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East Lothian Council funding cuts put vital community project, First Step at risk of permanent closure Almost 30 local children's nursery places and 15 jobs will be lost without essential funding. The future of First Step Community Project is under threat after East Lothian Council has cut over 60% of its funding. The community project, which has supported the local community for 35 years, provides crucial services to families in Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig including childcare, parental support groups, counselling and a much-needed food pantry and clothing bank. First Step Community Project has learned that their funding from East Lothian Council’s “One Council” has been drastically reduced for the upcoming year, following a previous cut in 2024. The significantly reduced funding also comes with restrictive stipulations, meaning the funding cannot be cover any core costs such as rent, electricity or existing staff salaries. This is not sustainable, and without immediate and direct actions, a lifeline that a huge number of local families rely upon will be unable to run. Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North & Musselburgh, commented, “I have long been an admirer of the fantastic work First Step Community Project do in my constituency, and I am devastated to learn that their future is now under threat. The positive impact they make on everyone who uses their services is unsurmountable and they would leave a huge gap in available support for some of the most vulnerable families in East Lothian should they be forced to close. "I will do all I can to add my weight to their campaign and urge the community to get behind them too.” First Step Community Project Chair, Rachel Wales said, "First Step really is a pillar of our community here in Musselburgh and the surrounding areas, with so many families relying on the work our community project does not only to care for their children but ultimately the entire family. "I became chair to give back to an organisation that has been a life line to me. The thought of losing such an important resource is truly devastating and will undoubtedly negatively impact so many in our community. First Step has supported and championed local families for over 35 years, and I am confident that with the appropriate funds allocated to our project, we will continue to support families for a further 35 years and hopefully longer." A petition urging East Lothian Council to reconsider First Step's allocated funding has been started and can be found at https://chng.it/2rXTWTpSy9 There is to be an Emergency General meeting on Thursday 3 April at Musselburgh East Community Centre, Haddington Road, Musselburgh, EH21 8JJ. This will be a drop-in format between 5:30 and 7:30 pm. Please come along to learn what you can do to save First Step. Together, we can fight for the future of this vital community project. Every voice matters. Every action counts. Let’s stand together and ensure First Step Community Project continues to be there for those who need it most. ENDS
18 Comments
Anne-Marie small
1/4/2025 03:56:23 am
My son Lewis attended First step wee bears and big bears nursery. First Step Community Project was a godsend for Lewis and I. We attended the baby groups. Everyone was very friendly. Please safe First step community project 🙏
Ann S Bonthron
1/4/2025 04:26:13 am
Perhaps if the councillors accepted a pay rise in line with everyone else the money could be used for the nursery?
Pamela Masson
1/4/2025 04:51:34 am
Please keep this very important facility open for members of the community for whom it is invaluable 🙏
Martin shiel
1/4/2025 05:05:52 am
My grandson goes to big bears my granddaughter also went there as well as my 2 sons. The nursery is a life line to a lot of families in the local area. So if this closes a lot of families will miss out on a lot of support.
Greig Mitchell
1/4/2025 05:20:48 am
Please stop this from happening.
Greig Mitchell
1/4/2025 10:36:25 am
Please stop this from happening.
Heather craigie
1/4/2025 05:32:21 am
First step was a lifeline fr me when my children were small kids with learning dissabilities..FS helped me find my cofidence on the management commitee..and ongoing courses.. and the early years support and dedication from the nursery workers ..was nothing short of the best ..its a sad day if council cut this service which has benefited 2 and 3 generations of families enormously
Albert Tasker
1/4/2025 06:02:07 am
Utter disregard from East Lothian Council to the need for early education to Children and the devastating effect on parents ...many may now have to give up jobs ..to stay at home to look after youngstrrs until they reach school age. PS ..who in ELC made the decision to wipeout this critical community need. No doubt getting a wage rise into the bargain
Nadia
1/4/2025 06:35:10 am
My son attended first step community project wee bears and big bears I can honestly say it has been the best decision he was cared for as if he was with family. We have lots of great memories with all3 of my children. I attended family classes, summer activities and met so many lovely people. First step helps so many families and have been doing an amazing job. First step is welcoming, clean, tidy and most importantly lots of fun. All staff are friendly and very helpful I rate them top marks and 5 stars for all their efforts and outstanding commitment.
Sonia
1/4/2025 07:09:58 am
The world was a scary place as a first time mum. Firststep were angels sent from heaven that helpped with that fear. Xx 1/4/2025 07:57:10 am
My Grandaughter goes to First step she started in Wee Bears and attends Big Bears now, she loves her time there and has learnt so much from the caring staff that look after these kids..
Caroline Tierney
1/4/2025 08:41:45 am
I want to express my concern that firststep community project is facing closure due to cuts. They have helped my family so much. They supported me through some tough times and I genuinely couldn't thank them enough. I hope they get the funding they need as I know alot of future families will benefit greatly having this service available to them.
Natalie Watson
1/4/2025 08:47:02 am
My daughter is in wee bears at the moment. She has a place for biig bears after the summer. She is on the neurodevelopmental pathway. When I first went to visit first steps, I instinctively knew it was the right place for her. It feels a family and she receives the support she requires. Not only that, they care and the children aren’t just a number. It took my daughter a while to settle in and now she runs to the building. The thought of her not being at first steps gives me anxiety. I was beyond pleased wnen I learned she had received a placement after the summer. When it is so hard to get a place anywhere, due to not enough places in the area. Where does this leave my child, who is going to pick up the pieces? This is going to have such a massive impact on her and will set her back greatly. The nearest catchment has just announced that they have to limit hours for children due to lack of staff and it has been decided that a thriving model that works will lose its funding? In the long term probably saving the council money, providing an early years provision that the council can’t do at present. The families are happy and the staff are happy. They have had most staff members for years. What on earth are the decision makers thinking. This is going to affect countless people and their children. Some services are too important to the community. There is no point saving pennies when there will be no community left at this rate.
Carolann Duffy
1/4/2025 09:36:44 am
My granddaughter attended this nursery, and my grandson attends this nursery also first step is a good nursery.mostboc the staff have been there for a long time , and the children are used to them.it is a ngood nursery for all the children who attend there .keep first step open.
Carole McGinley
1/4/2025 02:15:58 pm
A lifeline for many people in the area.
Lauren primrose
1/4/2025 02:36:09 pm
A lifeline for many in the area
Yvonne Stevenson
2/4/2025 01:41:35 am
I used first step over a 6 year period and was an absolute god send. Classes and support I attended from baby massage, raising children with confidence course, cooking classes, exercises classes, baby weaning classes, book bugs, adventure peep, walking classes, breast feeding classes, stay and play, music and movement classes and more. Lovely staff and great support making such a difference to young families. It would be a devastating loss to the community.
Saba Butt
2/4/2025 06:09:50 am
There are many people connected to this place whose first step is helping, first step plays a very important role for all of us always, the future of our children is associated with first step, The first step must never be closed, please stop this move and save the first step Leave a Reply. |
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