Ecas is charity which supports people in Edinburgh and Lothian who have a physical disability. They’ve done so for over 100 years: promoting equality, choice and participation through our activities, befriending service and grants.

The changing circumstances of the service users during the pandemic has meant that the availability for most activities and Ecas would love to have new people involved and benefit from what they do!

Ecas staff would be delighted to attend team meetings in person or online to provide an overview of Ecas services and answer any queries.  Please see below a summary of our services, attached is our digital flyer for more information:

• Activities A varied weekly activities programme which has returned in person after being online during the pandemic. Group sessions offer adults the chance to improve their health, wellbeing and learning through: art, craft, computing, yoga, tai chi, music for fun, reading and creative writing. Everyone is welcome from complete beginners to advanced. All materials will be supplied. All staff are trained and know their subject. Some activities are also available online via Zoom. Activities are designed to be fun sociable and are a great way to meet new people. Activities cost £2.30 per session, new members can try an activity for two weeks before signing up. Available across Edinburgh and Lothian. https://www.ecas.scot/activities/  For activity enquiries please email Janice Todd –  janice@ecas.scot or call 07500 221 618/0131 475 2344. 

• Grants Fund The Covid relief grants fund offers a diverse range of grants to help improve the lives of physically disabled people of any age living in Edinburgh and Lothian. Grants are awarded to help meet the cost of items or services which you can’t get through welfare benefits and statutory sources. Successful applications have included holiday breaks, white goods, technology, equipment, student fees, furniture and sheds. Awards for power-packs retrofitted to manual wheelchairs now considered. Available across Edinburgh and Lothian. https://www.ecas.scot/grants/ For grant enquiries please email Janice Todd –  janice@ecas.scot or call 07500 221 618/0131 475 2344. 

• Befriending The Befriending service offers friendship and companionship for isolated, physically disabled adults, matching people based on interests and personality. Available in the City of Edinburgh. https://www.ecas.scot/befriending/about-befriending/ For befriending enquiries please contact Sam Collins, Befriending Manager – sam@ecas.scot or call 07825 305 376. Referral forms available on our website.  

Please see the link to the FAQ section for further information which includes eligibility for different services. https://www.ecas.scot/faqs/

Staff are happy to discuss services in more detail over the phone, including individual suitability before making a referral.