Gorebridge Community Development Trust https://gorebridge.org.uk Supporting Gorebridge to bring about its own community enrichment Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:04:16 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://gorebridge.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Favion-Image-150x150.jpg Gorebridge Community Development Trust https://gorebridge.org.uk 32 32 Flexible Office Space to Let https://gorebridge.org.uk/flexible-office-space-to-let/ https://gorebridge.org.uk/flexible-office-space-to-let/#respond Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:04:16 +0000 https://gorebridge.org.uk/?p=14980 Could you be our next tenant at the Beacon? 

We have 24m² office available for rent. You’ll probably have lots of questions, we’ll try and answer as many here but please don’t hesitate to contact us here or call 01875 816320 for a chat. This is an excellent opportunity for a growing business, organisation or charity. A perfect spot to deliver community services.

The 6 person office is located in the 2nd floor of the Beacon, at the back of the building with lift access, making it ideal for a wide range of social enterprise/small to itty businesses/charities. The space benefits from a sink within the room, offering added convenience for handwashing facilities, hygiene standards or regular equipment cleaning. It may suit full office use for 6 people or beauty/aesthetics treatments, lash/brow or nail, technician, physiotherapy or massage therapy, counselling or consultation service, creative space or makers place.

Key Features:

  • 24m2 floor area
  • 2nd floor location
  • Bright and adaptable
  • Lift access
  • Suitable for client-facing or office use
  • Sink within the room
  • 24/7 access to the Beacon
  • Cafe on site/meeting spaces/friendly environment
  • Free parking
  • Bus stop outside front door (LRT 48 and 29)
  • 5 minute walk from train station

Why choose the Gorebridge Beacon?

The Gorebridge Beacon offers more than just a ‘space’ – it provides a professional environment within a thriving community and community hub. The location is an excellent choice if you are looking for flexibility, visibility and convenience. Leasing the space at the Gorebridge Beacon supports the wider work of the Gorebridge Community Development Trust, meaning you become part of a space with a bigger impact.

Arrange a Visit

Come along and have a chat/visit, no obligation or sell. See if it could work for you. Contact Us Here or call 01875 816320

More pictures to follow.

]]>
https://gorebridge.org.uk/flexible-office-space-to-let/feed/ 0
Introducing Our Place https://gorebridge.org.uk/introducing-our-place/ https://gorebridge.org.uk/introducing-our-place/#respond Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:27:22 +0000 https://gorebridge.org.uk/?p=14596 We are really excited to share with you we have been awarded a Creative Communities grant from Inspiring Scotland for a project called Our Place, and you are invited to participate.

‘Our Place’ will be a year-long celebration of creativity, it will celebrate community, and empower local people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their artistic potential. 

‘Our Place’ is a space for everyone in the local community to access and share their skills, create, and express themselves. Through accessible, high-quality workshops, performances, and collaborative learning experiences, we will foster an inclusive environment where you can develop new skills, express yourself confidently, and connect with others.  

‘Our Place’ will: 

  • Champion creativity as a vital part of wellbeing, learning, employability, and community life. 
  • Provide diverse cultural opportunities—from visual arts and music to writing, filmmaking, crafts, and performance. 
  • Remove barriers to participation, ensuring our programme is welcoming, affordable, and open to all. 
  • Support local tutors and emerging talent, enabling skills development, confidence-building, and artistic growth. 
  • Celebrate community stories and voices through monthly themes, shared projects, and collective cultural expression, offering opportunities for local people to gain experience of performance and exhibition. 

Most of all, it’ll be fun! Whether you’ve always wanted to paint, play music, act, write or just be creative, there will be something for you!  

At The Gorebridge Community Development Trust, we believe creativity belongs to everyone—and together, ‘Our Place’ will light the way for a thriving, connected, and culturally vibrant community.

We are getting everything ready for you (booking tutors, organising times/workshops, getting the blurb ready). BUT. You can read a little more by clicking here.

 

]]>
https://gorebridge.org.uk/introducing-our-place/feed/ 0
Share Your Gorebridge Beacon Ideas With Us https://gorebridge.org.uk/survey-25/ https://gorebridge.org.uk/survey-25/#respond Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:19:31 +0000 https://gorebridge.org.uk/?p=13656 We’d love to hear from you.

The Gorebridge Beacon is here for everyone in our community – whether you pop in all the time, come along now and then, or have never been through the doors. We want to make sure what we do really reflects what people want and need.

That’s why we’ve put together a short survey. It’s quick to fill in, and your answers will help us decide what activities, events, and services we focus on in the future.

Your thoughts matter – even the little things you might not think are important could make a big difference.

So grab a cuppa, take five minutes, and let us know what you think.

Click here to fill in the survey.

Thanks for being part of the Gorebridge Beacon story.

]]>
https://gorebridge.org.uk/survey-25/feed/ 0
A Breather for Unpaid Carers https://gorebridge.org.uk/breather-cafe/ https://gorebridge.org.uk/breather-cafe/#respond Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:59:02 +0000 https://gorebridge.org.uk/?p=13638 We have delighted to have been awarded a small grant from VOCAL Carers to deliver from 16th August until the end of March 2026 a cafe ‘breather’ for unpaid carers in Gorebridge.

We’ll be working closely with VOCAL Midlothian and The Breather Cafe will be available to anyone who identifies as an unpaid carer on a Saturday afternoon 12:30 until 2pm at the Gorebridge Beacon.

Are you an unpaid carer? 

An unpaid carer is someone who supports a family member, partner, relative or friend, of any age who needs help to manage a long-term condition, disability, physical or mental health condition, ‘if you spend time caring for someone who relies on your help, you’re an unpaid carer.’

Why the Breather Cafe? 

Many people who are unpaid carers may not identify or recognise themselves as such, that means they may be not receiving (or even aware) of all the different types of support available to them. Midlothian has one of the largest increase of unpaid carers. Over the months the Breather Cafe will invite individuals, groups and other services to informally ‘be in the space’ should anyone want to ask anything. 

Unpaid carers need support. It’s been identified (Midlothian Carers Survey 2023) that unpaid carers would like:

  • Having time away from the caring role
  • Understanding of legal rights and entitlements
  • Emotional and wellbeing support
  • Pursuing hobbies and interest
  • Speaking to other carers
  • Building social networks

The Breather Cafe is not a service, we wanted to create a space where you can come along, out from your caring role, chat and once a month (to be arranged/decided) maybe take part in an activity. You don’t need to attend every week, it’s there for you, should you want it.

]]>
https://gorebridge.org.uk/breather-cafe/feed/ 0
Summer 25 https://gorebridge.org.uk/summer25/ https://gorebridge.org.uk/summer25/#respond Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:12:34 +0000 https://gorebridge.org.uk/?p=13628 Want to book? A class? A picnic?

Call us at the Beacon 01875 816320 or get us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gorebridgebeacon

The Community Garden is open every day for you, the PlayCafe (under 5’s) is on Friday (9:30 until 12, under 5’s, siblings welcome), and remember the Gorebridge Community Pantry is open over the summer school holidays 3 – 5 at the Beacon. Not a member? Just come at the opening time with proof of address and we will get you signed up to use that afternoon.

 

]]>
https://gorebridge.org.uk/summer25/feed/ 0
Volunteer Evening 20th May https://gorebridge.org.uk/ve25/ Wed, 09 Apr 2025 08:37:26 +0000 https://gorebridge.org.uk/?p=13526 Have you ever thought about volunteering? Maybe you want to meet new people, learn new skills, or perhaps you have amazing skills and talents that you would love to share? If so, we’d love for you to join us at the Gorebridge Beacon on Tuesday 20th May from 7pm to 8:30pm for our Volunteer Open Evening.

Whether you have a few hours a week to spare or are just curious about getting involved, come along for an informal evening where you can meet our team, hear from current volunteers, and see how you could play a part in something meaningful.

From helping out at community events to supporting our café, assisting with projects, or lending a hand with admin, there’s something for everyone. Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience, build confidence, and feel more connected to your local area. We also have a few new projects coming up that might be right up your street. Maybe the development trust and the Beacon is not for you, but there are so many groups and organisations in Gorebridge we may be able to guide you to one of them.

No commitment is needed—just come by, have a chat, and enjoy a welcoming evening with others who care about making a positive impact in Gorebridge. Can’t make the date but want to know more? Fill in the form below and we will give you a call.

We hope to see you there. Can you help us out by completing the wee sign-up for below (just in case we need to contact you in emergency, or we need to make more cakes)

Venue: The Gorebridge Beacon
Date: Tuesday 20th May
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm

If you have any questions beforehand, feel free to get in touch—we’re always happy to help.

]]>
Volunteer Training https://gorebridge.org.uk/volunteer-training/ https://gorebridge.org.uk/volunteer-training/#respond Sun, 16 Mar 2025 08:26:36 +0000 https://gorebridge.org.uk/?p=13610 Volunteering with Gorebridge Development Trust is a great way to meet people, learn new skills, and make a real difference in your local community. A few weeks ago we offered First Aid Training, equipping participants with vital life-saving skills, and a Mental Health Awareness workshop, where we explored how to better support ourselves and others. Both sessions were hands-on, informative, and empowering, helping to build confidence in real-life situations.

We’re always on the lookout for new volunteers to join our team. Whether you’re interested in supporting events, gardening, helping at the community hub, or just want to give back in any way you can—we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteering with Gorebridge Development Trust is a great way to meet people, learn new skills, and make a real difference in your local community.

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

Get in touch with us at office@gorebridge.org.uk we’d love to welcome you on board!

]]>
https://gorebridge.org.uk/volunteer-training/feed/ 0
Winter Fest 2024 https://gorebridge.org.uk/winter-fest/ https://gorebridge.org.uk/winter-fest/#respond Sun, 15 Dec 2024 10:07:59 +0000 https://gorebridge.org.uk/?p=13577 As the frost settles and the fairy lights are packed away, we’re still glowing from the warmth and joy of Gorebridge Beacon Winterfest 2024. Held in the heart of our community, this year’s event was a true celebration of creativity, connection, and winter magic.

Highlights from Week

Winter in the Garden
Our garden space was transformed into a twinkling wonderland, draped in fairy lights and full of charm. It became the perfect place to pause, take in the magic, and snap a few festive photos.

Live Music
Inside, the hall was filled with the sound of live local talent. From acoustic sets to joyful seasonal sing-alongs, the music brought warmth and energy to every corner of the Beacon.

Breakfast with Santa
We kicked things off with one of the most magical moments of the day—Breakfast with Santa. Little ones enjoyed a cozy morning meal while meeting the big man himself. There were smiles, stories, and plenty of excitement as Santa listened to Christmas wishes and posed for festive photos.

Christmas Crafts & Wreath Making
Craft tables were buzzing with activity all day long! Children (and more than a few adults) got stuck into festive crafts, while our wreath-making sessions offered a slower, creative space for people to get hands-on and take home something beautiful.

Craft Fair
Our craft fair featured an inspiring selection of local makers and small businesses. From handmade gifts to tasty treats, it was a great way to support local and find something unique for under the tree.

Thank You: we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made Winterfest possible—our volunteers, workshop leaders, stallholders, musicians, and all of you who came along and filled the day week joy. Your support is what keeps events like this at the heart of Gorebridge life. Until next time, we’re already dreaming up ideas for Winterfest 2025, and we’d love to hear your feedback or ideas. Let’s keep building something beautiful—together.

Have a great holiday! And Happy New Year when it comes.

A few pictures for you:

]]>
https://gorebridge.org.uk/winter-fest/feed/ 0
New! The Beacon Blether Podcast https://gorebridge.org.uk/new-the-beacon-blether-podcast/ https://gorebridge.org.uk/new-the-beacon-blether-podcast/#respond Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:13:13 +0000 https://gorebridge.org.uk/?p=12177 **Exciting News!**

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast, The Beacon Blether!

Join us as we dive into engaging interviews with local figures, share the latest news from the Beacon, and keep you updated with our ‘What’s On’ guide. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the community, there’s something for everyone!

📅 **First Episode Out Now!** Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more platforms:

Please listen and subscribe/follow the podcast, and leave us a (5*) review!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN IN

#TheBeaconBlether #CommunityPodcast #gorebridge #CommunityCentre

]]>
https://gorebridge.org.uk/new-the-beacon-blether-podcast/feed/ 0
Community Huddles: Picture Not Perfect https://gorebridge.org.uk/community-huddles-picture-not-perfect/ https://gorebridge.org.uk/community-huddles-picture-not-perfect/#respond Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:07:11 +0000 https://gorebridge.org.uk/?p=11664 Introducing “Picture Not Perfect”: Bridging Generations Through Photography

We are thrilled to announce the launch of “Picture Not Perfect,” a unique intergenerational photography project that aims to bring together two diverse age groups—16 to 21-year-olds and individuals over 50. Scheduled to commence on July 25th and running for six weeks, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, this project promises to be a journey of creativity, learning, and meaningful connections.

Equipment needed: smartphone only

What is “Picture Not Perfect”?

“Picture Not Perfect” is not just about capturing images; it’s about capturing moments, perspectives, and stories across generations. This project is designed to foster mutual understanding, bridge the gap between different age groups, and celebrate the beauty of imperfection in photography.

Why Join Us?

Whether you’re a teenager/young adult passionate about exploring the art of photography or someone over 50 looking to rediscover your creative side, “Picture Not Perfect” offers a welcoming environment for everyone. Participants will have the opportunity to:

  1. Learn Together: Engage in collaborative learning sessions where younger participants can learn from the experience and wisdom of older participants, and vice versa. E
  2. Capture Stories: Use photography as a medium to capture stories, moments, and perspectives that reflect both individual experiences and collective narratives spanning generations.
  3. Create Meaningful Connections: Build friendships and mentorship relationships that transcend age barriers, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect through shared creativity.
  4. Explore Creativity: Experiment with photography in a supportive environment that encourages exploration and embraces the idea that every photograph tells a unique story, regardless of technical perfection.
  5. Celebrate Diversity: Celebrate the diversity of perspectives and life experiences within the group, encouraging participants to embrace the beauty of imperfection and individuality in their photographic expressions.
  6. Showcase Work: Exhibit the culmination of their work in a final showcase, sharing their creative journey and the stories they’ve captured with the wider community.
  7. Gain Confidence: Develop confidence in their photographic skills and creative abilities through constructive feedback and encouragement from peers and mentors.

“Picture Not Perfect” is not just about taking pictures; it’s about fostering connections, nurturing creativity, and celebrating the richness of life through the lens of a camera. Join us on this six-week journey starting July 25th, where every click of the shutter captures a moment in time.

Join Us/Sign Up

[ninja_form id=41]

]]>
https://gorebridge.org.uk/community-huddles-picture-not-perfect/feed/ 0