Pret Edinburgh, Lothian Road

A project that redirects food and resources to reduce waste, support people and build community! We collect surplus food and other items from around Edinburgh and beyond, sourcing items from various supermarkets, companies, and universities that would otherwise end up in landfill, and redistribute them to those on low incomes or those living below the poverty line. This includes families, refugees, the homeless, students, and the elderly etc. We also give to community centres, homeless hostels, women's refuge centres, refugee organisations, and other community projects. In addition we have a community café to bring the community together with activities, and provide freshly cooked food with what we have collected. As well as helping with financial and nutritional deficiencies, we alleviate loneliness and improve mental health conditions. We operate from a community centre where the space is also used as a Coorie-in (registered warm space). I was recently awarded a volunteer award, and the community have been so grateful for what Goodies has done so far for those struggling with poverty and loneliness. We identify people who re in need through recommendations from homeless hostels, and other organisations. Also we are very familiar with our community and what their state is. Users of the service are welcome to donate, but it's not necessary and many cannot.

The Food Rescue Group, Edinburgh was established by Suyash Mishra, a student at the University of Edinburgh, to address the growing challenges of food waste, climate change, and local food insecurity. In an era defined by environmental strain, resource scarcity, and ecological imbalance, this initiative is both timely and essential. A core focus of our work is tackling food waste, a significant issue that results in the loss of valuable resources and contributes substantially to methane emissions from landfill. Addressing this problem is both an environmental necessity and a moral responsibility, as redistributing surplus food can provide meaningful support to local families and individuals in need. We work closely with local producers and retailers to ensure surplus food is rescued rather than discarded. These partnerships allow businesses to reduce disposal costs while delivering measurable environmental and social benefits to the community. The day-to-day operation of the Food Rescue Group is led and managed by Suyash and Marina, who oversee all aspects of the initiative. This includes coordinating volunteers, organising surplus food collections, communicating with retailers and partner organisations, managing collection schedules, arranging distribution, responding to last-minute changes, and ensuring food reaches recipient locations safely and on time. Their hands-on management helps maintain an efficient, reliable, and community-centred operation across Edinburgh. Our mission is powered by dedicated local volunteers who collect and distribute surplus food shortly after it becomes available. This rapid turnaround ensures freshness, removes the need for storage, and helps maintain high standards of food safety and quality. Every item is carefully inspected, and any food deemed unsuitable is disposed of responsibly to minimise environmental impact. Volunteer coordination is managed through a dedicated WhatsApp group, providing real-time updates on collection times, locations, and available quantities. Suyash and Marina use this system to coordinate volunteers, respond quickly to changing collection requirements, and ensure the smooth running of rescue and redistribution activities. Through this initiative, we are reducing methane emissions and resource waste by diverting surplus food from landfill. Our work supports those in immediate need while remaining open to anyone who values food, sustainability, and responsible consumption. By engaging a broad cross-section of the community, we aim to foster shared ownership of the solution to food waste. As we continue to develop and refine our approach, we are making meaningful progress towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. Join us in Edinburgh and help make a difference, one meal, one volunteer, and one community at a time.

Milan provide a three day per week day care provision where older people of the same age can relax, reminisce and chat in a safe and friendly environment, have access to recreational and educational resources and take part in activities. A hot meal is provided and elderly enjoy eating in the company of others and this is a way to reduce isolation and develop friendship which is the key factor in keeping the elderly emotionally healthy. one day per week is to provide specialized support to those with dementia, wheelchair users and the housebound. Milan is registered with the care inspectorate and we follow strict guide lines to ensure we provide a quality duty of care and have up to date care plans in place. We provide outreach service to combat social exclusion and ensure elderly are kept connected within their communities during ill health when hospitalized. Provide fortnightly carers support group to provide quality time for the carers who are in pressuring caring roles, raise awareness of the issues around caring and providing a sense of relief through group activities.. carers are encouraged to participate in activities such as exercise, regular walks which have a positive effect on their health and well being.