Heart Talk Porty!

On 24th August Action Porty held an open meeting at Bellfield. This was to start the planning of a broad and inclusive community-led conversation to enable everyone in Porty to be able to help shape the future of Porty.

It was a very productive meeting with lots of energy and enthusiasm which resulted in many great ideas being exchanged. We were encouraged to delve into the future to imagine how we would want Porty to change. We thought about what changes we would like to our shared spaces - from parks to roads to the sea, and we reflected on community based solutions - from housing to community wealth building to transport to social inclusion of elders and youth, and came up with novel ideas on how to reach people who will never come to meetings such as this.

Please help us make this process as inclusive as possible by sharing this info, chatting to people about the Heart Talk and joining our core team or our wider engagement group.

Short description of the Heart Talk event for sharing (OR - here's a longer description you can link to)
Coming out of the pandemic, facing multiplying crises how do we draw on the resourcefulness of the people living here so everyone is included in a caring community now and into the future? Action Porty is inviting local people, groups, organisations and venues to host discussions about the future they want to see in a tapestry of inclusive conversations on the weekend of the 13/14th November.

Whether you’re keen on affordable housing, meaningful work and education, community-friendly transport, creative arts or sport, inclusive decision making, provision for youth or elders, mental health, green and growing spaces etc… you may want to get involved either by hosting or joining in with one or more conversations.
If you would like to become more involved in this community led conversation email us on HeartTalkPorty@gmail.com.

We have an online introduction to the process so you can decide whether you want to get involved 6.30 to 8pm on Tuesday 14th September, then 2 to 4pm Saturday 18th September, we have an in-person orientation session at St Marks to support folk to decide what conversation they want to hold or be a part of, link you with a support facilitator if you would like, and discuss how we can best hold conversations. This orientation session will be repeated online 6.30 to 8pm on Tuesday 28th September.

Also fill in this very short survey to help build a picture of what matters to people in Portobello.

Meet our Team:

Hear from some of our amazing staff & volunteers and find out why they want to be part of Bellfield. We introduced our new administrator Gail Stark in last month’s newsletter. This time, get to know her a little better in our quick fire interview:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Busy, happily married mum of two very sporty teenage boys who partake in rugby and diving to a very competitive level. I love meeting new people and have spent many years working in retail and then in Property & Estates for Scotland's Rural College, managing a team and providing department services including hospitality. Also involved in Edinburgh Diving Club as Assistant Secretary and Lead Chaperone/Team Manager as well as standing on the side-lines for numerous rugby matches. In my limited spare time I love to dance, especially tap, and relax with a good book and a nice glass of wine.

2. What's it like working at Bellfield?

My first impressions are fantastic, everyone I have met has been so friendly and enthusiastic, it really is a community working together and I'm delighted to be part of that.

3. What's your favourite part of Bellfield?

I love how people are so impressed by how beautiful the inside of the building is and first comment is usually "Wow". I also love how so many people have their own history and stories to tell of weddings, christenings etc.

4. If you had a superpower, what would it be?

To make people happy and smile more!!!! Oh and to slow time down, so I can get more done :)

Volunteer with Bellfield:

If you’re enthusiastic and can spare a little bit of time then Bellfield represents a great opportunity to meet new people learn new skills and get more involved in your local community.

Please save the date of Thursday 30 September at 7.30pm; we're planning a get-together of Bellfield volunteers as things start opening up to full activity again. It will be a social occasion but also an opportunity for update on new protocols for users.

Gifts by donation:

Your generosity keeps us going. As a charity, we rely on your donations (one off or regular) to enable us to support Bellfield and make a difference to the Community of Portobello. Don’t forget that, in addition to gifts by donation, you can support Bellfield by considering making a gift in your will. This is very easy and straightforward. You can find out more about ways to donate here.

Lastly you can also support us each time you shop on Amazon. Of course we recommend that you shop local first but if you are buying from Amazon, then please use AmazonSmile and Amazon will donate to Action Porty, at no cost to you.

Till the next update,

Yours Aye

The Action Porty Board for Bellfield