Kirknewton & East Calder Community Listening Project

Compassion

We are here to provide a welcoming and caring space for the local community.

Respect

Our volunteers treat everyone with the utmost respect.

Warmth

Our warm hub provides a cozy, welcoming space.

Chat

Have a blether with new friends, play a game, or just find a quiet space.

Refreshments

Enjoy a homemade soup and a roll, a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit.

Company

Meet new friends and reconnect with people from our community.

About Us

Elizabeth Pennykid

Project Co-ordinator
Elizabeth is the Project Coordinator of the KNEC Community Listening Project. She has lived in East Calder for 37 years and is a people person. She previously worked as a Staff Nurse and so is a naturally caring person.

The KNEC Community Listening Project aims to give everyone in our community a chance to be listened to and feel supported in a safe environment which is friendly, approachable, non judgemental and encouraging.

We currently have three branches to the project - Formal Listening Sessions, The Hub and Support Groups. We also have links with our local Schools and have plans for future community events.

We are very aware of the increased need for our community to pull together and support each other after facing the pandemic and cost of living crisis - the Project helps to facilitate this support.

We believe the gift of time and company can help a lot in dealing with the trials and curve balls life throws at people.

Please pop along to our project to visit and learn more. Everyone is very welcome. It is a community project for the people of our community and being led by community people.

Services

Everyone is welcome to use our services.

Warm Hub - A space for warmth & company

We serve soup and a roll, hot drinks and biscuits. There is always company for a chat or to play a game.

The KNEC Listening Project provides a warm hub:

When - Mondays & Thursday
Time - 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where - East Calder Church Hall, 8 Manse Court, EH53 0EN
Cost - Free
Everyone is welcome

Listening Sessions - A friendly ear, listening to you

Do you have concerns that you worry about? Are you dealing with uncertainty? Do you just want someone to listen to you? Do you live alone and would like to talk to someone?

The KNEC Listening Project provides trained listeners and a relaxing, private space for you to chat in complete confidence and with no pre-judgement.

One to One sessions. A trusted and safe Community Project that makes a positive impact on mental, physical and emotional health
Trained Listeners. All listeners have undertaken training with Listen Well Scotland either to Introductory or Advanced Level
Completely confidential. A Confidentiality Statement is signed by all our listeners and Warm Hub volunteers
Non-judgemental. The project gives everyone regardless of age, sex, religion or creed a chance to be listened to and feel supported in a safe environment which is friendly, approachable, non judgmental and encouraging.

To enquire further about a listening session, contact our Project Co-ordinator Elizabeth on 07593 007068 or contact us.

Parent Support Group

One of the best but hardest jobs in the world is being a parent.

This group will provide a space to say it as it is, support each other, discuss different experiences and be encouragers of each other in our parenting journey. All are welcome.

When - Tuesday Evenings (Monthly)
Time - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where - East Calder Church Hall, 8 Manse Court, EH53 0EN
Upcoming Meetings - 6 June, 11 July, 1 August, 5 September and 3 October

Chat & Craft Group

The KNEC Community Listening Project is all about encouraging the Community to listen to, support and encourage each other.

This group will provide a space to get to know new people, and chat and craft together. All are welcome.

When - Tuesday Evenings (3rd Tuesday each month)
Time - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where - East Calder Church Hall, 8 Manse Court, EH53 0EN
Upcoming Meetings - 15 August, 19 September, 17 October, 21 November and 19 December