Author: Amy Taylor

Transform Generations: Active Communities Together

Amy Taylor on 17 August, 2026

With thanks to funding from National Lottery Awards for All, Sports Scotland and Creative Scotland we are pleased to announce a new, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games inspired development to our Transform (Transform: Supported Volunteering for Young People – Midlothian Community Action (MCA)) Projects’ Intergenerational Activities where we will support young volunteers to build confidence, develop skills and gain valuable experience by leading creative and physical activities for older people living in sheltered housing.

The project will bring generations together in a meaningful and positive way, showing that physical activity can be enjoyed by people of all ages and with a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities. Activities will include New Age Kurling, Boccia, balloon batting, bean bag toss, coordination games and more — offering opportunities for fun, positive wellbeing and friendly competition.

Small groups of young volunteers aged 14–25 will be supported, supervised and trained to deliver sessions in sheltered housing communal lounges. Working alongside local partners, the project will promote physical wellbeing, mutual respect and understanding across generations, while helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness.

Think Carer: Understanding and Supporting Unpaid Carers

Amy Taylor on 12 August, 2026

Course Content

Think Carer training introduces what it means to be an unpaid carer: how to recognise carers, the challenges they face, and how to refer them for support, alongside carers’ rights under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016. For volunteers, it’s a useful way to learn how to identify and support the unpaid carers they may come into contact with. For volunteer managers, it offers insight into supporting volunteers who may be unpaid carers themselves.

Why It Is Important to Attend

While the main aim of a carer-friendly working environment is to support working carers in your organisation, it can also have additional benefits to your business. These include retaining skills and reducing recruitment costs, improving brand identity, improving employee wellbeing, improving productivity, reducing the gender pay gap and supporting gender diversity goals.

Training Details

  • Date: 7 September, 2026
  • Time: 10.30am-12.00pm
  • Trainer: Denise Millan & Naomi Knights from VOCAL Midlothian
  • Location: Midlothian Community Action, Volunteer Hub
  • Cost: Free
  • Please visit https://ThinkCarerTraining.eventbrite.co.uk to book your free place today!

Funders Fair 2026: Meet the Funders

Amy Taylor on 6 August, 2026

Midlothian Community Action is bringing together a range of funders to help Third Sector organisations, community groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Learn about available grant funding opportunities, meet funders face-to-face, and explore ways to support your projects and activities. Funders attending include:

  • The Post Code Trust
  • The National Lottery Community Fund
  • Historic Environment Scotland
  • The Bank of Scotland
  • Plus many more!

Why It Is Important to Attend

Attending the Funders Fair is an excellent opportunity to meet funders directly and gain valuable insight into the grants and funding programmes currently available. You’ll have the chance to ask questions about eligibility and application processes, helping you identify the most suitable funding opportunities for your organisation. Whether you’re planning a new project or looking to support your organisation’s future development, the event also provides a valuable opportunity to network with other local groups, share ideas, and build new connections.

Event Details

Discover Community Benefits for Your Organisation

Amy Taylor on 5 August, 2026

Course Content

All Third Sector organisations can apply for Community Benefits which are special conditions in a public contract which require suppliers or developers to make additional contributions to improve the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of the local area. This one-hour session will introduce Community Benefits, explain how how they can help your organisation and demonstrate how you can request them using online portals.

Why It Is Important to Attend

Posting a request for a Community Benefit may result in you receiving goods, services, advice, or other support at no cost to your organisation. Previous successful bids in Midlothian have included a £2,000 donation to improve a community garden, PPE kit for a youth volunteering project, and new play bark supplied and delivered to a playgroup worth £3,000.

Training Details