Who we support

GCP – an open, inclusive and diverse community

We welcome and support people going through change, coming to terms with or dealing with new or challenging circumstances, looking to acquire new skills or new ways of approaching difficulties.

Edinburgh has significant levels of social isolation, social exclusion and poverty with insufficient support. This is due to social inequality, trauma, educational challenges, misuse of substances, disability and lack of opportunity, community and family support.

GCP takes an innovative approach to creating community, providing sanctuary and support to people dealing with multiple complex issues including homelessness, mental/physical health problems, learning difficulties, poverty, substance misuse, physical abuse and more.

All are welcome

At GCP, we provide a space, a place, activities, social enterprises and services and most importantly a group of people wherein everyone can feel a sense of belonging, of ownership and feel valued.

From the delivery of our Members Programme and our Open Door Meals, to our award-winning Social Enterprises including Coffee Saints, Events and catering services, Wood workshop, and Tartan shop, to our trail-blazing Volunteers Programme, Partnerships and our Community Events, it’s all go and all good, here at GCP.

All member’s of our community including volunteers, staff and Board sign up to a Code of Conduct. This code, written by our members, is reviewed annually and is a simple way of keeping people safe, helping people feel safe and ensuring the project runs efficiently, fairly and effectively. We ask all our members to contribute their time, their insight and their humanity. Members can also, if they wish, contribute formerly to the project by volunteering.

Our weekly Open Door Meals service supports anyone who is experiencing homelessness, vulnerably housed or suffering from poverty or social exclusion. 

Fund and Sponsor GCP Member Activities

– Members Stories –

Below we share some of our members stories. In some cases names and gender may have been changed. These stories help show the range of people we support and how we do so. Importantly, they also help illustrate the way people’s individual contribution is valued.

Members Stories GCP 2

Members Stories – Ruth

Ruth describes how she had found life such a struggle but now feels safe and supported at GCP

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Members Stories GCP 3

Members Stories – Davie

Davie says coming to GCP saved his life, ‘I think that, if I had continued the way I was going, the drink would have killed me.’

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Members Stories GCP

Members Stories – Evelyn

Evelyn has described GCP services, volunteers and staff as a lifeline. We thank her for sharing her story to help others.

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GCP pre-apprentice Stephen

Meet Stephen a GCP pre-apprentice

Meet Stephen, he is a great ambassador for GCP’s Pre-apprenticeship Programme. To help inspire others he shares his experience

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Volunteer spotlights - Meet Frank

Volunteer Stories: Meet Frank

Meet Frank, inspirational artist, member AND volunteer at The Grassmarket Community Project. We are so lucky to have him with us!

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Creativity - Lee's Story

Creativity – Lee’s Story

One question and a desire to help others sparked Lee’s creativity at The Grassmarket Community Project

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What our members say about GCP

 

Coming to the GCP has really helped with my complex PTSD and learning difficulties. It helps with my confidence and keeps me connected to others.

Being here makes me feel protected and accepted, which I have never really had before. It is a family for me and it has been a life saver.

 

Before I came to the Grassmarket Community Project I was stuck in a rut where every day felt the same and I felt a sense of isolation and aloneness in my life. Since coming to the GCP to attend activities, including Open Book Reading, Creative writing, Literacy skills and social groups I feel much more motivated and positive about life.

 

This project changed my life.

 

This group means everything to me.

GCP Young Members
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Become a Member

Everyone is welcome at GCP

Please note, New Member registrations will re-open from September 2024.

At GCP, we believe in a world where people reach their full potential, feel positive, valued and connected to others and the wider community.

Whether you are dealing with difficult issues yourself and would like some support and friendship, or you’re looking for somewhere to get involved, a wide variety of groups and activities are available.

We ask everyone to complete a membership form, so we can support any particular needs. Every new member is invited to an induction session, where we show you around the Centre and explain how things work.

You can register online (below). Or simply pick up a form at the Grassmarket Centre, 86 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QA.

REGISTER TODAY

Privacy and Information Policy

We respect the privacy of our members, volunteers and wider network of supporters. We only collect information we consider necessary to help us achieve our charitable purposes and ensure the success of our social enterprises that support these. You can read our privacy and information policy here.

We sensitively and respectfully collate and fully anonymise all information obtained from the components of our Evaluation Framework

A BIG THANK YOU

The Grassmarket Community Project’s Members Programme relies on the generosity of our customers, funders and donors. Our key funders for this area of our work are Nationwide Community Grants, The Robertson Trust and EVOC/Scottish Government Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. We thank them for their essential continued support.

Nationwide Building Society Community Grants
The Robertson Trust
EVOC logo
ScotGov Logo