East Lothian Third Sector Update 03/07/2025
Welcome to the latest Third Sector Update for East Lothian.
Newsletter Categories:
GOVERNMENT & LEGISLATION
Population Health Framework Aims to Tackle Scotland's Urgent Health Inequalities Crisis
The Scottish Government and COSLA have published the Population Health Framework (PHF), which sets out how Scotland will aim to improve ill health and reduce health inequalities over the next decade.
By focusing on prevention, early intervention, maximising access, and providing quality services, the framework aims to reduce the life expectancy gap between the most deprived 20% of local areas and the national average in Scotland.
For 2025-27, initial priorities of the Framework are focused on developing mechanisms that prioritise addressing inequalities and improving prevention within planning, delivery, budgets and accountability
Scotland's Population Health Framework - Scottish Government
ORGANISATIONAL UPDATES
Third Sector Wiki Launch
GovernanceWiki is a free, open and reliable source of information on good governance.
Whether your group is just starting out and needs guidance, or is established and looking for ways to improve, you will find everything you need to ensure your organisation runs effectively.
The Wiki will be updated regularly and is supported by Midlothian Community Action and partners with funding from the Tyne & Esk Rural Communities Development Fund.
Welcome to GovernanceWiki! - GovernanceWiki
OSCR Launches New Charity Trustee Information Requirements
From 30 June 2025, charities can submit their charity trustee information through OSCR Online.
This data will support OSCR’s regulatory work, and from early 2026, the names of charity trustees will be published on the Scottish Charity Register to promote transparency and strengthen public trust in the sector.
Charities can only submit trustee details on OSCR Online through one of their designated OSCR Online charity users. Any charity completing a new online annual return created on or after 30 June 2025, will be required to include charity trustee information as part of the submission. While this requirement does not apply to online annual returns created before 30 June 2025, OSCR strongly encourage all Scottish charities to provide charity trustee details as soon as possible.
This change is part of the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Act 2023. Other measures under the Act, including OSCR’s expanded inquiry powers, are already in effect.
OSCR launches charity trustee information requirements to strengthen transparency in the sector - OSCR
VOLUNTEER INSIGHTS
Volunteer with The RNLI
Want to make a real difference in your community? The RNLI in East Lothian is looking for dedicated volunteers to join our Shore Crew.
As part of the team, you’ll, help prepare the inshore lifeboat for launch, assist with launching and recovering the lifeboat, and support our lifesaving operations from the shore. Be part of something extraordinary, volunteer today and help save lives at sea.
Volunteering Opportunities - Volunteer Centre East Lothian
Volunteer Gardener Opportunity
Ideal for anyone who loves the outdoors!
National Museums Scotland is seeking volunteer gardeners to support a unique and meaningful project at the National Museum of Flight. Volunteers will help re-create historic WWII-era allotments once tended by RAF personnel—bringing history to life through fruit, vegetable, and flower gardens.
This living exhibit supports the museum’s learning programmes, provides fresh produce for the café, and enhances the visitor experience.
Volunteers would work 5 hours a week (flexible by arrangement).
Volunteer Opportunities - Volunteer Centre East Lothian
FUNDING & GRANTS
Growing Food Together Fund
The 2025 round of the Growing Food Together Fund is now open.
Funded by the Scottish Government, Green Action Trust (under the Central Scotland Green Network banner) have up to £100,000 available to support community growing groups across Scotland. Further information on the fund can be found here.
Eligible projects to be funded are those that support community food growing projects. This could include setting up community growing areas, purchasing tools, or providing training on food growing.
The closing date for applications to the CSGN Growing Food Together Fund is 5pm on Friday 4 July.
CSGN Growing Food Together Fund Open for 2025
Home Stead Charities Awards Grants
Small grants are available to fund projects to improve the lives of the elderly across the UK.
Home Instead Charities awards grants of up to £1,500 to small, local registered charities and up to £500 to grassroots organisations for well-being events, activities or pastimes that prevent social isolation and loneliness amongst adults over 55. Eligible projects may include regular events such as a cinema club, knitting group, or lunch club; one-off activities like a day trip or Christmas lunch; or other initiatives such as yoga classes or guest speaker sessions. The Fund accepts applications four times a year. Applications received in July will be processed and awarded in August 2025.
Home Instead Charities - Apply for a Grant
TRAINING & EVENTS
Tickets Available for ELFFN Food Summit
East Lothian Friendly Food Network are delighted to invite you to the second annual Food Summit!
Date: Thursday 25th September 2025
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Musselburgh Rugby Club, Musselburgh
The upcoming Food Summit will be a valuable opportunity for members, stakeholders, and the wider community to come together and discuss all things food. Together, we’ll explore how we can strengthen our sustainable good food network across East Lothian.
You can get your free ticket here - https://ELFFN-Food-Summit-25.eventbrite.co.uk
Last year’s summit sparked important conversations around the Food Charter and its role in shaping a resilient local food system. We can take those conversations forward, while showcasing local food producers and community organisations.
Celebrating Wildlife and Food Growing in Tranent
Join East Lothian Climate Action Network on Sat 23rd August for a lively afternoon celebrating wildlife and food growing initiatives in Tranent.
Tranent Wombles, Natural Connections and East Lothian Climate Action Network (ELCAN) are celebrating local food growing and the beginnings of a Wildlife Corridor. Starting at the Waggonway path, with stops along the way, the walk ends with music, pizza and chat at the Heugh Community Garden. This is a great opportunity to see a range of urban greening activities within Tranent, including the Forest Garden, Pollinator Parklet and Heugh Community Garden. The afternoon will consist of a walk of the corridor, with stops along the way and an opportunity to ask questions (see map for details) ending at the Heugh Community Garden with a tour, music, pizza and chat.
This is a free event, open to the public and East Lothian Climate Hub's Biodiversity and Food Growers Collective members. Children to be accompanied by an adult; wheelchair accessible; dogs on leads welcome.
Celebrate Wildlife and Food Growing in Tranent - Tickettailor
COMMUNITY & WELLBEING
New Social Prescribing Hub
Eastspace are excited to share a new online hub or Green Social Prescribing in East Lothian.
This central resource makes it easier for healthcare professionals to connect people with local green health activities that support mental and physical wellbeing, recovery, and connection with nature.
A green social prescription is a new way to protect your health and wellbeing by connecting with nature. Your healthcare provider may recommend spending more time outdoors, joining a local nature group, or other specific outdoor activities.
If you are looking for local support you can explore Eastspace's directory of services and activities for adults living and working in East Lothian.
Green Social Prescriptions: Services in East Lothian - Eastspace
Buy Social Suppliers Catalogue
Secure your place in the next edition!
The Suppliers’ Catalogue offers a wide range of products and services from over 100 organisations committed to social and environmental impact. From catering and venue hire to design and manufacturing, the catalogue is a one-stop shop for businesses looking to align their purchasing with their values.
If you are a Social Enterprise or Co-op offering B2B services or products and would like to be featured in the next edition of the catalogue, please fill in this short form to register your details.
Register Your Interest - Buy Social Scotland
Sign Up for 'A Good Thing'
A Good Thing connects charities in East Lothian with businesses that are looking to give things away for free.
Charities using the app receive alerts on items nearby that are available for free. This could be anything from laptops to chairs, to bamboo poles and candles. It only takes half a minute to sign up and then you'll start getting alerts immediately.
Sign Up - A Good Thing
OPPORTUNITIES & VACANCIES
Trustee (Amisfield Preservation Trust)
Location: Haddington
(This is not a paid role)
Amisfield Preservation Trust are looking for a trustee to drive Strategic Marketing & Profile Raising.
Do you have a track record in strategic marketing and a flair for elevating profiles? Amisfield Preservation Trust (Amisfield.org.uk), a registered charity which has restored and manages the UK’s largest volunteer-led walled garden as a community wellbeing resource for East Lothian, is looking for a trustee to join the Board and help raise their profile, increase our membership and visitor numbers, and underpin a sustainable funding model.
The Role - As a Trustee with a strategic marketing focus, you will help:
• Shape Strategic Direction: Provide high-level insight into marketing, communications, and public engagement to elevate the Trust’s profile.
• Boost Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate relationships with key partners, donors, and the local community to strengthen our brand and secure our future.
• Drive Visibility: Develop and implement strategies that spotlight our unique story and community impact.
• Champion Innovation: Bring creative, out-of-the-box thinking to guide our messaging and broaden our reach in unprecedented ways.
To express your interest and learn more about this opportunity, please contact the Board Chair at frank.kirwan@gmail.com with a short CV and an outline of what you could bring to our board.
Trustee with Amisfield Preservation Trust