WELCOME TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS PROGRAMME
Everyone is welcome at The Grassmarket Community Project!
There are always FREE activities, workshops, events and so much more here within our community. This is our Members-only programme BUT becoming a Member is also FREE and straightforward. Simply visit the Members page to find out more.
Once you’re a Member, you can book as many activities as you like from the programme below.
Woodwork Enterprise
Tues-Thu 10:30am-4pm
A workshop facilitated by Jon and Campbell
Volunteer and train in our recycled wood workshop furniture social enterprise. Make a huge difference to the lives of others, by contributing to the income of the charity, learn valuable skills as well as build your confidence and be part of a fantastic and committed team. Again, its great fun and no previous experience needed—just a willingness to learn, be safe and be a team player!
Book your place – [email protected] or call 0131 225 3626 (option 3)
Coffee Break
Mon 1.30-2pm
Fri 10-10.30am
ONLINE with Tommy
Join Tommy for a chat and a coffee, to have a wee catch-up with him and other members.
Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89800410215
Password is available upon request
History (monthly)
Mon 11am-12pm
ONLINE with Nick
Join Nick to learn about the history of Scotland and beyond!
Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89800410215
Password is available upon request.
IT Skills
Mon 11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm
Facilitated by Usman
Come along and give your IT skills an overhaul or if you have never used IT come and learn the basics for your PC, tablet or even your phone. This is a great chance to build up your skills and learn new and exciting ways to use your devices. All levels are welcome.
Guitar Jam
Mon 4pm-5.30pm
Facilitated by Calum
Ever wanted to learn to play the guitar or improve your playing? Join Calum on Monday evenings to learn chords and jam with fellow guitarists of all levels. If you do not own a guitar, we may be able to help.
GCP Learning Hub
Tue 11am-4pm
Facilitated by Jen
Do you want to earn an accredited qualification, learn new skills or work towards employment? Join us in our supported, focused study space every Tuesday in the IT room to develop skills and
gain accredited certificates
Walking Group Meadows/Holyrood
Tue 10:30am-11:30am
Facilitated by Dennis and Janet
Walking as part of a group not only increases physical activity and contributes to our well-being, it also boosts our self-esteem and emotions. This is a great chance to clear your head, meet new people, and make friends.
You must book your place! See below for more about booking.
Choir
Tue 4pm – 5pm
Facilitated by Mike
Sing your heart out with Mike and the rest of the group! You can sing from a wide range of songs or pick one from our choir book. No experience required, just your enthusiasm!
Tartan Enterprise
Tue, Wed, Thu 10am-4pm
Facilitated by Volunteers
In this social enterprise group we design and make Scottie dogs, bags and pillows and more out of our very own Greyfriars tartan. We make up and ship orders for customers from all over the world. If you think you have the skills to be part of this exciting enterprise, please get in touch with Janie – [email protected]
Make and Mend
Tue 11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm
Facilitated by Liz
In this group, we work towards developing existing skills and introducing new skills in sewing, quilting, and embroidery. No experience necessary. We have a great laugh and good chat. This is a great opportunity to develop your new skills and potentially work towards put them to use in our Tartan social enterprise.
Herb Garden
Wed 11am-1pm, 2-3.30pm
Facilitated by Trudi
We are based within Greyfriars Kirk & Cemetery and we take part in developing, maintaining and enjoying the multiple herb gardens this site has to offer. Different gardening methods and skills are developed and practised.
You must book your place! See below for more about booking.
Reading and Writing
Wed 11am-1pm
Facilitated by Nick
This fun group enhances reading and writing skills. Whether you are looking to learn to read and write or an accomplished reader and writer there is something here for you to learn. Maybe you can
even earn a qualification!
Dance Workshops
Wed, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Facilitated by Dance Base (Takes place at Dance Base)
A fun and relaxed class to enliven your body and destress your mind. With great music, various dance styles, and breathing techniques to enhance your health—come along and join the fun!
Grassmarket Community Picture House
Wed 7pm
An Open Door to Great Cinema for Everyone in the heart of Edinburgh
Please check listings and book your seats. Tickets are FREE, though if you are able to, we ask that you make a £3 donation via the contactless pay point by the front doors upon exiting the screening.
Open Book Reading Group
Thu 11am-1pm
Facilitated by Jess and Volunteers
Enjoy reading? Then come and join in our group. It is a great opportunity to read new material and meet new people.
IT Skills
Thu 11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm
Facilitated by Kevin
Come along and give your IT skills an overhaul. If you are a beginner, come and learn the basics for your PC, tablet, or even your phone. This class is structured to your learning and helps you progress at your own pace. You even have the chance to get an accredited qualification.
GCP Music Group
Thu 11am-1pm
Facilitated by Edin Uni Students
The session is all about being part of a creative, fun group of people, all enjoying the joy of making music together.
Expressive Writing
Thu 2pm-4pm
Facilitated by James and Janis
Come along and express yourself through the written word. Whether you are an experienced writer or new to the craft, come along to let your creativity shine through short stories, poetry, or narrative fiction.
Souper Thursday
Thu 4pm-5.30pm
Facilitated by Staff and Volunteers
Join us for soup, tea and coffee, and a blether. Stay for a game of table tennis, pool and the occasional fun quiz! This is a great opportunity to get to know the other members of the Grassmarket Community Project.
Woodwork Introduction
Fri 10:30am-1pm, 2pm-4pm
Facilitated by Jon and Campbell
Come and try woodwork skills at our weekly Friday drop-in session (booking is essential). Learn about how we recycle church pews and learn about the tools and the types of wood. Make something beautiful on your first day! Please be aware there is a waiting list for this activity.
Art
Fri 11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm
Facilitated by Staff and Volunteers
Come along to our Art Class and ignite your creativity. This is a chance to let all your creative spirit run free. We use pens, charcoal, fabric, paints, and clay among other things to let our inner artist come out and express itself.
Drop-in Support
Fri 10:30am-12:30pm
Facilitated by Perry and Usman
Each week there is a dedicated part of the programme offering one to support to members. The support is delivered on a 1st come 1st served basis and members can access direct support from Perry and Usman to focus on practical and emotional or digital support.
Numeracy
Fri, 2pm-4pm
Facilitated by Kirsty
This is a great chance to learn new numeracy skills and update your knowledge of how we use numeracy everyday of our lives. This can be paying bills or checking our change in shops. Come along and have fun with numbers and figures.
Monthly Long Walks (5-15 miles in and around Edinburgh)
Walking as part of a group increases physical activity and contributes to our well-being, it boosts our self-esteem and emotions. This is a great chance to clear your head, meet new people, and make friends. Walking is the single most affordable and effective treatment of and preventative medicine against virtually all common and more serious illnesses and conditions as mental ill health, stress, anxiety and depression.
Wild Swimming (close to Edinburgh)
Fancy a swim outdoors? Join Emma, GCP volunteer and stellar swimmer, for wild swimming. You will be provided with a warm changing robe and wet shoes. We also light a fire and enjoy some hot tea and coffee post-swim!
For more information, such as times and locations, please phone 0131 225 3626 (opt. 1) or email [email protected].
You must book your place. Be advised that cancellations may occur due to poor weather. See below for more about booking.
WELCOME TO OUR PROGRAMME OF EXTRA EVENTS & SUPPORT
Free Lunch
Mon-Fri 1-2pm
Free lunches are served to our Members every week day from 1-2pm. If you come for an activity, you are entitled to a free meal! We are able to cater for a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free. You must tell us when signing up for a session if you would like lunch, so that we can prepare the right number of meals.
You can also join us for every week for Souper Thursday 4-5.30pm (see Members In-person Programme)
Open Door Meal – open to ALL in Edinburgh
Wed 5-6.30pm
Open to ALL in Edinburgh, this weekly meal is offered especially to people who are experiencing homelessness, temporary/vulnerable housing or rough housing.
No need to book, just join us. You are very welcome.
Mercat Tours
Monthly
Every third Thursday of the month we have the opportunity to go on a bespoke walking tour of different parts of Edinburgh’s Old & New Towns! All thanks to the incredible Mercat Tours and their ’Our Stories, Your City’ initiative.
Members Meetings
Thurs 5 Sep 12pm
Fri 25 Oct 2pm
Mon 18 Nov 2pm
Mon 9 Dec 2pm
Come along to share your feedback about being a member of the Grassmarket Community Project, including giving suggestions and raising any concerns.
Over 60’s Activities
Tue-Thu
Our Over 60’s services are based at St Mary’s Cathedral at the top of Leith Walk. We have a number of activities from Tues–Thurs each week and would love to see GCP members, who are also over 60, join in the fun too.
Every Tuesday 2.30–4pm
Meet up in the big Coffee Saints Cafe (next to St Mary’s Cathedral and St James Quarter) for a relaxed natter over a nice cuppa and cake.
No sign up required.
Refreshments are served with a 10% discount during this activity and provide a great opportunity to make new friends and see and learn new things.
For more information, please contact [email protected]
More about booking:
Q – How do I sign up for activities?
A – You can email [email protected] OR text 07520 667354 OR phone 0131 225 3626 (option 1) and we’ll add you. You can also sign up in an activity or class and at reception. If you do not sign up, you cannot attend the class. Make sure your contact details and emergency contact details are correct.
Q- How do I sign up for lunch?
A – You can sign up for lunch when you book a class or phone before and let us know. You must do this before 11am on the day of the activity.
Q- What if I need to cancel?
A – We are aware that things may come up and you are no longer able to attend a group. We ask that you phone reception 0131 225 3626 or text 07520 667354 you can also email [email protected] to let us know you are unable to make it. Thank you.
Keep in touch
Weekly Activities Bulletin
Please keep an eye out for the Weekly Activities Bulletin every Friday, via email/text, to keep up-to-date on the activities running the next week. If you do not receive one via email and/or text, please contact [email protected] or call 0131 225 3626 (option 1) and we will get it sorted!
Complaints Procedure
If you ever have any complaints or feel as though you have been mistreated or discriminated against while at the Grassmarket Community Project, please reach out to our CEO, Helene van der Ploeg at [email protected].