VOCAL Edinburgh

21/08/2026

The Edinburgh branch of Parkinson's UK has lots going on for people with Parkinson's and their carers!

- Group trips to try out bouldering at The Climbing Hangar, Portobello (£7.50 per person). Email [email protected] to find out more

- Free monthly social cafes in Marchmont, Niddrie or Fairmilehead (and a new one starting soon near Blackhall): edinburghparkinsons.org/activities-and-events/edinburgh-parkinsons-social-cafe/

- Weekly online boxing classes (£4.75 each) to improve mental and physical wellbeing for people with Parkinson's. Contact [email protected] or 07301 174 729 to book.

- Free weekly reminiscing groups: Carers, friends and family welcome to join too. Thursdays from 10:30am to 12pm at Liberton Northfield Church, EH16 5TT. No need to book

A friendly and informal social get-together in a relaxed comfortable space.

20/08/2026

Edinburgh Leisure has lots of discounts this summer for you and your children, including:
- Free 6-month swimming pass for children age 5-15
- 80% off sports coaching for children age 3-12 from low-income backgrounds
- £8 per child for 4 weeks of golf (limited spaces)

Find out more on their website: edinburghleisure.co.uk/summer-of-sport/

20/08/2026

With schools now back, some parents and carers may be finding the transition challenging, whether that’s helping their child settle in or communicating with their school.

Enquire runs regular free online sessions for parents and carers covering additional support for learning, including the rights of children with disabilities. The webinars are open to anyone who would like to learn more.

The next session, Settling into School, takes place on Wednesday 2 September, 6:30pm–8pm. You can find out more and book your place on the Enquire website: https://enquire.org.uk/events/

For further information and support, you can also visit:

Mindroom: https://www.mindroom.org/
Kindred: https://kindred-scotland.org/

Enquire run a series of free information and advice sessions throughout the year, tailored for parents, carers and professionals.

19/08/2026

Our Future Health is the UK's largest health research programme, recruiting up to 5 million people to take part. Our Future Health will help researchers to detect, treat and prevent diseases such as dementia, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke.

By reaching more communities, researchers can better understand how diseases affect people from different backgrounds – and make discoveries that benefit everyone. Mobile clinics are travelling across Scotland, including:

- Edinburgh Gyle Centre, EH12 9JR: Open
- Edinburgh Shandwick, EH2 4SA: Open from 14 October
- Livingston, EH54 7DN: Open until 1 September
- Tranent, EH33 1LP: Open from 29 November to 14 December

The research is open to anyone age 18+ in the UK. You'll get a £10 voucher for your time. Fill in the health and lifestyle questionnaire online here: https://study.ourfuturehealth.org.uk/welcome

18/08/2026

The FAIR & WELL project, run by FAIR Ltd. (Family Advice and Information Resource), provides activities for people with learning disabilities and their carers. Part of the project involves a coffee morning, where you can come together for chit-chat, coffee and snacks!
Upcoming sessions are:
- Sunday 30 August, 2pm to 5pm, relaxed concert
- Wednesday 2 September, 10:30am to 12:30pm at Mayfield church
- Wednesday 9 September, 10am to 1pm at Water of Leith centre
- Wednesday 16 September, 10:30am to 12:30pm at Mayfield church
- Wednesday 23 September, 10am to 1pm, canal boat outing
- Wednesday 30 September, 10:30am to 12:30pm at Mayfield church

If you want to come along or find out more, please contact Tasneem on [email protected] or 07513 824 259 or 0131 662 1962.

18/08/2026

VOCAL staff will be at the Volunteer Edinburgh Recruitment Fair on 1 September 📅

If you're considering taking on a volunteering role, this is a great opportunity to chat with us about what VOCAL does, and the impact that you could make as a volunteer.

Where: St Paul's and St George's Church, York Place
When: 10am - 5:30pm, Tuesday 1 September

Entry is free, and you can find more information on the Volunteer Edinburgh website: https://ow.ly/T2bw50ZyAaa

18/08/2026

Join Home Energy Scotland's free webinar for carers.

Get practical energy saving advice, and learn about what supports and grants are available to help you with your home energy. The session will take place on Wednesday 2 September at 2pm and 6pm.

Visit the Home Energy Scotland website to sign up: https://ow.ly/efpE50ZAXNq

17/08/2026

It can be a challenge to juggle a caring role with paid employment.

Working carers are invited to attend this new lunchtime session this Wednesday. Get advice on topics like understanding your employer's leave policy, or how to request flexible working.

Beth, VOCAL's Partnership Training Officer will be on hand to lead the discussion and offer advice.

Register for free on Eventbrite: https://ow.ly/TBAi50ZAyqj

17/08/2026

Getting out and about in nature is brilliant for your physical and mental wellbeing.

This walk and talk session is an opportunity to enjoy beautiful Dalkeith Country Park, and connect with other carers. You can sign up for free on Eventbrite: https://ow.ly/A4hk50Zt3EB

14/08/2026

Trauma Informed Parenting is a national charity supporting parents and carers to understand and address the impact of trauma on children. They help families create safe environments to promote healing, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

They run free online workshops - some are one-offs and some are 6-week courses. Find out more and sign up here: traumainformedparenting.uk/workshop-booking

Booking a WorkshopWe offer a fully funded online workshop each month. For the workshop dates, please follow this Eventbrite link. New dates are released each month: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/25265000625TIP workshops are open to anyone living or working with children. They are attended by parents,...