News & Updates

For organisations, individuals and volunteers

Keep up with local community news, events and helpful insights across East Lothian. Always a good read! Even better, you can stay one step ahead by signing up for our e-bulletin to get the latest information. Free, convenient and straight to your inbox!

Featured News and Updates

All News Listings
VCEL Newsletter Survey
VCEL Newsletter Survey

We Want to Hear from You!

Tackling Poverty in East Lothian Fund
Tackling Poverty in East Lothian Fund

Gants up to £5,000 for East Lothian projects aimed at preventing or alleviating poverty. Eligible applicants are registered Scottish charities with a minimum of 2 years in operation.

VCEL Now on Bluesky!
VCEL Now on Bluesky!

We are thrilled to announce that Volunteer Centre East Lothian is now on Bluesky!

ESES Communities Visit VCEL
ESES Communities Visit VCEL

A big thank you to Katharine and Claire for coming to see us!

All News and Updates

All News & updates
Consultation Open on New Community Wealth Building Bill
Consultation Open on New Community Wealth Building Bill

This is your opportunity to share your views on the new Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill.

VCEL Monthly Funding Update | April 2025
VCEL Monthly Funding Update | April 2025
Reminder: The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 is Now Live
Reminder: The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 is Now Live

The Disclosure Act has gone live. Stay up to date with all the changes.

VCEL Newsletter Survey
VCEL Newsletter Survey

We Want to Hear from You!

Tackling Poverty in East Lothian Fund
Tackling Poverty in East Lothian Fund

Gants up to £5,000 for East Lothian projects aimed at preventing or alleviating poverty. Eligible applicants are registered Scottish charities with a minimum of 2 years in operation.

Mental Health Conference
Mental Health Conference

People with mental health issues are to host the first conference of its kind in Scotland.

VCEL Monthly Funding Update | March 2025
VCEL Monthly Funding Update | March 2025

Welcome to the latest funding update from Volunteer Centre East Lothian.

VCEL Now on Bluesky!
VCEL Now on Bluesky!

We are thrilled to announce that Volunteer Centre East Lothian is now on Bluesky!

ESES Communities Visit VCEL
ESES Communities Visit VCEL

A big thank you to Katharine and Claire for coming to see us!

Changes to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme
Changes to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme

We want to make sure all Third Sector organisations in East Lothian know about an important change to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.

Are you worried that an adult could be at risk of harm?
Are you worried that an adult could be at risk of harm?

Residents across East Lothian and Midlothian are being asked to be alert to vulnerable adults in their communities who may be at risk of harm. Harm can take many forms, including financial, physical abuse, neglect, self-neglect, self-harm, emotional abuse, and gender-based violence. Risk of being harmed can be greater due to factors such as ill health, trauma and physical or mental health conditions.

VCEL Monthly Funding Update | February 2024
VCEL Monthly Funding Update | February 2024

Welcome to the latest funding update from Volunteer Centre East Lothian.

State of the Sector Questionnaire – Your Voice Matters!
State of the Sector Questionnaire – Your Voice Matters!

We need your help! As East Lothian’s Third Sector Interface (TSI) and representative body, we are regularly asked for insights on the health and challenges of the third sector by public authorities, including the council, NHS Lothian, and the Scottish Government.

ESS: Introduction to the Basics of Self-Evaluation Training
ESS: Introduction to the Basics of Self-Evaluation Training

Now, more than ever, third sector organisations need to demonstrate their impact. To support you, VCEL has commissioned Evaluation Support Scotland (ESS) to deliver their ‘Introduction to the Basics of Self-Evaluation’ training.

East Lothian Third Sector Update | 28/01/2025
East Lothian Third Sector Update | 28/01/2025

Welcome to the latest Third Sector Update for East Lothian.

Resource for Volunteer Managers by Volunteer Edinburgh
Resource for Volunteer Managers by Volunteer Edinburgh

Volunteer Edinburgh has developed a new resource to support volunteer managers. This resource provides high-quality, reliable, and up-to-date information on managing volunteers.

East Lothian Third Sector Update | 15/01/2025
East Lothian Third Sector Update | 15/01/2025

Welcome to the latest Third Sector Update for East Lothian.

Young Scot Awards 2025
Young Scot Awards 2025

The Young Scot Awards, sponsored by sportscotland, is Scotland’s biggest celebration of young people, recognising their outstanding achievements. Do you know a friend, family member, classmate or colleague whose story deserves to be heard?

VCEL Monthly Funding Update | January 2025
VCEL Monthly Funding Update | January 2025

Welcome to the latest funding update from Volunteer Centre East Lothian.

East Lothian Friendly Food Network Update
East Lothian Friendly Food Network Update

The latest papers and minutes from the East Lothian Friendly Food Network.

Some Brief Thoughts From Our AGM
Some Brief Thoughts From Our AGM

Reflections on our past, present and future.

Season's Greetings and Office Closure Notice
Season's Greetings and Office Closure Notice

Our office will be closed from 19th December and will reopen on 6th January.

Report on the 4th Annual Third Sector Conference
Report on the 4th Annual Third Sector Conference

The 4th Annual Third Sector Conference was a resounding success, bringing together key stakeholders to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore new tools and approaches.

Festive Food Provisions
Festive Food Provisions

Festive provision guide gives you an overview of emergency food provision over the Christmas and New Year period

Signal Presentation Report
Signal Presentation Report

A full report from Signal’s recent VCEL visit.

Keep Well This Festive Season
Keep Well This Festive Season

A quick guide to winter wellbeing

East Lothian Third Sector Update 10/12/2024
East Lothian Third Sector Update 10/12/2024

Welcome to the latest Third Sector Update for East Lothian.

Join our Volunteer Manager Forum today!
Join our Volunteer Manager Forum today!

Our Volunteer Managers’ Forums are open to anyone who works or volunteers in East Lothian.

VCEL Monthly Funding Update | December 2024
VCEL Monthly Funding Update | December 2024

Welcome to the latest funding update from Volunteer Centre East Lothian.

East Lothian Third Sector Update | 26/11/2024
East Lothian Third Sector Update | 26/11/2024

Upcoming Events

Featured
Disclosure Changes: Practitioner Webinar - Apex Scotland (Online)

From 1st April 2025 Scotland's disclosure system is changing, including a restructure of background checks, an update of the PVG Scheme and several process changes that will bring more fairness and transparency for those with convictions.

Both your participants and your organisation could be impacted significantly, with expanded legal requirements for roles requiring PVG and a brand new system for individuals to get familiar with.

This training will address all the key changes and help prepare your organisation for the impact of the new legislation.

Volunteer Managers Forum (April)
Take Action: Charting Your Organisations Journey to Net Zero and Beyond (Venue TBC)

Do you want to save costs, and do the right thing at the same time? Are you feeling overwhelmed with sustainability and unsure where to start but know it’s important? Then this workshop is for you!