Community Hub keeps local groups in operation

Neighbourhood Partnership helps keep building open for Restalrig and Lochend residents

The YWCA in Restalrig had been the hub of many activities which promote healthy living. So, when people heard about its imminent closure, they asked the Neighbourhood Partnership to help save this important community resource.

The Partnership provided Fairer Scotland Fund assistance and worked with local agencies to ensure that groups for children, young people, parents and families could continue to meet in the building.

“One of the reasons not to close was that there wasn’t a suitable alternative for the groups using it,” said the Ripple Project’s Liz Ferguson, who is also acting manager of the Hub. The Ripple project is one of the centre’s biggest users – its youth drop-in café attracts around 60 young people a week and suitable space is needed for all the activities that take place.

“Some groups would not have been able to continue running if it hadn’t reopened,” said Liz. “Women into Work and Lochend toddlers are able to continue, Working Links are coming in and Restalrig Benefits project are in one day a week. The food co-op had to close but has now reopened.

“We now want to encourage other groups to use this centre.”

A whole range of additional services will be offered by the centre.

See for yourself by visiting the Hub at 198 Restalrig Road South, Edinburgh.