Community Centres for Seniors Edinburgh

By Amy Shikuku Edinburgh August 23, 2026

Community centres for seniors Edinburgh

This local Edinburgh resource guide is focused on listing community centres and lunch clubs for seniors and people suffering from dementia.

In this guide, we break down the local areas around Edinburgh and where you can find activities that are close to your home. This is particularly important for dementia sufferers who like to visit local and memorable places close to their homes.

The page is broken down by location and shares the name and address of the centre, the activities available, whether it is a dementia-friendly place, and whether it is accessible to people with disabilities.

Although only a few of the centres have totally free lunch clubs, nearly all have heavily subsidised lunches, and a large number also offer free transport to and from the centres.

“This guide has been built so that seniors can easily find free lunch clubs, community hubs, and daily activities in their local area within Edinburgh and its surrounding towns and communities. This includes craft activities like knit-and-natter groups for ladies, and sporting memories groups for gents. The aim of these groups and centres is mainly to eliminate isolation and loneliness. Find an activity that you like which is local, and make new friends. A large portion of these centres are dementia friendly.”

Amy Shikuku
Business Development Manager at 1st Focus Homecare

Edinburgh City Centre / Old Town / New Town

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Pleasance Day Centre	Visit Website	9 Pleasance Day Centre, 7 West Adam Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9XS	0131 558 3728	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
Edinburgh New Town Church	Visit Website	13 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PA	0131 225 3847	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
Greyfriars Charteris Centre	Visit Website	138-140 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9RR	0131 662 6850	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌

Pleasance Day Centre (Temporarily Closed)

The Pleasance Day Centre on West Adam Street is open from Wednesday to Friday. The centre offers a wide range of activities and games. There is a lunch club where seniors can gather together and cook and eat lunch together. The centre also offers shuttle bus transport for people who need support attending. They offer crafting and a knit and natter group for seniors as well.

Edinburgh New Town Church

The Edinburgh New Town Church is an open and forward-thinking church and community hub with a mission statement taken from their own website that reads, “We welcome people of every age, ability, sexuality, gender and background, whether certain or questioning, joyful or struggling, familiar with church or stepping inside for the first time.”

The centre point of the church and its community is the UnderCroft cafe, which is placed in the basement of the building and is manned by church volunteers. This is a “paid” cafe, but prices are very reasonable. Young children under 10 years old can eat for free, making it a great spot for seniors, their own children, and their grandchildren.

Weekly and monthly activities for seniors at the church include:

Albany Deaf Church – One Sunday per month – delivered in British Sign Language.

UnderCroft Cafe – Mon – Fri – 10.30 am – 2 pm

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The church is a designated Dementia Friendly Community participant. Staff and volunteers are trained in dementia awareness, and the Undercroft Café offers a calm, low-sensory environment equipped with ramp access and accessible facilities, making it ideal for seniors experiencing early cognitive loss and their companions.

Greyfriars Charteris Centre

The Charteris Centre is not only a community centre but a hub for public and private events, as well as a business enterprise hub where people can hire a workspace/desk. This is ideal for new entrepreneurs starting their business journey.

For older people and seniors in the local area, the community hub focuses on a range of activities as you see below.

Charteris Coffee Mornings – Every second Thursday from 10.30 am – 12 pm
Heart for Art – Every second Thursday from 1 pm – 3 pm
C3 Church Edinburgh – Every Sunday from 10.30 am
Edinburgh Southside Choir – Wednesdays 7 pm – 9 pm

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The Charteris Centre works closely with local health networks to offer specialised Dementia-Friendly Creative Workshops and music therapy sessions. The facility features full step-free access, hearing loops, accessible toilets, and quiet break-out zones for participants who may feel overwhelmed.

Stockbridge / Inverleith / Canonmills

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
LifeCare Centre (Cheyne Street Day Club)	Visit Website	2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB	0131 343 0940	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅
Stockbridge Church Community Hub	Visit Website	7B Saxe Coburg Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5BN	0131 332 0122	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
Inverleith St Serf’s Church Centre	Visit Website	1A Clark Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3BD	0131 467 7185	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅

LifeCare Centre (Cheyne Street Day Club)

Lifecare is an 85-year-old charity that has a focus on supporting older people in the Edinburgh community. One of their main missions is to support elderly people who are suffering from isolation and loneliness. They do this through a range of day club activities and community support. Below are some of the day club activities for seniors. Many places and activities are subsidised by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Activities run between 10 am and 3 pm.

Games and quizzes
Arts and crafts
Music sessions
Walking and sightseeing trips

They also support a range of free activities for unpaid carers including:

Writing and poetry classes
Weekly art workshops
Zumba dance classes
Massage therapy sessions

Specialised Dementia Support Note: LifeCare is Edinburgh’s leading specialist in Dementia Care. The Cheyne Street Day Club is specifically designed for individuals living with mild-to-moderate dementia, cognitive impairment, or frailty. Their trained care staff offer door-to-door transport, personal care, cognitive stimulation therapy, and vital respite care for family carers.

Stockbridge Church Community Hub

Stockbridge Church is not just a place of worship, but a thriving community hub that supports both the young and old. There is a good mix of weekly activities for the 50+ age bracket, including:

Tai Chi – Monday 7.45 pm
Parkinson Pilates – Tuesday 2.00 pm
Fellowship Group – Wednesday 7.00 pm (Via Zoom*)
Stockbridge and New Town Community Orchestra – Thursday 7.00 pm
Sunday Worship – Sunday – 11 am (In person or via live stream on YouTube **)

* Our carers can help set up Zoom if needed

** Our carers can help to view livestreams on YouTube

The church also hosts a number of monthly activities, including:

Monthly Craft Group – Meet monthly to share your love of knitting and sewing in a warm and caring environment. As the church says on its website, a great regular meeting where visitors can have a good old knatter (chat).
Celebrating Age Project – This is a group gathering for seniors where they can enjoy the company of others in their age group, take part in a wide range of activities, and enjoy good food and a cup of tea or coffee.
The Music Hub – You can attend regular music events, including a range of classical piano recitals by various performers.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Stockbridge Church works in close association with nearby LifeCare services, acting as an easy-access community host for local carer support drop-ins and informal advice surgeries for families managing memory loss or dementia.

Inverleith St Serf’s Church Centre

The St Serf’s church centre serves as a hub for senior residents in and around the Bonnington and Canonmills areas of Edinburgh. The original church opened in 1881, so has a long history. The new St Serfs church centre opened in 2011.

The church hosts many weekly active groups for seniors and others. These include:

The Garden Group – Tuesday – 2 pm
Nostalgia Cafe – Last Thursday of every month
Coffee House* – Second Friday every month between 10 am and 11.45 am
The Book Group – Every Friday (apart from Coffee House Friday) 10.30 am

* There is a charge of £3 for the Coffee House meeting, which includes teas, coffee, cakes, and snacks

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The church operates an active Pastoral Care & Visiting Team trained to assist isolated seniors, including those coping with age-related memory decline, offering home visits, phone befriending, and support for family carers.

Live In Care

Live-in care provides a reassuring alternative for people who need ongoing support but want to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. With 1st Focus Homecare, a dedicated carer lives in the home and provides personalised support with everyday tasks, personal care, medication, meals and companionship. Our Live in Care Edinburgh service is tailored around the individual, helping them maintain their independence, routines and quality of life while giving families the reassurance that professional support is always close at hand.

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Eric Liddell Community Centre	Visit Website	15 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DP	0131 447 4520	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅
The Open Door	Visit Website	420 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5HY	0131 447 9757	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Morningside Parish Church Hub	Visit Website	2 Cluny Gardens, Edinburgh, EH10 6BQ	0131 447 6745	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅

Eric Liddell Community Centre

The centre is, of course, named after the famous Scottish missionary and Olympian of the same name. The values of the centre follow the same Christian values that Liddell himself displayed when deciding not to run on the sabbath.

This is a modern-day centre where older people and seniors can go and be treated with dignity and respect, and take part in a wide range of activities. These include:

Cafe Connect* – Monday – Friday – 9 am – 5 pm
Common Threads Craft Group – Monday – 1 pm – 3 pm
Social and Wellbeing Walks – Tuesday – 11 am – 12 pm
Eric’s Encore – Dementia friendly music group – Tuesday – 1 pm – 2 pm
Poetry Group – Tuesday – 3 pm – 4 pm
The Garden Project – Wednesday – 10.30 am – 11.30 am
Liddell Lions Lunch** – Wednesday – 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Wellbeing Lunches*** – Thursday – 12.30 pm – 2 pm
Bookroom Barber**** – Thursday – 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Community Livingroom – Friday – 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm
Mahjong – Friday – 3 pm – 5 pm
Crossroads Church – Sunday – 11 am – 2 pm

*This is a paid cafe but with reasonable prices

** This is a free subsidised lunch for dementia sufferers and their carers

*** This is a free subsidised lunch. Booking is required

**** This is a dementia friendly barber for gents. Pre-booking is required

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The Eric Liddell Centre is one of Edinburgh’s leading Dementia Specialist Centres. It runs dedicated dementia day care, Dementia-Friendly Lunch Clubs, and specialised Carer Support Groups (including carer befriending, respite, and educational courses for family members dealing with a dementia diagnosis).

The Open Door

The Open Door is a welcoming community hub that welcomes seniors and older people. It is a dementia friendly centre that provides a wide range of subsidised activities. Many activities are subsidised from the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership.

Self-Directed Support places are available for seniors aged 65+, and if you are local to the Open Door, a minibus is available to pick you up between 9 am and 10.30 am, and it will take you back home and drop you off between 3 pm and 4.30 pm.

Many activities are available, including:

Arts and crafts
Table games and fun quizzes
Live music sessions for taking part or just listening
Walks around the local Edinburgh area, including sightseeing spots and local parks

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The Open Door specialises in supporting older adults living with dementia, confusion, or severe isolation. Their Day Clubs operate with a high staff-to-member ratio, offering personalised care, cognitive stimulation, and a safe, non-clinical environment where members feel deeply valued.

Morningside Parish Church Hub

The Morningside Parish Church offers a wide range of community services outside of its normal worship congregations that meet on Sundays at 10.30 am each week.

The Morningside Hope Project is just that, a project that brings hope and community to the local seniors and families in and around the Morningside district. A project which initially started as “Music and Memories in Morningside” has now branched out to include a whole range of activities where everybody is made welcome.

Here is a list of the activities available for visitors:

Coffee Morning – Wednesday – 10.00 am – 11.30 am
Scottish Country Dancing – Wednesday (Sept – Apr) – 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Wednesday Club (for disabled men) – Wednesday Evenings – from 7.00 pm
Sunday Worship – Available on live stream as well as in-person worship

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Morningside Parish Church is an active participant in local Dementia Friendly Morningside initiatives. The centre features full level access, accessible toilets, and close working links with the neighbouring Eric Liddell Centre to ensure seamless signposting for specialised dementia services.

Newington / Southside / Marchfield

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Southside Community Centre	Visit Website	117 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9ER	0131 667 0484	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
Cameron House Community Centre	Visit Website	34 Prestonfield Avenue, Edinburgh, EH16 5EU	0131 667 3762	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
St Columba’s Church Centre	Visit Website	14 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW	0131 622 2277	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅

Southside Community Centre

The Southside Community Centre acts as a three-pronged venue, with Church services, local community activities, as well as acting as a Fringe venue. The community centre will be closed for normal services between 25th July and 5th September 2026 to cater for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

During normal service days, the centre acts as a hub for all age groups, and seniors in particular, can take part in a range of activities, including:

The Friday Club – Board Games, Arts and Crafts and friendly chat for people 60+ – 10 am – 12.00 pm (serving complimentary tea and biscuits)
Southside Buddies – A one-to-one and small group meet-up for seniors to find like-minded friends
Southside Community Centre Cafe – Monday to Friday – 9.45 am – 4.00 pm
Southside Art Group – A weekly art group for female seniors to meet, chat, and share art learning

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The centre features ramped access, wide hallways, and accessible amenities. Staff can signpost local families to nearby Southside dementia support networks, and their specialised elders’ groups provide culturally sensitive support for older adults experiencing mild cognitive decline.

Cameron House Community Centre

The Cameron House Community Centre is a learning education centre for all age groups. Its goal is to help not just the elderly, but all age demographics to combat loneliness and social exclusion by providing a wide range of physical and hobby-based education five days per week.

Not all classes are for seniors, but below is an extensive range of classes and activities you can join depending on your physical fitness and interests. This is just a small selection of all classes available.

Monday

Mini Landscape Art – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Tai Chi – 1.00pm – 2.30
Creative Short Story Writing – 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Indoor Bowling 2.00 pmpm4.00 pm0pm

Tuesday

Flora and Fauna Painting – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Curtain Making and Soft Furnishings – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
World War 1 Poets in Edinburgh – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Introduction to Astronomy – 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
NHS Bereavement Support Group – 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
Knitting for Beginners – 6.45 pm – 8.45 pm
Bingo – 6.45 pm – 8.45 pm

Wednesday

Pilates for Beginners – 9.30 am – 10.20 pm
Gallery Tours – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Floristry – 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm

Thursday

Hatha Yoga – 10.15 am – 11.45 am
Music – Singing for Fun – 1.00 pm – 2.30 pm

Friday

Pilates for All – 9.30 am – 10.20 am
Drawing and Painting – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm

As well as the classes above, for the more adventurous, the centre has a range of language learning classes throughout the week, including Spanish and German.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Cameron House Community Centre features full step-free ground-floor access, wide corridors, and accessible toilet facilities, making it a very comfortable venue for older adults with limited mobility or mild cognitive decline.

St Columba’s Church Centre

St Columba’s is very much a church of worship and faith. It is unlike many other churches in the Edinburgh area, in that it focuses most of its efforts on spreading the word of inclusion for everybody.

You will not find as many activities and community groups at St Columbas, but we have listed the regular activities that the church offers below:

Sunday Eucharist – Sunday – 10.00 am – 11.00 am (Followed by coffee and refreshments after the service)
Sunday Forums – Sunday – 11.40 am – 12.25 pm (Discussion group on local and international topics)
Quiet Garden – Open most weekdays
Movement – This is the church’s quarterly magazine aimed at sharing uplifting news, thoughts and accomplishments of the church congregation
Immrama Exhibition – Viewable live on church open days and online via the Immrama website

Specialised Dementia Support Note: St Columba’s hosts independent Dementia Memory Cafés and carer support drop-ins in partnership with local health charities. The venue is fully step-free with accessible toilet facilities, offering a calm and safe space for individuals with memory loss and their carers.

Leith / The Shore

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Leith Community Centre	Visit Website	12A Henderson Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6BS	0131 554 4750	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
Pilmeny Development Project	Visit Website	15 Buchanan Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 8SH	07375 918524	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌

Leith Community Centre

The Leith Community Centre is a hub for all of the local people in the local area. It is a joint project between the Edinburgh City Council and the Leith Community Centre Association.

The centre provides a wide range of activities for all age groups, but specific activities for seniors and older people include:

Mumma Bears Cafe – Mon – Fri – 10.00 am – 2.00 pm
Creative Writing – Tuesday – 3.45 pm – 4.45 pm
Drawing & Painting Art Class – Friday 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm
Drawing & Painting – Saturday – 10.00 am – 11.00 am
Dressmaking – Saturday – 10.30 am – 12.30 pm

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Located within the accessible New Kirkgate shopping complex, Leith Community Centre offers full lift access, wide corridors, and accessible toilet facilities throughout. As one of North Edinburgh’s largest municipal hubs, it hosts a variety of independent health and wellbeing groups, including drop-in advice sessions for unpaid carers. The centre works closely with Pilton Equalities Project (PEP) and local NHS primary care teams to signpost older adults experiencing memory loss or early-stage dementia—and their carers—to local day care services, befriending projects, and respite opportunities.

Pilmeny Development Project

The Pilmeny Development Project serves both the senior and younger communities in the Leith area. It is now in its forty-seventh year of operation (founded in 1979) and serves as a place for people to go, not just to undertake activities, but to combat loneliness and isolation.

The goal of the project is not just to provide activities. The goal is to empower people to take actions and thoughts that help with their own well-being. Funded by the City of Edinburgh Council and through their own fundraising efforts, this is a small, hard-working team of staff and volunteers who aim to make a real difference.

Seniors are well catered for here, and some of the activities include:

Positive Health Group for Women – Meets every Monday – A group for women 50+ to share activities and trips together.
Older Men’s Mental Health and Well-Being – Meets every Wednesday – A group for men 50+ to share activities and trips together, including many people’s favourite, the Pie and Beans lunch.
Monday Matchday – 2nd & 4th Monday of the month. This takes place at the Hibernian Community Foundation Hub at Hibernian Stadium. A fun afternoon between 2.00 pm and 3.30 pm with a mix of games and challenges. Free light refreshments are provided.
Activity Packs for Older People – Every quarter, the PDP send out a newsletter that is full of interesting local news. It also includes jokes, crossword puzzles, and home-based activity tips.

One of the most important pieces of work that the PDP (Pilmeny Development Project) undertake is their 6-week Re-connect Programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government’s Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund.

The 6-week programme is aimed at seniors who are on low incomes and feel socially isolated. The groups meet at different locations each week, giving a sense of adventure and variety. It is important for people to be challenged by new environments to help build confidence. Activities include a unique version of the game of curling. There are also quizzes, games, and most importantly, group chats over free coffee and refreshments at the end of each meeting.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: While the Pilmeny Development Project (PDP) primarily operates through community-based groups and social isolation projects—such as their Scottish Government-funded Re-connect Programme—their team is deeply experienced in supporting vulnerable and low-income seniors. PDP staff are trained in dementia awareness and social inclusion, ensuring that older adults experiencing early cognitive decline, memory loss, or bereavement are gently integrated into small, supportive groups like the Older Men’s Mental Health Group and the Positive Health Group for Women.

Newhaven

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Heart of Newhaven Community Hub	Visit Website	4-6 Main Street, Newhaven, Edinburgh, EH6 4HY	0131 259 6838	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅

Heart of Newhaven Community Hub

The Heart of Newhaven Community Hub is exactly that, a beating epicentre for the local community, young and old, to have a place to go for meetups and a wide range of fun and educational activities.

The location of “The Heart” is an old school which has now been turned into the beating heart of the local community in Newhaven. The three main goals of the centre are to promote local culture and heritage, learning of enterprise-level skills, and, most importantly for seniors, community well-being.

The centre hosts a wide range of activities for seniors, including:

Love to Move* (dementia friendly chair exercise activity) – Monday – 10.30 am – 12.00 pm
Lunch Club* (free lunch for all in the community) – Monday – 12.30 pm- 2.00 pm
Dementia Meeting Centre (lunch and activities club for dementia sufferers) – Tuesday -11.00 amm – 1.00 pm
Knit & Natter* (A friendly evening knitting group) – Tuesday – 7.15 pm – 8.30 pm
Warm Welcome* (A regular meet-up for chat and a cup of tea) – Wednesday 9.00 am – 12.00 pm
Community Gardening (A drop-in group for growing self-sustainable fruit and veg) – Thursday – 10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Sharing The Past* (a group to share memories, music and pictures from the past) – Thursday -10.30 amm -11.30 amm
Craft and Chat* (a fun group who share their various crafting projects) – Friday – 1.00 pm- 3.00 pm
Knit & Natter* (A friendly morning knitting group) – Saturday -9.30 amm – 12.00 pm
Warm Welcome* (A regular weekend meet-up for chat and a cup of tea) – Saturday 9.00 am – 12.00 pm
Community Gardening (A drop-in group for growing various fruit and veg) – Saturday – 10.30 am – 12.30 pm

N.B. Activities marked with an asterisk* kindly ask for a £1 donation to go to the WWCA charitable fund and project.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Housed in the beautiful community-bought former Victoria Primary School building, Heart of Newhaven places intergenerational connection and community health at the core of its mission. The hub features step-free level access, quiet breakout spaces, and an accessible community garden. Heart of Newhaven actively hosts Dementia-Friendly Creative Workshops, intergenerational storytelling sessions, and reminiscence groups that leverage the rich maritime heritage of Newhaven to stimulate memory, spark conversation, and support local carers in a relaxed, non-clinical environment.

Portobello / Joppa

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Portobello Community Centre (The Wash House)	Visit Website	3 Adelphi Grove, Portobello, Edinburgh, EH15 1AP	0131 669 8275	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Portobello Baptist Church Community Hub	Visit Website	185 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh, EH15 1EA	07493 929813	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
St Mark’s Portobello	Visit Website	287 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh, EH15 2AR	07754 873438	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅

Portobello Community Centre (The Wash House)

The Wash House, as it is commonly known, is Portobello’s thriving community centre and hub. The centre was founded in 1979 and is owned and maintained through government funding from the City of Edinburgh Council.

The centre has its own goal, which is to host regular activities that encourage and support health, wellbeing and life-long learning for the benefit of the local community.

For seniors in the local area, there is a wide range of activities you can take part in; these include:

Drawing with Nature (fun sessions drawing plants and nature from images) – Monday – 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm
FLexercise (gentle movement exercise to build flexibility and strength) – Thursday – 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Sing In the City (Portobello choir groups for all ages) – Thursday – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Screen Porty Community Cinema (Community pop-up cinema) from Sept 2026

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The Wash House on Adelphi Grove provides a warm, domestic-scale environment with ramp access and step-free ground floor facilities. While the centre operates as an open neighbourhood venue focused on art, exercise, and community gatherings, its small-group setting makes it particularly friendly for local seniors with mild memory loss. The management committee works in alignment with Portobello Dementia Friendly initiatives, regularly hosting inclusive art classes, gentle movement groups, and signposting families to local carer support networks.

Portobello Baptist Church Community Hub

The Portobello Baptist Church serves jointly as a place of prayer and worship, but also as a thriving community hub, particularly for families. There are limited activities here compared to The Wash House, but seniors in the community will enjoy the quieter nature of the Baptist church cafe called “The Meeting Place”

The older generation will enjoy the quieter nature of this spot, which is a chance to enjoy tea, coffee and chat every Tuesday between 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Portobello Baptist Church Hub (on Promenade/Barony Street) offers a welcoming “warm space” and community drop-in atmosphere with step-free entry and accessible amenities. The hub operates an active Pastoral Care team that offers one-to-one befriending and home visits for isolated or housebound seniors. The hub’s informal coffee mornings and light activity sessions provide a low-sensory, supportive space where individuals with early cognitive decline and their family carers can enjoy social interaction without barrier or stigma.

St Mark’s Portobello

St Mark’s is another church community based on Portobello High Street in the Edinburgh region. The Church is one of the historic landmarks around the City of Edinburgh. In 2026, it celebrated its 200-year anniversary, so of course, it is held in high regard by the local community.

The church went through a £900,000 renovation in May/June 2026, meaning the church and community hub can support the local community even more.

Seniors who live in and around the Portobello area can visit the church to take part in a number of activities, including:

Library Link (Visits to the local library by organised bus) – Monday – 11.30 am – 1 pm
Portobello Older Peoples Project (chat and game activities) – Tuesday – 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Housebound Book Deliveries (Books delivered to your home) – Wednesday every two weeks
Bellfield Craft and Natter (Second Thursday of the month) 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm
Buddy Swimming (Local leisure centre) – Thursday – 2.50 pm – 3.50 pm
Bring, Make, and Do (Crafting and simple DIY projects) – Friday – 10.30 am – 12.00 pm
Coffee with a Cop (Coffee and a chat with a local Police Officer) – 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm last Friday of the month
Food Pantry (Share and discover various foods) – Saturday – 10.30 am – 12.00 pm

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Located on Portobello High Street, St Mark’s is a key local champion for dementia awareness in East Edinburgh. The church and its garden spaces host regular Dementia-Friendly Tea Parties and creative workshops in partnership with local health charities. The venue features ramped access, accessible facilities, and a peaceful garden area designed for quiet reflection. Their volunteer team is trained to support attendees living with memory loss, providing a safe, joyful environment for both individuals with dementia and their family carers.

Corstorphine / Murrayfield / Blackhall

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Corstorphine Community Centre	Visit Website	5 Kirk Loan, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, EH12 7HD	07580 659676	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
St Ninian’s Church & Community Hub	Visit Website	144 St John’s Road, Corstorphine, EH12 8AY	0131 316 4777	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅
Blackhall St Columba’s Centre	Visit Website	Columba Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3QU	0131 332 4431	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅

Corstorphine Community Centre

When reviewing the Corstorphine Community Club website, it is clear that they have a vision of what the community should look like, as they have a clear mission statement.

“Our Vision is a community centre which enables residents, community groups and organisations operating locally in Corstorphine to achieve social, wellbeing, and economic goals and to be part of a strong, connected and caring community.”

The centre also prides itself on the topic of diversity and inclusion. During the summer of 2026, the centre had planned renovation works and was rescheduled to reopen at the end of August 2026.

Activities cater for all age groups, but ones that are more suitable for seniors include:

Men’s Shed Social Workshop – Monday – 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Gentle Seated Exercise – Tuesday – 10.45 am – 11.45 am
Lunch Club* – Tuesday – 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Gentle Seated Exercise – Wednesday – 9.30 am – 10.45 am
Morning Craft Group – Wednesday – 10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Afternoon Craft Group – Wednesday – 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Walking Group (A 5 mile walk) – Thursday – 9.30 am – 2.00 pm
Lunch Club* – Tuesday – 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Men’s Shed Social Workshop – Thursday – 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Art Group – Friday – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Community Garden Group – Friday – 11.00 am – 1.00 pm

N.B. All groups at the centre request a £2 donation for participation. The lunch club* requests a £3 donation.

As well as group activities on a weekly basis, the centre also has ongoing projects that support dementia sufferers, and they have a special group for carers as well.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Corstorphine Community Centre maintains a strong structural focus on dementia support and carer wellbeing. Following their extensive site upgrades, the facility features full accessibility, level access, and clear signage. In addition to gentle seated exercise and craft groups, the centre hosts dedicated Dementia Memory Cafés and a specialised Carers’ Support Group. These sessions offer a safe space for people living with dementia to socialise through music, games, and reminiscence, while providing family carers with peer support and practical advice.

St Ninian’s Church & Community Hub

St Ninian’s serves as a church of worship, but also as a local community hub in Corstorphine. Morning church worship takes place at 10.30 am each and every Sunday, and is also available to view online. The services can be viewed live on the church’s YouTube channel.

This hub has a very local feel to it, and activities available to seniors include:

Zumba and Line Dancing for Beginners – Monday – 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Friendly Corner – Tuesday – 11.00 am – 1.00 pm
Pilates (All Age Groups) – Tuesday 6 pm – 7 pm
Friendly Corner – Thursday – 11.00 am – 1.00 pm
Bridge Club – Thursday – 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Women’s Humming Tree Yoga – 8.00 pm – 9.00 pm

For a full ongoing list of activities offered to the community, please check the regularly updated activities calendar.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: St Ninian’s Church Centre on St John’s Road offers excellent accessible facilities, including step-free access, hearing loops, and accessible toilets. The hub hosts regular community lunches and health groups, working in close cooperation with local health visitors and the PALs (Pentland Activity Line) network. Their pastoral team provides phone befriending and home support visits for elderly parish members experiencing cognitive decline, ensuring they remain connected to the broader Corstorphine community.

Blackhall St Columba’s Centre

This hub has a very local feel to it, and activities available to seniors include:

Zumba and Line Dancing for Beginners – Monday – 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Friendly Corner – Tuesday – 11.00 am – 1.00 pm
Pilates (All Age Groups) – Tuesday 6 pm – 7 pm
Friendly Corner – Thursday – 11.00 am – 1.00 pm
Bridge Club – Thursday – 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Women’s Humming Tree Yoga – 8.00 pm – 9.00 pm

For a full ongoing list of activities offered to the community, please check the regularly updated activities calendar.

Gorgie / Dalry / Fountainbridge

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
St Bride’s Community Centre	Visit Website	10 Orwell Terrace, Edinburgh, EH11 2DZ	0131 346 1405	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Gorgie Memorial Hall	Visit Website	338 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2QU	0131 337 9098	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Fountainbridge Library & Community Hub	Visit Website	137 Dundee Street, Edinburgh, EH11 1BG	0131 529 5616	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌

St Bride’s Community Centre

St Bride’s Community Centre is housed in a former church, and is funded by the City of Edinburgh Council. The centre has been welcoming visitors for more than forty years, and supports activities for both the young and old.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Being a former church means that many locals will feel comfortable visiting the centre. Having been a place of worship for many local residents, the familiarity with the building means dementia sufferers have a place to go that is memorable and can ease anxiety when taking part in group activities.

Gorgie Memorial Hall

The “Gorgie Mem” as it is affectionately known, dates way back to 1887, and has been serving the local community in some format or another for many years. It is owned by the City of Edinburgh Council, but is leased out to the charity that runs the centre. The activities are limited at this location, and include:

Zumba – Monday – 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm
Yoga – Wednesday – 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Zumba – Wednesday – 6.20 pm – 7.20 pm
Health All Round – Every second Wednesday – 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Specialised Dementia Support Note: This historical spot is a throwback to yesteryear, and like the Fountainbridge Library, it evokes memories of days gone by. Even sitting in a quiet spot can be very beneficial for locals who suffer from dementia.

Fountainbridge Library & Community Hub

The Fountainbridge Library doubles as a community hub as well as a public library. It is a council-owned building based on Dundee Street.

Some of the activities that seniors can take part in include:

Seniors IT Club – Monday – 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm (fortnightly drop-in)
Bookgroups – Monday – Held on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Monday of each month
StartWrite Creative Writing – Monday – 6.00 pm (first Monday of the month)
Adult Art Group – Monday – 6.00 pm (second Monday of the month – email artspacefountainbridge@gmail.com to join)
Buggy Walk – Wednesday – 1.30 pm (meets at the library for a walk around the canal basin or Dalry Park with post-walk refreshments. Seniors welcome)
Writers Group – Thursday – 6.00 pm
Fountainbridge Spinners – Friday – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm (Yarn and sewing group for ladies and seniors)
Knitting Group – Friday – 1.00 pm (Knit and natter group for local community members

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The library sits in an old building. This therefore can act as a comforting and welcoming location for people suffering from dementia and cognitive decline. Many will find the old, memorable facets of the building bring back memories of days gone by. The book clubs are dementia friendly.

Sighthill / Broomhouse / Wester Hailes

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Space @ The Broomhouse Hub	Visit Website	79 – 89 Broomhouse Crescent, Edinburgh, EH11 3RH	0131 455 7731	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅
Clovenstone Community Centre	Visit Website	54 Clovenstone Park, Edinburgh, EH14 3EY	0131 453 4561	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Wester Hailes Health Agency & Community Hub	Visit Website	30 Westfield Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2QB	0131 453 9400	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅

Space @ The Broomhouse Hub

Space is a wide-ranging community hub serving the local communities of Broomhouse, Sighthill, and Wester Hailes. The charity now delivers more than 20 community impact projects and has a full-time staff of 60, which is supplemented at any one time by more than 50 volunteers.

It has a dedicated group for dementia sufferers and their carers called “The Beacon Club”

The Beacon Club is limited to 10 attendees at a time. This is intentional so as not to overwhelm people with large groups. This strategy has helped many members to improve social interaction and reduce the feeling of loneliness.

Other activities that seniors may like to get involved in include:

Broomhouse Growers – A community garden club that produces fruit and vegetables for the hub and other local good causes and the community foodbank. Volunteers are welcome to lend their support on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm.
Coorie Cafe – The Coorie Cafe is a place to relax, meet friends, and enjoy a breakfast or lunch. Breakfast is served between 9.00 am and 11.00 am, with lunch served between 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm. This is not a free cafe, but the prices are very reasonable, with breakfast from £2, a soup from £1.50, and a lunch main course from £6.00

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Space @ The Broomhouse Hub is a nationally recognised, award-winning community facility in South West Edinburgh that specialises in elder care and dementia services. The hub houses the Broomhouse Beacon Club, a registered day care service specifically tailored for older adults living with dementia or age-related frailty. Operating in a bright, modern, fully accessible environment with an on-site community café, the service offers specialised cognitive stimulation therapy, creative arts, physical movement, hot meals, and vital respite care for family carers.

Clovenstone Community Centre

A small community centre that offers a limited number of activities for seniors.

Creative Arts – Monday – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Creative Writing – Thursday – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Reflexology* – Fortnightly on Wednesdays – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm

*For reflexology sessions, please contact the centre to book a spot.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Clovenstone Community Centre serves as an accessible, single-story community anchor in Wester Hailes. Featuring ramped entry and ground-floor accessible facilities, the centre provides a low-pressure setting for neighbourhood social groups, community breakfasts, and gentle exercise. While specialised dementia day services are centred nearby at The Broomhouse Hub, Clovenstone’s staff provide a supportive, inclusive environment for local elders with mild memory loss and assist families with local service referrals and warm-space drop-ins.

Wester Hailes Health Agency & Community Hub

This is a charity that is more focused on community health, rather than generic hobby-style activities. However, it is playing a vital role in the local Wester Hailes community in promoting mental health and nutritional health.

Two of the services that local seniors may be interested in include:

Mental Wellbeing Service – This service is free of charge (voluntary donations are welcome) and focuses on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. The centre provides visitors with a safe space where people are heard and offers practical tools to develop coping skills, build confidence and resilience, and support recovery and wellbeing. If you are facing feelings of anxiety, stress, low mood, isolation, loss of confidence, or other challenges that are making your life difficult to manage, these sessions may be of help, in what is a welcoming environment.
Tasting Change Programme – This programme focuses on helping individuals and families to be able to eat good, nutritious foods, with the aim of improving both physical and mental well-being. We all know food is now very expensive, but through donations from local businesses, you can pay a club membership of £4.50 per week, and select a shopping basket of 10 items. The value of these is £20. This gives seniors a saving on food shopping of more than £780 per year.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Based at the Healthy Living Centre on Harvesters Way, the Wester Hailes Health Agency offers a holistic, health-focused community framework for older adults. The fully accessible building features step-free access, sensory spaces, and quiet consultation rooms. The Agency runs specialised health programs—including gentle exercise, walking groups, mental health support, and green health/gardening projects—that are adaptively structured for individuals experiencing mild-to-moderate dementia, cognitive decline, or long-term health conditions, alongside guidance for unpaid carers.

Liberton / Gracemount / Gilmerton

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Gilmerton Community Centre	Visit Website	4 Drum Street, Edinburgh, EH17 8QG	0131 664 2335	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌
Liberton Kirk Centre	Visit Website	28 Kirkgate, Edinburgh, EH16 6RY	0131 664 8264	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅

Gilmerton Community Centre

Gilmerton Community Centre is a warm, welcoming hub situated on Drum Street. Its core goal is to reduce and eliminate social isolation and offers inclusive spaces where local residents can gather for low-cost activities, hot food, and mutual support.

The centre operates a popular Community Lunch Club which meets on Mondays and Fridays, and hosts various drop-in spaces and activities for seniors throughout the week.

Activities suitable for seniors include:

Gilmerton Lunch Club – Mondays (10:30 am – 2:00 pm) & Fridays (10:30 am – 1:45 pm) – An affordable, cooked lunch and a social catch-up for local seniors.
South Edinburgh Seniors – Wednesdays (10:30 am – 12:00 pm) – A regular weekly social group for older adults to connect and share activities.
Chair-Robics – Wednesdays (12:15 pm – 1:45 pm) – A low-impact, seated aerobic class designed to maintain mobility and cardiovascular health.
Creative Writing & Craft Groups – Tuesdays (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) & Thursdays (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm) – Friendly groups for exploring creative hobbies and learning new skills.
Cuppa & A Chat / Warm Welcome Drop-in – Thursdays (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm) – Free hot drinks and informal conversation for anyone looking for company.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The centre hosts a Stroke Support Group on Tuesdays (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm) and a VOCAL Conversation Café on Tuesdays (1.30 pm – 3:30 pm), providing support and advice for unpaid carers, including those caring for individuals with memory loss or dementia.

Liberton Kirk Centre

Located right next to the historic Liberton Kirk, the Kirk Centre is an active focal point for the local community. Its centrepiece for older adults is “The Club”, an enthusiastic senior citizens group with more than 80 members aged 60+ who gather weekly for entertainment, music, and friendship. There is a cost of £5 per week for the club and its concerts, which includes refreshments.

The centre also features the popular Kirkgate Café (open Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm), providing a bright, accessible space for local seniors to meet over coffee and light meals.

The beauty of this cafe is that it is run by volunteers from the community.

Senior-focused activities include:

“The Club” Weekly Gathering – Thursdays (September to May, 1:30 pm doors open for a 2:00 pm start) – Features guest musical performers, live bands, quizzes, afternoon teas, and birthday celebrations (£5 entry; door-to-door transport option available for £5).
Kirkgate Café Social Hours – Monday through Thursday mornings – A relaxed, multi-generational café space with indoor seating and a peaceful outdoor courtyard garden.
Kirkyard Peace Pathway Walks – Gentle, self-guided strolls through the serene churchyard and gardens, equipped with plenty of seating benches.
Seasonal Events & Parties – Special themed celebrations including an Easter Bonnet competition, Christmas party, and Marie Curie fundraising concerts.
Friday Fellowship – Friday – This group meets on Friday mornings and focuses on reading a passage or book from the bible. There are also fortnightly gatherings called link groups that also study the bible.
Warm Hub/Friendship Hub – Friday – 1.00 pm – 4.30 pm. A place to relax with free tea and coffee. Join the knit and natterers, play board games, or just relax and read a book. A welcoming place for all.
Liberton Kirk Magazine – This is a community magazine issued quarterly. It is full of local news, and also mentions the birthdays of its congregation and members (a lovely touch)

Specialised Dementia Support Note: While “The Club” operates as an open social group, Liberton Kirk provides dedicated Pastoral Care support to assist isolated seniors, including those coping with age-related memory decline or cognitive loss.

Colinton / Oxgangs / Fairmilehead

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre/Oxgangs Care	Visit Website	71 Firrhill Drive, Edinburgh, EH13 9EU	0131 466 0678	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌
Fairmilehead Parish Church Centre	Visit Website	1A Frogston Road West, Edinburgh, EH10 7AA	07484 070128	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅

Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre

The Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre acts as a major community anchor for residents across Oxgangs, Firrhill, and Colinton Mains. It is an energetic, welcoming space dedicated to improving quality of life, tackling social isolation, and ensuring older adults in the area stay active and connected within their local community.

The centre works in close alignment with Oxgangs Care, a dedicated registered Day Centre service housed at the neighbouring Firrhill Neuk facility.

Activities and groups suitable for seniors include:

Gentle Seated Exercise – Weekly low-impact sessions tailored to improve joint mobility, balance, and general physical confidence.
Oxgangs Walking Group – Regular, easy-paced community walks around local green spaces (such as the Braid Burn), designed for all ability levels.
Community Drop-in Café – An affordable, informal space open during the week for hot tea, coffee, home-baked goods, and open socialising.
Craft & Social Club – Weekly informal gatherings for knitting, crochet, and general arts and crafts, pairing creative hobbies with a warm chat.
Bingo & Games Afternoons – Friendly social sessions featuring classic board games, cards, and traditional bingo.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The centre collaborates closely with Oxgangs Care Day Centre (open Wednesday through Friday). This service provides structured day care, specialised support for individuals living with dementia or age-related frailty, door-to-door transport, and hot meals.

Fairmilehead Parish Church Centre

Situated at the foot of the Pentland Hills, Fairmilehead Parish Church Centre (Frogston Hall) is an active, vibrant hub known for its warm welcome and dedicated outreach initiatives specifically aimed at combating loneliness and supporting older residents.

The centrepiece of their senior provision is The Fairmile Project, a Church-led initiative created specifically to foster local community connection.

Senior-focused activities include:

The Fairmile Project – Mondays (2:30 pm – 3:30 pm) – Held in Frogston Hall, this weekly group features alternating activities each week (quizzes, music, talks) paired with free tea, coffee, and home baking (donations are always welcomed). No booking required.
Tuesday Knitting Group – Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month – A friendly group that knits garments for various local and international charities while offering a great space to chat and make new friends.
Crossroads Pop-Up Café – Wednesdays (Opens at 10:00 am) – A community café seating up to 40 people, serving fresh coffee, tea, and homemade cakes. Includes a play area where grandparents, parents and toddlers can spend family time together.
The Guild – Meetings are organised on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month (2:00 pm) – Part of the national Scottish movement which has more than 15,000 members. A group for worship and prayer.
Men’s Breakfast – Last Saturday of the month (10:30 am) – Held in Swanston Hall, offering conversation, community, coffee, and bacon rolls for local men of all ages. Everybody is welcome.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Fairmilehead Parish Church operates an active Pastoral Care team that visits housebound seniors or those living with dementia to allow them to enjoy dementia sensitive worship. This can be organised by contacting the main church office.

Currie / Balerno / Juniper Green

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Currie Kirk Gibson Craig Community Hall	Visit Website	156 Lanark Road West, Currie, EH14 5NY	0131 451 5141	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅
Balerno Community Centre (St Joseph’s)	Visit Website	2 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EH	0131 449 7245	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
Juniper Green Parish Church Hall	Visit Website	496a Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DH	0131 441 2232	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
Hub@531	Visit Website	531 Lanark Rd, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE	N/A	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌

Currie Kirk Gibson Craig Community Hall

Located in Currie along Lanark Road West, Gibson Craig Halls serves as a vital community focal point for residents in Currie, Balerno, and the surrounding Water of Leith villages. Managed in close association with Currie Kirk, the halls host an array of established social clubs and activities designed to keep local seniors connected, mentally active, and mobile.

Activities catering towards seniors and older adults include:

Balerno & Currie Bridge Club – Mondays (1:30 pm – 4:30 pm) – A popular weekly gathering for local players to enjoy friendly bridge games.
The Guild & Community Afternoon Socials – Alternate Tuesdays – Regular indoor social gatherings featuring guest speakers, musical performances, and tea/coffee hours.
Gentle Indoor Fitness & Movement – Scheduled weekly sessions focusing on light mobility, gentle stretching, and balance for older adults.
The Coffee Stop – Saturday – 2 pm – 4 pm – Regular informal drop-in sessions offering homemade baking, hot drinks, and an opportunity for isolated locals to meet neighbours.
Kirk Walking Group – Meets the last Sunday of the month for a walk of approximately 4 miles.
Free Transport Fund – For seniors who need to book a taxi to get to church. This is refunded with a valid receipt.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The venue features level step-free access and accessible facilities throughout. The pastoral team at Currie Kirk provides befriending outreach and support visits for housebound elderly residents and those living with cognitive loss or dementia. They also offer The PALM cafe, which is held on the last Tuesday of the month from 3.00—4.30 pm in the St Joseph’s Centre, Balerno. This is a dementia friendly pop up cafe.

Balerno Community Centre (St Joseph’s)

Situated at the heart of Balerno village, St Joseph’s Hall (Balerno Community Centre) is a local hub that provides a warm, historic space for community life. It plays a pivotal role in offering low-cost social, educational, and recreational spaces tailored to the village’s significant population of retirees and older residents, with the Mill Cafe a focal point of the local community.

Activities suitable for seniors include:

Balerno Bridge Group – Meets every Wednesday morning in Ogston Hall
Over 60’s Friday Club – This is held at the Currie Community Centre where visitors can enjoy games, music, bingo, quizzes, and guest talks. Refreshments are provided. A £3 donation is requested for participation.
Balerno Village Trust Social Events – Periodic community lunches, coffee mornings, and seasonal pop-up events aimed at bringing generations together.

St Joseph’s Balerno works jointly with Currie Kirk (previous centre) to provide activities and share facilities.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: St Joseph’s maintains strong local links with the PALs (Pentland Activity Line) network, signposting local residents to specialised dementia-friendly community activities across the South West Edinburgh area.

Juniper Green Parish Church Hall

Located on Lanark Road, Juniper Green Parish Church Hall—alongside its dedicated community project Hub@531—serves as an exceptionally vibrant and inclusive community sanctuary. The hub is dedicated to combating isolation through free/low-cost drop-in groups, creative workshops, and health initiatives.

Senior-focused activities include:

The Swing Cafe – Tues – Sat – 10.00 am – 2 pm – This is located in Colinton Church and offers tea, coffee, breakfasts and lunches. You can check out the mouth-watering menu.
The Green Strollers – This is a community walking group that meets every three weeks. The walks vary in difficulty, but some are suitable for seniors.
Ladies Badminton Group – Wednesday – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm – The club meets in Juniper Green Hall 1 and is open to all.
Juniper Green Boardgamers – Friday – 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm. Weekly recreational sessions featuring a wide range of board and card games. This group is for all age groups, including seniors.

Specialised Dementia & Specialised Support Note: The Pentlands Sporting Memories group hosted at Hub@531 is specifically trained and structured to support older adults living with dementia, memory loss, or depression, using sports heritage to spark memory and engagement.

Hub@531

The Hub is a thriving local community centre which works in tandem with the Juniper Green Parish Hall Church. It is run by a dedicated team of trustees, and offers the local community a wide range of support services and activities.

Most of the activities at The Hub are free for local residents, with the community cafe a vibrant meeting point for the young and old.

Some of the activities local seniors may enjoy include:

Community Cafe – Monday – 10.30 am – 12.00 pm
Mahjong Group – Monday – 10 am – 12.00 pm
Knitting Group – Tuesday – 10.30 am – 12.00 pm
Community Yoga – Tuesday – 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Pentlands Sporting Memories Group – Wednesday – 1.30 pm – 4.00 pm
Gardening Group – Friday (first Friday of the month) – 11.30 am – 1.00 pm

Specialised Dementia & Specialised Support Note: The Hub is a cosy and welcoming community space located in the village of Juniper Green. This is a community-led project which sprang up after the Covid pandemic. The community cafe is aimed at giving a safe place where a sense of belonging and connection with others can be made. This venue provides a friendly place for people who are suffering from dementia.

Craigmillar / Niddrie

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Sandy’s Community Centre	Visit Website	76 Craigmillar Castle Avenue, Edinburgh, EH16 6DN	0131 661 4064	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
The White House Community Hub	Visit Website	70 Niddrie Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4BG	0131 629 9358	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Jack Kane Community Centre	Visit Website	208 Niddrie Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4ND	0131 657 1595	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌

Sandy’s Community Centre

Sandy’s Community Centre is known as a community centre with deep-rooted values located in Craigmillar on Craigmillar Castle Avenue. It serves as an inclusive base for residents of all ages, offering a welcoming social environment that helps older adults stay connected with neighbours and local services.

The centre works closely with surrounding community organisations to offer low-cost social groups and warm and welcoming spaces throughout the week.

Activities catering towards seniors and older adults include:

Sandy’s Stitchers – Monday – 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm. A friendly group (males and females welcome) that knit, sew, make, and repair clothing, and soft toys and furnishings.
Sandy’s Golden Gems – Wednesday – 12.00 pm – 2.30 pm. A friendly senior citizens club where all are welcome. The group have a good old blether, and enjoy 4 games of bingo, and heart lunch. There is a small £6 fee, which includes lunch and bingo.
Community Cooking Club – Thursday – 11.00 am – 1.30 pm. A friendly club where all ages can learn new cooking skills and eat together as a group. There is a small £1 fee to join each session.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Sandy’s maintains strong local referral links with Caring in Craigmillar (CiC). While specialised day care is handled nearby, Sandy’s offers level, accessible step-free access and an easy-going environment suitable for those with mild memory loss accompanied by family or carers.

One page on the website that we found very useful is the Sandy’s Community Feedback Survey. This survey takes feedback from the local community on important topics such as feelings data, confidence data, why not data, best thing data, and 8 other important feedback factors from the local community.

The White House Community Hub

Housed within the iconic restored Art Deco building on Niddrie Mains Road, The White House Community Hub acts as an important social anchor for the Craigmillar community. Combining an accessible community café space with flexible rooms for local groups, it provides an uplifting environment designed to tackle social isolation and foster intergenerational connection.

The hub hosts a range of community-led wellbeing initiatives alongside its vibrant café:

Community Café & Social Drop-in – Open 7 days per week, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Mon – Fri, and 10.00 am – 5.00 pm on Sundays. An affordable, accessible meeting spot for local seniors to enjoy hot food, tea, and friendly conversation.
Craft & Creative Wellbeing Group – Informal creative sessions where older adults can work on personal art projects, knitting, or seasonal crafts.
Storytelling & Local Heritage Sessions – Regular gatherings focusing on the rich history of Craigmillar and Niddrie, encouraging reminiscence and shared community memories.
Gentle Seated Pilates & Stretch – Periodic low-impact fitness sessions held in partnership with local health practitioners to aid joint mobility.
Community Lunch & ‘Pay What You Can’ Initiatives – Inclusive community meals that bring together diverse age groups across the area.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The White House works closely with nearby specialists at the Thistle Foundation Centre of Wellbeing and Caring in Craigmillar. Its spacious layout and step-free access make it an ideal, non-clinical environment for dementia-friendly coffee catch-ups at the White House Community Cafe.

Jack Kane Community Centre

Set within the grounds of Hunters Hall Park, the Jack Kane Community Centre is one of East Edinburgh’s largest and most active community venues. Known for its wide range of services spanning youth groups to senior support, the centre provides an energetic environment dedicated to health, physical activity, and social well-being.

A highlight of the centre’s senior programming is its uniquely named social club:

Senior Bowls & Low-Impact Recreation – Indoor carpet bowls and gentle sports sessions that promote light physical exercise and friendly competition.
Jack Kane Community Garden Sessions – An accessible outdoor gardening group where seniors can pot plants, grow vegetables, and enjoy fresh air. This is a self-sustainable growing programme for the local community.
Walking Football & Gentle Movement – Low-intensity sports programs designed for mature adults looking to maintain mobility and cardiovascular fitness.
Community Lunch & Afternoon Tea Events – Regular affordable group lunches served in the centre’s social lounge.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The centre’s extensive facilities are fully step-free and accessible. Their community garden fosters a supportive, inclusive atmosphere where older adults with early-stage cognitive decline or memory loss are warmly welcomed alongside their carers. Accessibility is a key focus here, with the following resources available to disabled people.

Ramp access
Unassisted wheelchair access
Disabled changing facilities
Disabled parking
Disabled toilets
Disabled shower
Guide dogs welcome

Granton / Pilton / Drylaw / Clermiston

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
Royston Wardieburn Community Centre	Visit Website	11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh, EH5 1NF	0131 552 5700	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre	Visit Website	67B Groathill Road North, Edinburgh, EH4 2SA	0131 315 4989	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
Pilton Equalities Project	Visit Website	3 West Pilton Park, Edinburgh, EH4 4EL	0131 315 4466	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre acts as a vibrant, essential lifeline for the residents of North Edinburgh. Housed in a busy multi-purpose facility complete with a courtyard, community kitchen, and sensory garden spaces, the centre places a strong emphasis on dignity, warm hospitality, and bringing older, isolated locals together over low-cost food and shared activities.

Activities suitable for seniors and older adults include:

Chat Cafe – Monday – 11:00 AM – An open group for women of all ages to meet, chat and make friends in an informal setting over coffee, tea, and snacks.
Chill & Chat – Tuesday – 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM. A drop-in social community gathering where visitors can share a meal with friends and neighbours.
Breakfast Meetup – Wednesday – 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Donation requested).
Community Soup Lunch – Thursday – 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (A donation of £2 is suggested).
Social History Class – Thursday – 10:30 AM – 12:15 PM (Free, featuring local storytelling and community memory mapping). A great class for those suffering from mild forms of dementia
Tai Chi – Thursday – 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM. A donation of £3 is suggested for this low-impact mobility and balance training.
Community Pop-Up Pantry – Thursday – 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM. The pop-up pantry allows members of the community to get five items of groceries for £1.50.
Adult Literacy Group – Thursday – 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM (Government funded).
Breakfast Meetup – Friday – 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM (Donation requested).

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Royston Wardieburn features accessible step-free access throughout. All facilities are entirely on the ground floor with wide, easy-to-navigate corridors. There are automatic entry doors to facilitate smooth movement for those using mobility aids, canes, or walking frames.

The centre works closely with regional health visitors and local elder support networks, providing a supportive, low-stress environment well-suited to individuals with early-stage memory loss.

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre is a warmly regarded, community-led anchor situated in the heart of Telford and Drylaw. The local community petitioned for a community centre for local residents, and the building is a small, purpose-built ground-floor building with excellent wheelchair access. The centre has more than 20 active group activities, and offers something for all age groups.

Activities and groups centred around seniors include:

Monday

Monday Breakfast Cafe – 9.00 am – 10:30 am
Community Larder – 10.00 am – 11.00 am
Walking Group – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Community Lunch – 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Chair Yoga – 1.00 pm – 2:15 pm

Tuesday

Fitness Fun (General Fitness Class for adults) – 9:30 am – 10:15 am
Community Garden drop-in session – 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Positive Climate Film Club (last Tuesday of the month) – 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Wednesday

Community Larder – 10.00 am – 11.00 am
Scottish History Group (waiting list) – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Tea & Toast Social Cafe – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm

Thursday

Community Lunch & Games Club – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Community Garden Volunteer drop-in session – 10.00 am – 2.00 pm

Friday

Community Larder – 10.00 am – 11.00 am
Young at Heart (Senior ladies social group) – 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Sunday

Redeemed Church of God – 8:30 am – 10:30 am
North Edinburgh Reformed Presbyterian Church – 10:45 am – 12:45 pm. (Morning Service begins at 11 am)
North Edinburgh Reformed Presbyterian Church – 5:15 pm – 7:15 pm. (Evening Service begins at 5:30 pm)

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The centre’s structured, small-group approach (such as Chair Yoga and the Young at Heart club) provides ideal social stimulation for individuals living with mild cognitive loss or early-stage dementia. The centre has level access and trained staff accustomed to supporting vulnerable adults.

Pilton Equalities Project

The Pilton Equalities Project (PEP) works in tandem with the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre. PEP is one of North Edinburgh’s primary hubs dedicated specifically to supporting senior citizens, enabling them to live independently.

Dedicated seniors activities include the following:

Golden Oldies Club – Monday – 10.30 am to 2.00 pm at Royston Mains Close. As the name suggests, a group for senior citizens who are old in age but young at heart. The group go on trips to see various music and theatre shows. Breakfast and lunch are available for £3.50, and transport for £1.50.
Dunedin Club – Monday – 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm at PEP Centre, West Pilton Park. Offers lunch, gentle exercise classes, conversation, entertainment, and occasional group outings. Lunch is available for £3.50, and transport for £1.50.
Neighbourhood Group (All age groups) – Tuesday – 10.30 am to 2.00 pm at PEP Centre, West Pilton Park. This group is for people suffering from mental health and social anxiety. The group undertakes a wide range of activities including art, music, crafts, gardening, and walking. There is a fee of £4, which includes all materials for activities, as well as lunch as well.
The Walking Group – Thursday – 10.30 am to 2.00 pm at PEP Centre, West Pilton Park. The walking group/club meet on Thursdays to find some of Edinburgh’s hidden gems. Lots of walks in local parks and green areas. Lunch is available for £4
Chummy Club – Friday – 10.00 am to 1.00 pm at Queensberry Bowling Club, Pilton Drive North. This is a buddy club where seniors can meet new friends, have a game of bowls, or just sit and natter. A breakfast and a lunch are available for £3.50, and organised transport for £1.50.
Neighbourhood Group (Over 60’s age group) – Friday – 10.30 am to 2.00 pm at PEP Centre, West Pilton Park. This group is for people suffering from mental health and social anxiety. The group undertakes a wide range of activities including art, music, crafts, gardening, and walking. There is a fee of £4, which includes all materials for activities, as well as lunch as well. Transport is available to and from the centre for £1.
Weekend Resource – Saturday – 11.00 am to 4.00 pm at the PEP Centre, West Pilton Park. This is a group for the over 50’s, and helps people who are feeling anxiety through loneliness and isolation. The group does a wide range of activities like playing games, gentle physical exercise, and helping out in the community garden. Visitors can also upgrade their knowledge with computer and digital photography skills training. £5.00 gets you transport, lunch and all materials for activities.
Weekend Resource – Sunday – 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm at the PEP Centre, West Pilton Park. The same activities and set up are available on Sundays too.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The Pilton Equalities Project at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre is specially equipped for older adults with complex mental health needs, frailty, or dementia. Their staff and volunteers are trained in dementia care, providing safe, structured environments, which offer vital respite for family carers.

South Queensferry / Cramond / Barnton

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
The Queensferry Haven	Visit Website	25B Burgess Road, South Queensferry, EH30 9XA	0131 331 5570	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Cramond Kirk Hall & Community Hub	Visit Website	The Kirk Office, Cramond Kirk Hall, 1 Kirk Cramond, Edinburgh, EH4 6HZ	0131 336 2036	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅

The Queensferry Haven (Queensferry Care)

The Queensferry Haven—operated by Queensferry Churches Care in the Community (QCCC)—serves as a flagship support hub for older adults across South Queensferry, Dalmeny, Kirkliston, Newbridge, and Ratho. Located on Burgess Road, the Haven provides a deeply compassionate, purpose-built space designed to maintain independence, reduce social isolation, and provide high-quality day opportunities for seniors.

The centre operates structured day opportunities, social clubs, and outreach services throughout the week. To access these services, you will need to make an application to Social Care Direct. You can contact them on 0131 200 2324.

The day opportunities are focused on people who suffer from dementia, have been affected by stroke, or suffer from social isolation.

There are numerous lunch clubs spread around the local area, and some of the activities for seniors include:

Haven Day Opportunities – Weekdays (10:00 am – 3:00 pm) – Structured, small-group day support providing social interaction, physical movement, creative crafts, games, and a hot nutritious lunch.
Ratho Lunch Club – 1st and 3rd Thursday each month between 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm. The club meets twice monthly to enjoy coffee, tea, and lunch. A range of games and activities are also available. Registration is required, and you can contact the centre on 0131-331-5570 to make an enquiry.
Kirkliston Lunch Club – 2nd and 4th Thursday each month between 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm. The club meets twice monthly to enjoy coffee, tea, and lunch. A range of games and activities are also available. Registration is required, and you can contact the centre on 0131-331-5570 to make an enquiry.
Almond Supper Club – This is a very welcoming group for people with a diagnosis of Dementia. This group is also for the immediate carers of those people. It gives an opportunity to spend time with loved ones outside of the home environment. It also offers a chance to make new friends in a calm setting. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.
Carers Supper Club – This is a very welcoming group for people who have been caring for a family member who is now in long-term care or who has sadly passed away. Bereavement comes from not only a person’s death, but also from long-term disconnection. This club gives those carers an opportunity to enjoy a tasty lunch, but also to build a circle of friends who can empathise with that situation without judgement. The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: The Queensferry Haven specialises heavily in cognitive support and care. Their Day Opportunities program and Almond Supper Club are specifically tailored for individuals living with dementia, stroke recovery, or long-term health conditions, offering essential respite opportunities for family carers.

Cramond Kirk Hall & Community Hub

Situated in the historic village of Cramond, Cramond Kirk Hall functions as a bustling community hub and centre for the local community in North West Edinburgh. Supported by dedicated parish staff and the Cramond Cares initiative, the hub provides a rich array of social groups, educational talks, and pastoral support for local retirees and older residents.

Senior-focused activities hosted at the Kirk Hall are limited, but include:

The Place to Be Coffee Mornings – Regular informal drop-ins every Monday from 10.00 am. Enjoy home baking, tea, coffee, and an open space for local seniors to meet neighbours. There is an organised external trip once per month.
Morning Prayers at Cramond Kirk – Sunday – 8.30 am – 9.45 am. An opportunity for reflection and prayer at Cramond Kirk.
Morning Worship at Cramond Kirk – Sunday – 11.30 am. An opportunity to join friends and make new friends at the Cramond Kirk Sunday worship ceremony.
Morning Worship at Pennywell Kirk – Sunday – 11.30 am. An opportunity to join friends and make new friends at the Pennywell Kirk Sunday worship ceremony.
Cramond Walking & Outdoor Groups – Gentle, regular group walks along the River Almond and Cramond foreshore, available for various fitness levels.
Ladies Fellowship Groups – Informal gatherings where ladies can enjoy a meet-up over coffee, tea, and cakes. The group follows religion by watching various plays and performances. Enquire at Cramond Kirk for dates.
Pennywell Games and Movie Afternoons – Informal gatherings on various Sundays at 1.00 pm. The opportunity to watch movies, play board games and enjoy a natter over tea, coffee, and homemade bakes and cakes.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Cramond Kirk employs a dedicated Pastoral Care Assistant for Elderly Care who provides befriending, guidance, and direct support for families coping with dementia or age-related frailty. The hub works closely with Care and Repair and Edinburgh Council Social Work to signpost families to specialised local day clubs.

North Berwick

Local Centre	Website	Address	Tel No.	Dementia Friendly	Disabled Access	Free Lunch Club	Free Shuttle Bus	Weekly/Monthly Newsletter
North Berwick Day Centre	Visit Website	6 St Andrew Street, North Berwick, EH39 4NU	01620 890906	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅
Abbey Church Community Centre	Visit Website	116 High Street, North Berwick, EH39 4HJ	01620 892800	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅

North Berwick Day Centre

Located on the high street, the North Berwick Day Centre is a cherished coastal hub dedicated to empowering older residents across North Berwick and the surrounding villages. It holds lots of music and keep fit activities for seniors, and provides a welcome minibus pick-up and home drop-off for people who need physical support.

Activities catering to seniors and older adults do not run on a standard schedule. The calendar changes month by month, but some of the activities you’ll find include:

Sit n Get Fit With Tracey – A gentle exercise activity session where seniors can use gentle chair exercises to improve general fitness and suppleness. Tracey also uses stretch bands as part of this routine to build strength.
Music Shows and Recitals – This centre really has a strong focus on music, with local musicians and performers coming in on most days. You can expect to hear music with Danny Feelgood and Eddie Raven. Other performers include Hamish on the clarinet, Stewart Glass playing guitar, and David Strang on the accordion.
Music Quiz – Regular music quizzes are run by Tony Smith. A great tool for seniors to enjoy memories from yesteryear.
Games – Members can take part in a game of darts, have a go at indoor bowling, and also play various board games.
Local Trips – The centre also arranges days out for members. These include walks, visits to local landmarks, and lunch trips to local pubs.

Specialised Dementia Support Note: North Berwick Day Centre is widely recognised for its person-centred dementia care. Their regular music sessions help dementia sufferers, and they support individuals with cognitive impairments, Parkinson’s, or MS, giving them independence. To help ease isolation, they have a regular minibus pick-up and drop-off service, making it easier for people to attend and ease social isolation.

Abbey Church Community Centre

Located right in the heart of North Berwick on Church Road, Abbey Church Centre is linked with the Kirk in the nearby village of Dirleton. The church has a clear mission statement, which is to provide the local community with a church where the congregation is excited about their faith. This mission statement has a 5-year plan.

This is not only a centre of faith and worship, but a centre of activities for all. For seniors, activities include:

Senior-focused activities include:

TAG (Tuesday Afternoon Group) – TAG is a group that runs between September and April and meets at 2.00 pm every Tuesday. It is a group that encourages open chat and discussion about a wide range of topics. This is an hour-long meeting, with tea and biscuits provided.
Regal (Retired Persons Group) – Regal is a friendly group who meet on the second Thursday of every month. They have discussion groups where they listen to speakers talk about all sorts of issues and subjects. Past speakers have talked about how to make an atlas, walking to the North Pole, the Gunpowder Plot, and many other fascinating topics. The group have a lunch of soup and a sandwich after the talks, and enjoys general conversation and company.
Pastoral Visits – At times, people may feel that they wish to discuss certain life experiences or difficult situations with a Pastor. These visits can be arranged by contacting the church office on Tel No: 0131 892800

Specialised Dementia Support Note: Abbey Church operates a dedicated Pastoral Care & Befriending Team that supports housebound elders and those experiencing memory loss. The centre is fully step-free with accessible amenities, making it an easy-to-navigate location for local seniors.

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