Behind the public face of an affluent and rapidly advancing city such as Edinburgh, there are areas of real deprivation and poverty.

People of all ages find themselves caught up in a downward spiral of helplessness and powerlessness, some who are homeless or in temporary accommodation, escaping from domestic or other kinds of violence, unemployed, while others are caught up in the web of debt problems. In seeking to address some of these issues and bring practical relief, Edinburgh City Mission, as part of its program of care, has recently launched a project called Basics Bank. Basic Bank provides a friendly, non-threatening atmosphere where individuals, parents and children can find the kind of help they need, whether that be a listening ear or a couple of bags of food and hygiene items.

Meaningful Partnerships:

In partnership with city churches, schools and individuals who provide food, hygiene items etc, Edinburgh City Mission, together with a local network of voluntary and charitable agencies who refer clients for assistance through a voucher referral scheme which ensures that help is given to those with genuine needs. Basics Bank does not offer permanent help – it is here to help people on their way out of crisis. Help can be provided for up to two months, after which we will re-assess the need for further assistance. Basics Bank also provides tuition in English as a foreign language on request.

Making a difference:

To achieve this, the Mission depends on individuals, churches and schools who will guarantee regular support to the project, in terms of food or hygiene items. ECM encourages people to sign up to a Basics Bank Covenant, and provides guidance concerning the items which participants should supply.

Basics needs:

Tinned meats (ham, corned beef, hot dogs)
Tinned fruit:
Breakfast Cereals:
Volunteers for basic bank! Thursday morning at Pilrig.


basicsbank@ecm.org.uk
Edinburgh City Mission 0131 554 6140
Bill Chalmers (direct line) 0131 553 0183
9 Pilrig Street. Edinburgh. EH6 5AH