M&S Linlithgow

We aim to help people living in poverty, deprivation (and in work poverty-the working poor) as they have significantly worse life outcomes than those in average households. Individuals who do less well in life, are more likely to be unemployed or in poorly paid jobs and will generally have poorer health and shorter lives. This is a tragedy, but is a consequence of being born into poverty and living in poorer households. The area we engage with people are from Knightsridge. Knightsridge has decile zones that measure in the bottom 5% on the social index of multiple deprivation for West Lothian. Adjoining neighbourhoods who use our service; Carmondean, Deans and Ladywell, also measure highly on SIMD The Food Outlet is open 2 days a week Tuesday and Thursday. We collect food from the Neighbourly stores, Aldi, Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencers. The food is given free to the customers who attend the shop. The shop gets funding from West Lothian Food Network, which we use to buy fresh meat, dairy and frozen food. A donation is asked for these items. This allows the customers to come and pick out the food they like giving them dignity. This saves them lot of money on healthy food.

To provide services for individuals affected by and in recovery from substance misuse in West Lothian and the surrounding area. To relieve the suffering and disadvantage caused by addictions and to improve the individuals lives and the lives of their families. To provide safe environments such as the 1st Step Cafe, the food eco pantries and the 1st Step workshops for individuals in recovery. The local community, their friends and families are all welcome at the 1st Step Cafe and the community eco pantries. To offer volunteering opportunities by providing healthy food to the local community through community eco friendly pantries. To advance education by providing skills development, with 1st Step bikes , within the eco pantries and the Cafe. This provides meaningful opportunities to gain skills and confidence often leading towards future employment.

At Polmont playgroup we strongly believe in learning through play so our experienced and qualified playleaders offer children a variety of carefully planned activities and learning experiences designed to develop positive learning attitudes and maximize opportunities to develop individual’s abilities.