A look ahead to what’s on at The Welcoming this week…

Please note: for the next month the Employability & Business Guidance sessions will be taking place on Saturdays from 1-3pm, with time for appointments from 10am-1pm. You can email Leon ([email protected]) to get more information and to arrange an appointment. Leon will be available on the following Saturdays 10th November, 24th November, 1st December.

Saturday 3 November, Creative Space
Every Saturday, 12-4pm on the 5th floor at The Welcoming 
Join us for our weekly Creative Space session, where we have a variety of arts activities and games with something to suit everyone!

Saturday 3 November (10am – 12 noon), Sunday 4 November (11am – 1pm)
Digital Skills for Arabic Speakers
These classes are delivered in Arabic and English and are a great way to gain confidence with using computers for email, internet, shopping, banking and creating all kinds of documents. Spaces are limited so please call the Welcoming office on 346 8577 or email [email protected] to book your place.

Monday 5 November, Open Book Reading Group 
10-12pm, 5th floor at The Welcoming
Our Open Book Reading Group is back! Join us every week as we discover new authors and stories together. This is a lovely way to meet new people and enjoy reading together.

Tuesday 6 November, Welcome to Edinburgh
First Tuesday of every month, 12-2pm
New at The Welcoming? Come along on Tuesday between 12-2pm to Welcome to Edinburgh, an informal session where you will get a chance to meet us, hear about what we do and meet other newcomers. The session includes a free lunch, so let us know if you would like to join us by emailing [email protected]

Tuesday 6 November, Gym & Swim Session
3-5pm, Leith Victoria Gym & Swimming Pool
Our weekly gym and swim session has a new day! We will meet at Leith Victoria at 3pm (there will not be a meeting point at The Welcoming), for our workout session! Join us to use the gym, or have a relaxing swim, for just £1.

Tuesday 6 November, Games Night
Every Tuesday, 5-7pm, 5th floor at The Welcoming
Join us for our weekly games night on the 5th floor! We have a range of activities available, including table tennis, pool and a great selection of board games.

Wednesday 7 November, Women’s Cooking Group 
For three Wednesdays in November we are running a different type of English class -in a kitchen! If you like to learn in a hands-on way, come along to these sessions where you will practice vocabulary related to food and cooking. Each participant is paired up with a local and together they practice vocabulary while cooking. At the end, we all sit down and enjoy a meal together. Spaces are limited and booking is essential, so write to [email protected] to reserve your place. There is also a free volunteer-run creche available, so you can bring your children.

At the moment we can only invite female participants to these classes, but if you’re not a woman and would be interested to take part in the future, please let us know!

Wednesday 7 November, Scotland for Newcomers – University of Edinburgh collection
Meet at 3pm outside the University of Edinburgh’s Main Library 
This week’s Scotland for Newcomers group will be visiting the University of Edinburgh’s collection of Scottish cultural items -from pictures to manuscripts and old instruments, this tour will show us a bit of everything! It will be followed by a short workshop in which together we will learn about Scottish cultural heritage. We will meet at 3pm outside the University of Edinburgh’s Main Library. Free and all welcome.

Wednesday 7 November, Jogging Group
6pm at The Welcoming
Are you a keen runner or want to get started? Join us for a gentle run from The Welcoming. New joggers are always welcome, please email [email protected] first to let her know you’re coming and to indicate your level. If you would like to join us but are worried about not having the right shoes/clothing come to the office to have a chat in confidence. We may be able to help!

Wednesday 7 November – Singing Group
Every Wednesday, 7.30-9pm at St Martins Community Resource Centre, 232 Dalry Road
On Wednesday join us for some fun and creativity at our new Singing Group! Everyone is invited to come along to sing together: it doesn’t matter if you’ve never done it before, this activity is open to everyone. The group meets every Wednesday between 7.30-9pm at St Martins Community Resource Centre, 232 Dalry Road. Any questions or for more information please contact [email protected]

*New Activity*
Thursday 8 November, Wee Blether
Every Thursday, 3.30-5pm, 5th floor at The Welcoming
Join our new weekly conversation activity, The Wee Blether! This is a chance to enjoy informal conversations within a small comfortable group. The session is run by volunteers Pirjo and Eva. There will be 8 spaces per week, but you don’t need to book in advance.

Friday 9 November, Welcoming Lunch
12.15-1.15, 1st floor at The Welcoming
Come along to the first floor and join us for a friendly, relaxed lunch. We will have a selection of sandwiches and salads from Pret, we look forward to seeing you all there!

Friday 9 November, Conversation Cafe
1.30-3.30pm, 1st floor at The Welcoming
Join us for our weekly Conversation Cafe! This is a chance to meet new people, and chat with local volunteers. Each week we will have a new topic for activities and discussion.

Friday 9 November, Joanna Cherry Constituency Advice Surgery
2-4pm, 5th floor at The Welcoming
On Friday 9th of November between 2-4pm you can pop by to speak with Joanna Cherry, a Member of Parliament. If you have any issues you need help with or would like people from Parliament to know, get in touch to make an appointment with her.

Every Day at The Welcoming, English language classes
See our timetable for all the details.

What’s on at The Welcoming 3-10th November