Local charities push Edinburgh Council to protect £2 million in funding. Cuts risk service failure and impact 50,000 people.
The budget is due February 20. Charities are asking for £2 million to be protected, as they fear losing vital organizations. Closures may happen if this cash isn’t secured.
The Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board cut funds last year. Sixty-four charities lost £4.5 million, with another cut due in June 2025. This has worried many charities, causing debate.
Stephanie-Anne Harris, from the Edinburgh Health Community Forum, says groups need long-term funding. Without it, closures will happen because charities can’t plan without secure funds.
Harris worries about losing key services. Mental health support and help for carers could disappear. Substance misuse programs face cuts, impacting over 50,000 people and pressuring health services further.
Health All Round, which helps people live healthier lives in some Edinburgh areas, might close. Catriona Windle, the manager, said they might start closing in March. Health All Round will consult about redundancies, where eight staff face possible job losses. They will start TUPE for four employees and give notice to their landlords.
Feniks, a counselling charity led by Magda Czarnecka, might downsize too. She said budget cuts mean staff notices in March and eight of nineteen staff could have reduced hours.
These cuts affect more than just staff; service users will suffer too. Their families and carers will also feel the stress.
A spokesperson for Bridgend Farmhouse, which runs community projects, said the Third Sector helps isolated people and changes lives in a big way. People have even said the help was lifesaving, as the Third Sector adds significant value, making the potential loss devastating.
Harris said prevention is cost effective while highlighting that cutting funds pressures already struggling health services. She urges the Council to fund these groups and to support local wellbeing organizations after June 2025. She acknowledges the Council is under pressure and must save funds, but asks for £2 million to support vulnerable people, stating that without the money, support systems could fall apart, impacting communities.
The Council meets on February 20 to discuss budget options. Meeting papers are available to view online.