APR-JUNE 2024 – GCP MEMBERS PROGRAMME

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 - The Grassmarket Project

Woodwork Enterprise
Mon-Thu 10am-4pm

A workshop facilitated by Jon

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 at Grassmarket Community Project

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 - The Grassmarket Community Project

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 - The Grassmarket Project

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.

Drop-in Service The Grassmarket Community Project

Drop-in Support
Mon 2pm-4pm

Facilitated by Perry and Sydni

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 Sydni to focus on practical and emotional or digital support.

guitar group Grassm

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.

Got the Flow Online Training

GCP Learning Hub
Tue 11am-4pm

Facilitated by Derek

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

Walking Group Meadows
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.

Tartan Enterprise Grassmarket Community Project

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]

weekly herb garden group Grassmarket Community Project

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.

MAKE AND MEND (6)

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.

reading and writing Grassmarket Community Project

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!

Health and Wellbeing The Grassmarket Community Project

Health and Wellbeing
Wed 2pm-4pm

Facilitated by Susan and Sydni

This activity helps us to relax, deal with stress and have an overall positive view on life. Learn about how to use techniques for self help and how to deal with everyday events. Take what you learn here and use it in your own life. It’s always good to have these important skills to help us through.

Music for Health and Wellbeing at GCP

Community Music Group
Wed, 2pm -3:30pm

Facilitated by Calum & Students 

Come and join our music group run by Music in the Community students. Sing songs, create our own music while learning about different instruments and styles of music from blues, jazz and classical to Pop and world music!

Born dancers at GCP

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

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.

Drop-in Service The Grassmarket Community Project

Drop-in Support
Thu 11am-1pm

Facilitated by Usman and Sydni

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 Sydni and Usman to focus on practical and emotional or digital support.

Open Book Unbound with The Grassmarket Community Project

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 - The Grassmarket Project

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.

read and write - Grassmarket Community Programme

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 GCP

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 Grassmarket Community Project

Woodwork Introduction
Fri 10am-1pm, 2pm-4pm

Facilitated by Jon

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 at The Grassmarket Community Project

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.

Numeracy

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.

Walking with The Grassmarket Project

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 with GCP

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

Member lunch at GCP - love soup

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)

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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

Mercat Tours
Monthly

Every third Thursday of the month we have the opportunity to go on a bespoke walking tour of different parts of Edinburghs Old & New Towns! All thanks to the incredible Mercat Tours and their Our Stories, Your City initiative.

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Members Meetings
Thurs 18th Apr 2pm
Fri 24 May 2pm
Mon 17 Jun 2pm

Come along to share your feedback about being a member of the Grassmarket Community Project, including giving suggestions and raising any concerns.

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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 TuesThurs each week and would love to see GCP members, who are also over 60, join in the fun too.

Every Tuesday 2.304pm
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].