Local news

Highlights from our local news and events.

Collaborating to enhance literacy

The Craigmillar Literacy Trust is an important charity in Edinburgh that supports literacy skills in the Craigmillar.

Meet our new Social Impact Manager

Aidan Tracey is our new Social Impact Manager, and will be helping to deliver positive change in local communities.

Out and about at local festivals

The Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability recently connected with the local community through two local festivals.

University announces further investment in social housing fund

Through its Social Investment Fund, the University of Edinburgh has invested a further £1 million to enable UK charities and social enterprises to provide homes for their service users.

University outreach centre provides new space for community projects and partnerships

Located on the busy thoroughfare of Nicolson Street in Edinburgh’s Southside, the new outreach centre has to date been used by a range of community projects and partnerships based at the University.

Edinburgh Giants: Transforming Lives Through Inclusive Wheelchair Rugby

Sport can be more than just fun and games. Sport can transform lives, bringing us together and making us stronger. The Edinburgh Giants Wheelchair Rugby League (WHRL) Club is a great example of this.

University Celebrates Economic and Social Impact in the Local Community

On Thursday 5 October, the University welcomed community organisations, staff and local politicians to Dovecot Studios for an evening of performances and talks to celebrate the economic and social impact which the University has had on the local community.

Doors Open Days 2023

Doors Open Days this year will take place on the 23rd - 24th September 2023.

Groundswell make a splash

Groundswell Scotland is a surf therapy non-profit organisation for trauma recovery. They facilitate programmes designed to improve and develop self-regulation, embodiment practices and healing tools through surfing’s connection to nature, community and self.

Empowering communities: University scheme provides space for growth and collaboration

Community groups that hold an affiliation with the University (e.g. through a link with staff, students or a University community grant) can hire a number of University rooms for free.

Walk with a Doc Initiative Boosts Health, Happiness, and Community in Edinburgh's Saughton Park

Local organisation provides valuable time with a doctor for individuals with long-term health conditions, improving their health and wellbeing.

Community Grants - Delivering Social Impact

Since launching a Community Grant scheme in 2017, the University of Edinburgh has invested over £555,000 in more than 210 community projects in south-east Scotland.

Dr Bell’s Family Centre

Dr Bell’s Family Centre aims to be a welcoming place where families with young children in Leith can get encouragement, support and advice in a relaxed atmosphere.

Volunteer Week: Cultivating community at Lauriston Farm

On 2 May, 23 Edinburgh Innovations staff used their volunteer Day to Make a Difference at Lauriston Farm, a community-based initiative transforming an area of land into an urban food production and community hub.

Bridgend Farmhouse

Bridgend Farmhouse is a community-owned centre, located in south Edinburgh. This charitable organisation operates out of a renovated farmhouse and is an inclusive space for locals to learn, work and strengthen community involvement.

Get involved in Volunteers' Week 2023

Volunteers’ Week 2023 is taking place 1-7 June, and we’d like to take a moment to celebrate our staff and students at the University of Edinburgh who dedicate their time to volunteering to support their local communities.

Local partnership equips people with skills for a digital world

The University of Edinburgh is pleased to continue their collaboration with local organisation, Access to Industry, hosting digitisation workshops for Access to Industry’s service users.

Youth Vision’s Community Sensory Garden

The University of Edinburgh are proud to have funded Youth Vision’s Community Sensory Garden through its Community Grants Scheme.

Principal of the University of Edinburgh signs Social Impact Pledge

In February 2023, the Principal of the University of Edinburgh signed a Social Impact Pledge, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to improve its social impact.

New community partnership between the University of Edinburgh and People Know How

The University of Edinburgh and People Know How have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking a new era of collaboration between the two organisations.