Local communities are benefitting from the University’s civic approach to its buildings, old and new. Community access to rooms Since September 2022, community groups and local organisations have been gathering in University rooms for free on weekday evenings. Local people have been busy rehearsing plays, learning languages and boosting mental health. Image 40 unique community organisations, 846 requests fulfilled 2,077 hours of space used, around £16,500 saved for local groups (based on what they typically pay for spaces) around £110,000 of donation in-kind social value (based on corporate rates for hiring out spaces). The initiative ensures that University rooms in the heart of Edinburgh are used to their fullest, and that cost is not a barrier to good quality meeting space, allowing for collaboration and creativity. Without it, I honestly do not know what we would have done. The cost of rent is flying up in Edinburgh and we wouldn't be able to operate without this fantastic scheme. Not only has this enabled us to further help New Scots learn English and begin to integrate in their new city by making new friends, building self-confidence (often after very testing times) and eventually finding employment and a sense of belonging, but the very fact that they are literally attending classes at the University of Edinburgh is inspiring to our service users. The Welcoming Association The University of Edinburgh is the first university in the UK to offer free community access to rooms at this scale. Empowering communities: University scheme provides space for growth and collaboration Find out who can use the scheme and how, including room availability The Welcoming session Training and experience for Ukrainian construction workers Members of the Ukrainian community, resettled in our region, have completed a construction academy, designed and delivered by the Edinburgh City Region Deal and Balfour Beatty, lead contractor for the Edinburgh Futures Institute. The programme supported 13 people to obtain the required UK industry qualifications which led to them securing sustainable employment and additional further education opportunities. After the course, I had three interviews and then I got a job as a plumber. The construction academy gave me a chance to come back to work and I am now very happy. I’m still working in my favourite job. Mykola (secured a job with Parker Technical) City Region Deal: Ukrainian Construction Academy [external] Workers on site: "I was a stranger and ye took me in" over the threshold of the building Social Impact at the new Usher Institute site A new research, teaching and innovation building on the Edinburgh BioQuarter campus will host a mix of occupants across three storeys. These include the University of Edinburgh’s Usher Institute, along with a community of partners from the public, private and third sectors working on the shared purpose of transforming health in society working with people, populations and data. The construction company, McLaughlin & Harvey, is committed to sharing prosperity with the communities where it operates. By autumn 2023 their community benefits activities, agreed through university procurement, its work at the Usher site had: spent 59% of project costs with suppliers who are within 20 miles of the Edinburgh BioQuarter campus used a labour force of which 40% of workers reside within 20 miles of the Edinburgh BioQuarter campus. Meaningful May Meaningful May McLaughlin & Harvey is also committed to supporting people in reaching their full career potential. In May 2023, company staff contributed to Meaningful May at Castlebrae Community Campus in Craigmillar. Meaningful May is a programme of activities aimed at young people who are not sitting exams before leaving school. The programme is designed to help young people move on to positive destinations. McLaughlin & Harvey staff shared insights into the construction industry, ran activities to develop team working skills and helped to conduct mock job interviews. Jane and her colleague engaged the pupils really well and settled any nerves. The feedback from the pupils was incredibly positive. - James Donald (Future Improvements Coordinator, Castlebrae Community High School) Fresh Start Fresh Start Through its employee volunteering initiatives, McLaughlin & Harvey has supported local community organisations that have changed lives this year. Company staff have made up starter pack, food packs and sorted donations at Fresh Start. Fresh Start is an Edinburgh-based charity that helps people with experience of homelessness to get set up in their new homes. DadsRock DadsRock McLaughlin & Harvey also helped local charity DadsRock with a move from temporary accommodation in Granton to new premises in Gorgie. The charity’s temporary accommodation, required after a flood, did not have the facilities to hold the events that are a key part of the charity’s work. The move to more suitable premises has benefitted service users and charity staff. Chapter One Chapter One McLaughlin & Harvey volunteers have made 2023 a year to support young readers. Facilitated by UK charity Chapter One, corporate volunteers have worked with Castleview Primary School in Craigmillar to provide pupils with 1:1 reading support. As well as improving reading skills, the programme boost confidence in and enjoyment of reading. We have been able to move up a reading level which is an amazing achievement in such a short space of time. - Jane Elder (Social Value Manager, McLaughlin & Harvey) Usher Building at Edinburgh BioQuarter Usher Institute community benefits [external] Considerate Constructors Scheme [external] McLaughlin & Harvey commitments [external] Freshstart volunteering As of September 2023, Coffee Conscience has planted 1,593 apple trees locally as a result of the University’s custom; Collaboration with UoE supplier Coffee Conscience working with Boroughmuir High School on hospitality project; 30 pupils are participating. They can achieve a Prince`s Trust Award and SQA Barista qualification; We received 45 user groups to use our Sports and Exercise facilities from community groups and individuals. That works out at almost 100 hours per week. Our Community Plan Our Community Plan Our Community Plan: open up our estate This article was published on 2024-07-22
