need to be found over the next 12 months.
Foster carers come from all walks of life. If you’d like to consider it, whether it’s to look after children for short breaks or over a number of years, the charity would like to hear from you. Full training and support is provided.
To find out more about fostering, call 0845 894 9501 or visit www.barnardos.org.uk/fosteringandadoption
Voices for the Shadows - Documentary
Edmesh provides support, information and friendship to people affected by ME – or as it’s sometimes called, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the charity’s organised a screening of the award winning film “Voices for the Shadows” – a documentary made by the mother and brother of a severe M.E sufferer.
The screening’s at Cineworld in Fountainpark, Edinburgh on Thursday the 24th of May. It starts at 2pm and admission is free. Refreshments will also be provided.
It will be followed by a Q&A session with eminent researchers and medics working in the field of M.E.
To book your place, email book@edmesh.org.uk or call 0845 625 2025 (Not suitable for children).
For more information about the charity, visit www.edmesh.org.uk
The Big Lunch - Falkirk
The Falkirk branch of Seagull Cruises is hosting a “Big Lunch” to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
It’s on from 12pm until 4pm on Sunday the 3rd of June at The Boathouse in Bantaskine Park (off Gartcows Road FK1 5EF). Come along with your picnic and enjoy the family entertainment. Boat trips will also be available by donation.
Proceeds from the event, part of the Big Lunch UK (the Eden Project), will be used to help the charity provide free canal cruises for people with special needs.
For more information, visit www.scottishcanals.co.uk/our-canals/union-canal/events/the-big-lunch-uk
And to register your interest, contact Sonia McLay on 07730 447 212 or email soniamclay@blueyonder.co.uk
Skydive for The Fire Fighter’s Charity
The Fire Fighter’s charity has teamed up with the London Parachute School to launch a fundraising skydive scheme.
The professional team from the School will help co-ordinate your jump wherever you are in the UK – and you can choose your preferred date and location.
There’s no cost to do the tandem parachute jump but you are asked to raise £385 in sponsorship for the charity – or more if you can. A registration fee also applies.
Funds raised will help provide support to serving & retired fire fighters, and their dependents, when they need it most. To find out more, visit www.firefighterscharity.org.uk
For more information, or to register for the Skydive, contact London Parachute School on 0845 130 7194 or email office@londonparachuteschool.com. Alternatively, email Jan Mattison at JMattison@firefighterscharity.org.uk or call 07825 180 961.
“Never Give up the Fight”
Falkirk based band Syren are set to release a new song to help raise funds for Breast Cancer Care.
“Never give up the Fight” was written in memory of their drummer Joanne Heeley. Jo, who had breast cancer, sadly passed away in January. During her illness and treatment, she received a lot of support from the charity and the breast care nurses.
All profits from the single, which is currently available to download, will be donated to Breast Cancer Care. For all the details, visit the band’s website at www.syrenband.com
Volunteer for BHF
The British Heart Foundation, the nation’s heart charity, is currently looking for more volunteers from the local area.
Whether you would be interested in organising fundraising events, helping out in one of the local shops or campaign work, the charity would like to hear from you.
As well as playing a vital role in the work of the charity, volunteer work can also bring benefits to those taking it on. There’s the opportunity to meet new people, use existing skills or learn new ones.
The BHF helps fund research into heart disease and provides care and support to people living with it
To find out more, contact Heather Gregory, Fundraising Volunteer Manager, on 01968 679767 or gregoryh@bhf.org.uk
Spring Fete at Maggies
Maggies Centre in Edinburgh would like to invite you round for coffee and cakes.
The charity is holding its Spring Fete at the centre on Sunday the 13th of May. Head along between 11am and 3pm to browse round the stalls and enjoy some home baking. Prizes can also be won in the tombola. It’s also an opportunity to have a look round the Centre and Gardens.
Proceeds go to the work of the Centre, helping provide support for people affected by cancer.
For all the details, call Shona on 0131 537 3135 or email shona.langlands@maggiescentre.org
Forth Rail Bridge Abseil
The latest of the popular charity abseils from the Forth Rail Bridge is on Sunday the 10th of June.
The Meningitis Research Foundation is looking for daredevil volunteers who’d like to experience freefalling 165 feet from the historic bridge.
To take part, you’ll need to raise a minimum of £125 in sponsorship. Money raised will help fund research into the detection, prevention and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia.
There are only a few places left so if you fancy giving it a go, register by calling Dawn on 0131 510 2345 or email dawncarrie@scotland-meningitis.org.uk
Community Foundation for Planetary Healing
The Community Foundation for Planetary Healing in Edinburgh has recently moved into its new premises at 25 Palmerston Place (formerly in Portobello High Street).
The registered charity is run by a team of volunteer therapists who provide person centred holistic care and support to those who are financially restricted.
Complementary and holistic therapies, such as massage and reiki, as well as outdoor activities are given on a donation basis or in some cases at no cost.
If you’d like to find out more, visit www.planetary-healing.org
Penicuik Community Theatre Group
Penicuik Community Theatre Group produces a variety of plays, shows and musical productions each year.
If anyone from the local community is interested in coming along and getting involved, the group would like to hear from them. Whether it’s participating on stage or taking on backstage duties (props, costumes, lighting and sound etc), there is something for everyone. Come along to the regular rehearsals and meeting place of the Town Hall on a Thursday at 7.30pm to find out more. Or email marketing@penicuikcommunity.com
Or support the shows as the audience. For all the details of forthcoming shows, visit www.penicuikcommunity.com
Bring and Buy Plant Sale
A Bring and Buy Plant Sale is hoping to raise funds for Lifeline – an Edinburgh based charity which offers a pregnancy counselling and care service.
The sale is being held on the 12th of May at the Hollies Day Centre, 183 High Street in Musselburgh.
You can bring along any plants you might like to sell or buy something different for the house or garden.
On display will be perennials, bedding plants, herbs and more. Just head along between 10am and 12 noon. There’s also a raffle on the day.
For more information, contact the Lifeline office on 0131 557 2060 or email info@lifelinescotland.org.uk .
And you can find out more about the work of the charity at www.lifelinecounselling.org
Canal Cycle Ride
Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland is encouraging us to get on our bikes.
Its next fundraiser is the Canal Cycle Ride – a 50 mile cycle along the tow paths of the canals running between Glasgow and Edinburgh (Ratho).
It’s suitable for all ages and abilities and if 50 miles is too much, there’s also the option of a 25 mile cycle from Falkirk.
Transport will be provided allowing you to leave your car at the finishing point in Edinburgh. The event is free of charge but part of the challenge is to raise as much sponsorship as you can to support the charity.
It’s on Sunday the 20th of May. To find out more, visit www.canalcycleride.com
Or call 0300 1212 999 or text for more information: txt the word: SCOTLAND to: 60777
Northern Bowling Club
The Northern Bowling Club in Edinburgh is looking for new members.
The club is based at Warriston Crescent and all ages and abilities are welcome along. Throughout the year, the club plays host to a variety of competitions and social events.
For for more details call the club secretary, Alex Young on 0131 556 5575 or visit the website at www.northernbowlingclub.co.uk
Drama Workshops
A drama workshop, aimed at 16 to 25 year olds, is running at the Southside Community Centre, 117 Nicolson Street in Edinburgh.
The workshops are designed for anyone who has an interest in drama and theatre, with the focus this term on role play, improvisation and scene work. They will also help with self-confidence and presentational skills.
No previous experience is necessary and it’s a chance to meet new people and have a bit of fun.
The class is held on Wednesday evenings until the 13th of June from 7 – 9pm. The cost is £1 per week. If you’re interested in joining, or just finding out more, contact Rebecca Kilbey on 07944 757 083 or email info@livedrama.co.uk
Edinburgh Telephone Choir
The Edinburgh Telephone Choir was founded in 1947 by the ladies of the Rose Street telephone exchange.
Nowdays, the choir welcomes singers from all walks of life. If you’re interested in joining them, they’d like to hear from you. As well as their annual concert, the choir entertains local organisations and helps raise funds for charities, such as Headway and the Children’s Hospice Association, Scotland.
Anyone interested in auditioning to join the Edinburgh Telephone Choir or any community group interested in inviting the choir to do a monthly concert, contact Mary Milarky on 0131 400 2370 or email etctickets2012@btinternet.com
Ladies Lunch for Maggies
A ladies lunch has been planned for Friday the 18th of May to raise funds for Maggie’s Centre.
It’s being hosted by Forth One’s Grant Stott at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh. From 12.30pm you’re invited to come along and enjoy a three course meal and sample a mini treatment from one of the One Spa therapists. There’s also an auction and raffle being held.
Tickets are £55 per person or £550 for a table of ten. To book, contact Carron Webster on 0131 221 6445 or email carron.webster@sheraton.com
Proceeds go to the work of the Centre, helping provide support for people affected by cancer.
The charity is also looking for volunteers who could help out on the day. If you’ve got some time to spare, contact Shona on 0131 537 3135.
Team up with Mike’s Marvels
Mike’s Marvels are running in the Edinburgh Marathon Team Relay to raise funds for breast cancer research.
The team of four from the Western General Hospital, led by Professor Mike Dixon, is hoping that more people will don their running shoes and join them in the race on Sunday the 27th of May.
The relay is 26 miles long and made up of four legs – two legs are over 10K and two legs are under 10K. You can join in by entering your own relay team to run alongside Professor Dixon.
Money raised will go towards the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, which helps fund research, education and campaigning work in Scotland.
To find out more, contact Breakthrough Breast Cancer on 0131 226 0761 or email mikesmarvels@breakthrough.org.uk
Love Nature Week
Love Nature Week is a special fundraising event organised by the RSPB – the Royal Society for Protection of Birds - in Scotland.
This year, it’s running from the 2nd to the 9th of June. The charity is currently looking for volunteers who would be willing to help out at a number of collection points across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife. You can volunteer on your own or as part of a group.
Through the event, RSPB Scotland is hoping to reach their fundraising target of £9000. Money raised will help fund the charity’s nature and conservation work.
To find out more, visit the website at http://www.rspb.org.uk/volunteering/6112-love-nature-collector-scotland-2012
Or email Kayleigh.Donaldson@rspb.org.uk
Make it Safe Campaign
A safety campaign, highlighting the potential risks curtain or blind cords can pose to young children, is currently running in Edinburgh.
The looped cords can get wrapped around a youngster's neck and cause accidental strangulation. Tragically, at least one child fatality occurs in the UK every year.
Edinburgh Council’s Trading Standards Team has joined forces with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to offer local residents free cleats – a simple piece of equipment which safely secures blind cords out of reach of young hands.
The free cleats are available from Edinburgh Trading Standards. Call them on 0131 529 3030 or e-mail with your name and address along with how many cleats you require to trading.standards@edinburgh.gov.uk
Or for more information, visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/tradingstandards
Free Tuition for Adults
Would you like to get better at reading or writing – or perhaps develop your number or computer skills.
The Adult Basic Education service in Fife provides free tuition for anyone who’d like to get their own study plan moving, whether it’s to help them gain a qualification, or so they can help the kids with their homework.
They also offer free advice and help to those who are dyslexic.
The classes, which are held at a number of locations across Fife, are small and friendly. You can choose to go along during the day or evening and some also provide crèche facilities.
For more details, visit the website at www.fifedirect.org.uk, enter adult basic education into the search box, then select adult and community learning. Or call 07773 701 939
Kinetic 5s
The Homeless World Cup Foundation’s just launched this year’s Kinetic 5s.
Kinetic 5s is a series of corporate football tournaments which take place across the UK to raise funds for the Foundation. The Glasgow event takes place at Toryglen Regional Football Centre on the 16th of June (between 9.30am and 4pm) – organisers are currently looking for teams of 8 to sign up.
Highlights of the event include team finalists playing at Celtic Park and the biggest fundraising team winning the chance to meet Snow Patrol.
All funds raised are re-invested into the work of the Homeless World Cup – helping to end homelessness through football.
For full details, visit www.kinetic5s.com
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If you, or your voluntary organisation, charity, club or community group is up to something then ge, t in touch! Give us a call on : 0131 475 1236 Or E-mail us by filling out the form below.
Please don't forget to include the following details -
Your Daytime Contact Number
Brief description of the charity or background information of the community project
Details of the fundraiser: What it is, When it is (time/date), Where is it and how much does it cost?
Number, Email or website for people to get more information about it.
You can email here
