Who is the group for?
All welcome.
When does the group meet?
Weekly in our in centre cafe space on Mondays from 3pm – 5pm.
Updates
Open Book helps our readers to locate themselves in the world. A safe space to meet for supported shared reading and creative writing sessions. The group meets to share stories and poems, reading them aloud before discussing them as you might in a regular book group. In an open book group there is no reading in advancer – everyone hears the story and poem for the first time during the session.
Who is the group for?
Anyone aged eighteen and over is welcome to take part.
When does the group meet?
Every fortnight on a Monday in room 2 from 11:30 until 12:30.
February: 3rd and 17th.
March: 3rd, 17th and 31st.
April: 14th and 28th.
May: 5th and 19th.
June: 2nd, 16th and 30th.
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Join us each month in our marketplace style events where you can meet various services who can provide you with advice & support during the cost of living crisis. Services will vary each month, and there will usually be around five or six present.
Who is the group for?
Anyone. No matter their circumstances or where they live.
When does the group meet?
Monthly. Dates and times to be confirmed.
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Who is the group for?
Older ladies who wish to enjoy social connections whilst making art. Any ability.
When does the group meet?
Every Wednesday from 1pm until 4pm. £4 per class.
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Resilient Renters is funded by Safe Deposit Scotland Charitable Trust.
Who is the group for?
Anyone who is currently renting in the Private Rented Sector, or plans to.
When does the group meet?
Weekly. Usually at weekends in the community centre, occasionally online.
Find out more about us...
Our Community Pantries offer a unique, low cost way to access a variety of foods, including chilled and fresh produce, and ambient cupboard staples.
We believe that everyone has the right to dignified access to high quality food. As part of our work tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness we’re determined to ensure no one unnecessarily suffers from food insecurity.
Our pantries are membership based. There is a £1 membership fee payable at your first visit, then £2.50 per shop for a wide variety of items. Membership is limited at each location.
We update our membership numbers regularly, so please keep checking back for updates about your nearest pantry or get in touch on the email below to find out how we can best support you.
As part of the community pantry experience we have also created a community cook book that shares delicious recipes from our members. Using items bought at our pantries these recipes will help you explore new food items and get experimental in the kitchen.
Who is the group for?
Anyone and everyone can become a member.
When does the group meet?
Every Friday morning from 10am until 11am within our centre cafe seating area. Starting on Friday 10 January 2025.
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Take part in a weekly art class led by Joyce within our cafe space, everyone is welcome!
Who is the group for?
Anyone.
When does the group meet?
Every Tuesday, from 4pm until 6pm, within our cafe space.
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A programme of classes to learn French, attendance to the course must be booked online, in advance – https://bonjour-frenchclasses.com/
Who is the group for?
Adults.
When does the group meet?
Every Wednesday evening.
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Starting on Sunday 17 November 2024!
Who is the group for?
Anyone, and everyone.
When does the group meet?
Every Sunday, in our cafe area, from 11am until 4pm.
Find out more about us...
We’re a new community fencing club in Edinburgh, Scotland, set up by local fencers who want to share their love of meeting up each week to hit each other with swords.
We believe fencing is there to support your health and wellbeing, and our classes and club culture are set up to achieve those goals.
Who is the group for?
Sundays – All ages welcome.
Mondays – Kids.
When does the group meet?
Sundays from 11am until 3pm, and Mondays from 4:15pm until 6pm.
Find out more about us...
Who is the group for?
Children aged from 6 to 13 years of age. A waiting list is in place, with new intakes in August and January each year if there are any spaces available.
When does the group meet?
Friday evenings during school term time.
Find out more about us...
Who is the group for?
Anyone, and everyone.
When does the group meet?
Weekly – Wednesdays from 1pm until 3:30pm.
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A new weekly crochet group run by Goodies SCIO in our in centre cafe on Thursdays from 10:30am until 12:00noon.
Who is the group for?
Anyone and everyone.
When does the group meet?
Every Thursday, in our cafe, from 10:30am until 12noon.
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We’ve published our April programme, which can be viewed online by clicking here, or downloaded by clicking here.
Who is the group for?
Various classes are organised for adults (those aged 18 & over) across the city.
When does the group meet?
There are a variety of classes running Monday to Saturday across the city.
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A new free weekly group for those aged sixty & over. A chance to connect with others through conversation, with tea & biscuits! If you would like to take part just come along.
Who is the group for?
Anyone aged sixty & over.
When does the group meet?
Tuesdays from 10:30am until 12noon and Fridays from 1pm until 2:30pm.
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A new local area gardening & nature group is coming soon! The group will meet weekly and will visit local garden and nature spots, as well as work in our centre garden. Expected to launch in May 2024. More details to follow.
Who is the group for?
When does the group meet?
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A new weekly centre gardening group is coming soon. Each session will focus on connecting Southsiders with each other through gardening. Expected start date: May 2024.
Who is the group for?
When does the group meet?
Find out more about us...
Michael became our Chief Executive in Winter 2023 with a remit to support the Board of Trustees to support the development of Southside Community Centre.
Prior to joining Southside Community Centre Association SCIO Michael has mainly worked in the third and public sectors, with only brief stints in the private sector. Michael has been active in his local community for many years and in various roles including being a charity Trustee and a Community Councillor.
In his spare time Michael enjoys spending time with his Ragdoll cat and exploring the history of Leith.
Fiona was born in Edinburgh and has lived in south Edinburgh for over 30 years. She graduated from Heriot Watt University and worked for City of Edinburgh Council and then the Scottish Government for most of her career. She took up music in later life and also graduated in Music Composition from Abertay University. She plays violin in the South Side Community Orchestra.
Under the auspices of the Gambian Community in Edinburgh, the Southside Community Centre Association was privileged to host Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, the High Commissioner of the Gambia in the UK.
The Gambian Community in Edinburgh, under the leadership of Lamin Bajo, a member of the Southside Community Centre’s management committee, hosted the event.
Lamin had invited local politicians and others to help build community relations. Gambian Dignitaries from across the UK had attended the event. Councillor Simita Kumar (SNP) and MSP Foysol Chaudhury (Labour) also spoke.
Imam Yahya Barry, a former priest of Edinburgh Central Mosque (our neighbour), started off the event with a recitation from the Holy Quran and then an address on the importance of unity and community cohesion.
Dr Bensouda, in her address, encouraged the Gambian diaspora to educate itself and to work diligently for the betterment all their host country and their country of origin. She said it is the Gambian diaspora that can work to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Gambia. she said reiterated the importance of building bonds of unity. She said that as a nation Gambia is proud of the fact that it is a country where unity between communities of ethnicity, religion and gender is strong. Gambians of all persuasions value unity and work wholeheartedly towards maintaining it.
As a nation Gambia is proud of the fact that it is a country where unity between communities of ethnicity, religion and gender is strong.
Councillor Simita Kumar, in her address, spoke about health equalities within marginalised minority communities and encouraged the community to seek out health services as a Right. She stated that, as an elected representative, she is there to support all Southside residents and, as an ethnic minority person, herself she is there as a support to them.
MSP Foysol Choudhury, in his address, encouraged the Gambian community to get involved in local politics for the improvement of their own community and the community at large. As a member of the working group on International Development, he was keen to see more voices speak on issues affecting the Global South, particularly Africa. He stated that we all have a role to play in promoting good governance so that all the citizens of the world can live in peace and harmony with each other.
This is a mixed ability group catering for all those with an interest in drama and the performing arts. Participants have a say in what skills / themes are covered each term. The emphasis is on working together, presentation, communication and having fun.
Any drama class I have attended before has involved turning up, learning a part and performing it. It’s been all about the drama and not about the people in the group. I felt instantly comfortable when I joined this class. Even though other people have been here for years I felt included from the start. I was amazed there wasn’t a group chat already! You all seemed so close to each other!”
– Participant Feedback 2022
Who is the group for?
The classes are for anyone with an interest in drama. Previous experience is welcome but not necessary. 16+ year olds.
When does the group meet?
Wednesdays from 6.30 – 8.30pm
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First Bite Youth Theatre was launched in 1994 as an outreach programme by First Bite Theatre in Education Company which toured productions and workshops to primary and secondary schools across Central Scotland and North West England.
Initially run from various venues across Edinburgh and Liverpool, the Youth Theatre moved to SSCC in 1998 where its weekly sessions have involved hundreds of young people ever since.
The Youth Theatre programme is annual. Each group starts by devising and scripting their own productions which are then rehearsed and developed through to public performances in March and May. The Junior and Senior groups also come together for a celebratory End of Year show each year in June.
“A fantastic adventure to be part of for 11 years of my life. Along the way I have made life long friends, gained skills and confidence and formed great memories that will stay with me forever.” – Participant Feedback / 2014
“What does First Bite mean to me? The world. For the past however many years… it’s been my Thursday afternoons, my social life and at times my whole life, and I’ve loved every minute of it. The people here aren’t my best friends, they are my family.” – Participant Feedback 2019
“…the highlight of the week for both my kids. They learn so much about all aspects of the theatre, not just the acting but also character development, script writing, stage and costume design, marketing, teamwork, and more. The last show was a triumph – an inspired script and amazing maturity from the young actors.” – Parent Feedback 2019
Who is the group for?
First Bite Junior Youth Theatre for 7 – 11 year olds / First Bite Senior Youth Theatre for 11 – 18 year olds
When does the group meet?
Thursdays 4 – 5.30pm (Junior Youth Theatre) and Thursdays 6 – 8pm (Senior Youth Theatre)
Find out more about us...
There is a long tradition of the Southside Community Centre supporting creative writing. I’ve facilitated its weekly group for two decades, following the late Sandy Craigie and Gabrielle Green. We meet for 2 hours (with coffee break) on Friday mornings. Members range from widely published authors to beginners, who meet on an equal footing to do short writing exercises in response to prompts supplied by me, suggested by members, or arising spontaneously from group discussion. Writers can then read out their work if they choose, and receive constructive feedback. We’re happy to be back at the Centre after two and half years on Zoom, when creative writing nonetheless kept group members connected.
Helen Boden, tutor
Who is the group for?
The class is fully subscribed at present and there is currently a waiting list for new members.
When does the group meet?
Once a week, on a Friday mornings
Find out more about us...
Edinburgh City Councillor Tim Pogson (Ward 15 – Southside / Newington) holds a regular Surgery offering advice about any aspect of the Council’s work, and signposting to other sources of advice and support.
“Please come and see me with any concern you might have about life in Southside. Primarily I can help with any concern related to the work of the Council, roads, transport, schools, waste collection, street cleansing, planning, greenspaces and parks, housing, social work and social care, but if you have other concerns you wish to raise I will always be happy to refer those to colleagues.”
Who is the group for?
Anybody who lives in the Southside Newington ward or has an interest in the area
When does the group meet?
Monthly at 10 – 11 on the second Friday
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Taekwon-Do is so much more than a self-defence art. Taekwon-Do is a Way of Life and is a wonderful life changing journey which offers many benefits including health benefits and improved fitness as well as personal development.
The core values offered by Taekwon-Do will help us all to strive to be the Master of our own destiny. We believe that living life in a courteous, respectful, positive and supportive way makes the Taekwon-Do student a better and stronger person. The Tenets of Taekwon-Do are at the heart of every class. Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit.
Your Taekwon-Do journey can begin at any age or life stage. Join us on this amazing adventure into the world of Martial Arts Training.
What is Taekwon-Do? Taekwon-Do is a Korean Martial art. The name was given to this fighting art on 11th April 1955 by General Choi Hong Hi. Taekwon-Do literally means Foot (Tae) Hand (Kwon) Art (Do) – the Art of Hand and Foot fighting.
The Southside group is is part of the United Kingdom Taekwon-Do Council (UKTC) which is affiliated to the world governing body World ITF Taekwon-Do Council (WITC). The UKTC is a member of the Scottish Council of Taekwon-Do (SCoT), one of the official governing bodies for Taekwon-Do in the United Kingdom. All our Instructors are fully qualified and insured to teach Taekwon-Do within the United Kingdom.
Begin the Taekwon-Do journey today and book a complimentary free trial lesson at Edinburgh Southside Centre.
Who is the group for?
Children aged 3 and over, and Youths
When does the group meet?
The group meets in the Main Hall on Monday evenings 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Find out more about us...
Images © Sheila Masson, www.sheilamasson.com
Edinburgh’s only amateur orchestra that meets during the day.
In 2005 orchestra was offered, and accepted, a base at the South Side Community Centre in Nicolson Street, and took the new name of The South Side Community Orchestra. Since then, the South Side Community Centre has become the established venue for the orchestra’s regular Monday afternoon rehearsals and for the public concerts given each term.
Orchestra rehearsals are friendly and full of good humour. Vaughan Townhill our conductor has very realistic expectations of our abilities and recognises that we may not play every technically difficult passage perfectly.
Who is the group for?
The Southside Community Orchestra attracts a large proportion of its members from the senior population however there is no age barrier and there are a number of younger adults who come along to rehearsals. There are no auditions and we don’t ask to see your certificates, but for musicians who are thinking of joining us it may be helpful for them to know that most players are Grade 4 standard or above and can sight read reasonably well.
When does the group meet?
Monday afternoons
Find out more about us...
Nila Joshi came to Scotland in 1975 as a young bride. Soon after arriving, she made Scotland her home.
Nila worked for city of Edinburgh council for 35 years as a library officer and retired in November 2022 to put her time into the community.
Over last 20 years, she has been involved in women’s interfaith group in Edinburgh, which gave her opportunity to work with wider community and in recognition of this, and her other work,she was nominated for ‘Hidden Heroine’ award in 2004 award.
Edinburgh Southside Centre has been important to Nila for many years, and she became a Trustee in 2022 to help open the Centre’s doors to everyone.
Christopher Ludlam was born in Edinburgh and has lived most of his life in South Edinburgh. He is a University of Edinburgh graduate, and now a retired doctor having worked previously at the Royal Infirmary and the University. Christopher plays the violin in the Southside Community Orchestra.
Capoeira incorporates diverse movements, gymnastics and physical conditioning. As well as being an amazingly rewarding and fun activity, the practice of Capoeira develops excellent fitness. Practitioners work on their body strength and flexibility, mobility, coordination and balance. Student’s learn how to control their bodies and respond to their parter movements in the form of a game of attack and defence. Capoeira is excellent way to build/re-build/re-wire ones perceptions of self. It promotes discipline, hard work and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. There is scientific evidence on Capoeira helping people to improve/rebuild their self-confidence and help with stress relief which makes it a perfect activity to take part in after a busy day.
Capoeira is very inclusive. A very famous quote from one of the Capoeira masters says:
“Capoeira is for everyone who wishes to learn it”.
One of the most unique aspects of Tucum Capoeira Edinburgh is that it tries to be more of a community that gathers people with similar passion and builds a bond rather than a sport club. We believe it is important more than ever to build and nurture strong relationships between people.
Who is the group for?
Adults
When does the group meet?
Once a week. Tuesday evenings 6 – 7:15pm
Find out more about us...
“To move forward community and neighborhoods have to engage a larger world rather than build existing walls ever higher. Community has to be a process, not an object; a verb, not a noun”
“Community is something I do not take lightly. People don’t serendipitously stumble into real community with each other. We work at it. We build it. We do community.“
“Community is something I do not take lightly. People don’t serendipitously stumble into real community with each other. We work at it. We build it. We do community“
“Community is a creative process , it’s creative because it’s a process of integrating”
“When we think of community as a noun, we miss the very thing that makes it vibrant and alive with possibility.
Community, done right, is a verb”
Summer Drama brings together 10 – 18 year olds from around Edinburgh for the first two weeks of the school holidays. Participants work every morning from 9.30 – 12.30 to develop an original production which is performed on the final night of the project. There are also a series of optional afternoon workshops for participants who are interested in learning more about Voice Technique, Choreography, Directing, and Set/Prop Making.
It seems scary, because you don’t know where to start and there can be so many different ideas and you don’t know how to put them together. But once you do start, it becomes much easier, especially when you have a base for your story. Also, you don’t have to do all the writing. Explaining your ideas is enough! They will turn it into something great! I loved, loved, loved it! – Participant Feedback 2022
I just wanted to say again how wonderful the performance was last night. Our girls were super-engaged and loved it, that was clear, and we loved seeing how it all came together and how everyone worked with each other as a team. Now they’re hooked on drama and want to do more, which is such a lovely tribute. I can also see how much both of our children have grown in confidence and what the voice projection has done in pushing them out of their comfort zone and letting them experience what is possible. – Parent Feedback 2022
Who is the group for?
10 – 18 year olds.
When does the group meet?
Annually, during the first 2 weeks of the School Holidays.
Find out more about us...
The Cafe is available for hire outside cafe operating hours and can be used for meetings and activities like social gatherings. Continue reading “Cafe”
Southside Community Centre – Indian Dance Night
On the first floor, the Main Hall can be used for conferences, events, wedding receptions, graduations, concerts, dances, birthday parties and a variety of games and sports. Some sports equipment can be provided, just enquire to confirm availability. Continue reading “Main Hall”
Room 2 is mainly used for meetings or classes and has a capacity of up to 16 people with tables, and 20-25 without tables.
A multipurpose room that can be used for meetings, small conferences, drama classes, language classes and children’s groups. Continue reading “Room 1”