We've been granted occupancy in a new space in which we'll establish our headquarters.
People Know How has been granted occupancy in a new student-led residential development on London Road. Basing ourselves here, we will ensure that development in the North East remains loyal to its community, and we will be well placed to grow and run our services supporting that community.
Finding a base
We have had many offices over the years, from Ocean Terminal, to St. Margaret’s House on London Road, to where we are currently based at 525 Ferry Road. As we grow, we frequently find ourselves in need of additional space to expand our projects, services and team of volunteers, interns and placement students so that we may support even more of the community.
At the heart of the North East community
This new location will give us a base at the centre of the community in which we work, close to Craigentinny, Lochend, Restalrig and Loganlea, where our Shaping your future project is based. This community project aims to capture different local voices to unlock positive change. We were drawn to this area back in 2017, because of its thriving community centre, local primary school and nursery, active community council, and the considerable change it is currently facing. It is also a community facing challenges of poverty and social inequality.
Relocating to London Road will also give us proximity to the local schools in which we run our Positive Transitions service, including Craigentinny Primary School and Hermitage Park Primary School. The service supports children, young people and their families. The projects that make up this service are run in and around the schools themselves, making our new location ideal for continuing and expanding our work.
Finally, our Reconnect service also operates some of its digital sessions in the area, providing basic digital skills contributing to increased social inclusion. With our own space at the heart of the North East, we will be able to provide more of this support on-site.
- Summix Spokesperson
Supporting our team
We are always looking to expand our team of Volunteers, Interns and Placement students (VIPs), providing them with opportunities for career development, a supportive learning environment and supported work placements.
Being situated in a student building will strengthen the strong links we have with universities throughout Edinburgh. We work with universities and colleges such as the University of Edinburgh, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College as well institutions internationally. We provide placements for social work, art therapy and occupational therapy students as well as volunteering and internships in all our projects. By working close to a student hub of activity, we will develop a reciprocal relationship of support between us and the students who reside in the building, and engage them in the local area, supporting them through their time at university or college.
Fulfilling our strategic aims
Our plans to relocate to this area tie in to our new Strategic Plan, maximising social impact through social innovation, supporting individuals and organisations to unlock their ideas and collaborating with partners and stakeholders to enhance community development and become a catalyst for policy and systems change.
In line with our strategic aims, this new location will give us proximity to the Scottish Parliament, as we engage routinely in cross party working groups and engage with policy makers.
We also envisage offering free community space to local groups and organisations, as we have done in the past when situated at Ocean Terminal.
Our work unlocks the ideas of the people we aim to support, so what better place to base ourselves than in the very community we aim to support.