Making East Lothian equally safe for everyone
On 25 November, to coincide with the launch of the international awareness campaign, “16 Days of Activism to eliminate Violence against Women and Girls”, we launched our campaign to develop a locally focused Equally Safe Strategy.
Equally Safe, is a Scottish Government initiative that aims to create a strong and flourishing Scotland where all individuals can feel equally safe and respected, and where women and girls live free from all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation - and the attitudes that help perpetuate it.
Men and boys also experience abuse and exploitation.
The Equally Safe strategy aims to protect all genders and all ages.
If you are need of support, please click this link
Violence against women and children happens in East Lothian
Developing the Strategy
Tackling gender-based violence is everyone’s business. Our council is committed to ensuring that all women, children and young people across our communities live their lives free from violence and abuse and are supported to achieve the best possible outcomes.
In developing the Equally Safe Strategy, we are committed to identifying opportunities to embed outcomes and actions across relevant community planning policy and service areas.
Get involved!
You can get directly involved in the development of the East Lothian Equally Safe Strategy:
Share your views anonymously via the equally safe engagement survey
Be part of the bigger planning strategy discussions, by attending an engagement workshop:
Tuesday 9 December 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Regent Room, Brunton Hall, Musselburgh
Click here to register your interest in attending this event
We can all take action!
Across all of our services, departments and teams we can collectively challenge and transform the attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate, excuse and seek to minimise gender-based violence.
Find out more: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/equally-safe
Christmas ELF needs your support!
East Lothian Foodbank (ELF) is asking everyone to get behind it’s Christmas campaign. The ‘Let’s end 2025 with 2025’ campaign is aiming to collect 20,000kg of food and raise £25,000 this winter.
You can help by buying a virtual tree ornament or by donating food and dropping it off at the warehouse at: 3 Civic Square, Tranent (Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm).
You can also support the campaign by spreading the word with friends, family and on social media. #filltheshelves2025 #20000kgofhope #baublesofhope #£25kofkindness
Wallyford fundraiser is a great success
Wallyford Community Centre staff hosted a MacMillian fundraiser on Thursday 9 October. The coffee afternoon raised a total of £416.00, which will go towards helping people living with cancer to manage bills, go through treatment, or help with how they're feeling.
The Connected Communities team worked in partnership with staff and pupils from the Brae at Rosehill High School to promote and deliver this successful event.
Pamela Martin, Community Development Officer said:
"Hosting the coffee afternoon was great fun, it was cakes for a very worthy cause. Connected communities staff, teachers and pupils worked together to make this event such a success".
Staying safe this festive season
Our Health and Safety Team want all colleagues and their families to have a safe and happy festive season!
Please take a few minutes to review some of the advice provided by our partner agencies. There might just be a few tips on safety in the home or when you’re out and about that you’ve not considered.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has lots of advice on everything from Christmas lights, decorations and candles to cooking and smoke and heat alarms.
Food Standards Scotland has all you need to know about cooking up a (safe) storm this Christmas.
And Police Scotland colleagues have advice on everything from road safety to planning your night out and, of course, not drinking and driving.