Equalities Monthly - May 2025!
- May 6
- 11 min read
Hello world!
Welcome to the May 2025 release of our Equalities Monthly newsletter!
We've got lots of exciting updates to share with you all, from our new project announcements to all the latest partners news and consultations, have a read and find out more.
We are always on the lookout for new activities and updates to add to our monthly, if you or your organisation has something coming up that you would like us to share, contact us and let us know.
You can also submit events to our Equality Calendar!
What have we been up to at FCE?
On Mon 28 Apr 2025 we were joined by partners and members as we launched our Fife Inclusion Network project!
The Fife Equalities Forum came together on Wed 09 Apr 2025 to discuss the latest equalities goings-on and partners' updates.
We have continued interviewing and visiting groups as part of our Let's Chat Equality - Fife programme!
The Fife Common Grounds Network have been preparing a number of planning and design sessions as part of the Beveridge Park Peace garden Restoration!
As always, we have published a range of exciting new events and consultations on our Equality Calendar! Keep posted for more.
What's happening at FCE?
Let's Chat - Equality in Fife
What do you think is special about Fife? Let us know.
Our Let's Chat Equality initiative aims to learn more about what is working for you, and what you'd like to see more of within your communities.
We will share your feedback with services in Fife to improve access for everyone.
We'd love to chat with you! You can provide feedback using the form below, meeting us for a one-to-one interview or we can visit your group or organisation! Let us know what works best for you:
Let's Chat Equality - Fife: Ongoing Survey
Looking to learn more? Let us know by getting in touch with us at info@centreforequalities.org.uk, calling 01592 645310, text on 07800 005834 or write to us at Fife Centre for Equalities, New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XT.
Fife Inclusion Network
We'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who attended our launch event last month and made it a success! It was great to see you all and kick-start the project.
As part of the launch event, we held discussions on what was working in people's communities, what sort of things they needed support and guidance with as well as their aspirations for the future!
Guests were given the opportunity to give us feedback and ask questions as well as inviting them to discuss future Get-Together events, how we can make it more inclusive and welcoming, where should we meet etc. and if any of the groups or organisations would like to host a Get-Together.
We are currently putting together the final preparations for our next Get-Together! Keep posted as we share details.
Our next Get-Together will be on 27th May 2025 at New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XT from 10:30-12:30.
Interested in getting involved? Contact us using info@centreforequalities.org.uk, call 01592 645310 or text 07800 005834.
Fife Equalities Forum
The next Fife Equalities Forum will be taking place on Wed 14 May 2025 from 14:00! The Forum is a great opportunity to learn more about the different groups and organisations working in Fife, the barriers they are facing and how we can work together to improve things for everyone.
Interested in attending? Get in touch. Contact us at info@centreforequalities.org.uk, calling 01592 645310, text on 07800 005834
Fife Common Grounds Network
We’re really excited to say that we were successful in our funding bid, as part of the Kirkcaldy Decides programme, to restore the Beveridge Park Peace Garden! We will receive £15,000 to put towards the planning, design and work on restoring the garden as a space to meet and connect with the diverse communities of Fife.
We’re also working on the organising of our Summer Gathering! Similarly to last year, we were hoping to host it in July at the Peace Garden as a point of reflection and looking forward. As such, we are looking for people interested to assist in steering the direction of the project and the wider group. If this is an opportunity you would be interested in, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We will be hosting a number of design workshops over the next few months, please see below for the proposed dates. We aim for the design session to be hybrid at our office, if you would like to join online instead of in-person, let us know:
Second planning / Discussion Meeting – 14 May 15:00 to 17:00 (New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XT)
Interfaith Conversation Café – 27 May from 13:00 onwards, New Volunteer House, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XT
Community Mediation & Discussion Meeting – 17 Jun from 13:00 to 16:00, Caledonia House Pentland Park, Glenrothes KY6 2AL
July Get-Together at Beveridge Park and Final Design Session – 16 Jul
Contractor Sourcing / Gardening Starts – September/Oct 25
Tree Planting / Torchlight Procession as part of Interfaith Week Scotland – 14 Nov
Peace Garden (Re)Launch Event – March/April 2026
Please note that you are free to join any of these meetings and there is no pressure to attend them all! All inputs are welcome.
FCE Companion Support
Introducing our Monthly Wellbeing Challenges. Small changes, big difference.
We’re excited to launch a series of monthly challenges focused on supporting positive mental health and personal wellbeing, all designed to be simple, meaningful, and suitable for everyone to take part in.
These challenges are spread out across the year and each one has a different focus, from kindness and mindfulness to self-care and creativity. The aim is to offer small, achievable actions that help us feel more connected, calm, and uplifted in everyday life, all while helping improve our mental health and wellbeing.
We’re kicking things off in June with our first challenge:
30 Days of Kindness.
As June starts with Volunteers Week, we thought it would be nice to focus on kindness and supporting others. Each day in June, we’re inviting you to do one small act of kindness: a compliment, a helping hand, or simply a kind message. It’s a lovely way to brighten someone’s day (and your own).
From there, we’ll be launching a new challenge every couple of months, each one tailored to the time of year. From spending mindful time outdoors, to daily self-care moments during busy periods, to trying something new in spring, there’s something for everyone.
Keep an eye on our newsletter and social channels for the latest updates. And if you know someone who could use a little lift, feel free to share it with them too.
You can join every challenge or dip in occasionally, take part in whatever way suits you best.
If you'd be interested in volunteering with us, please contact maria@centreforequalities.org.uk, call us on 01592 645310 or text 07800 005834.
Joining our Board
We are recruiting suitably skilled people to join the Board to help deliver our vision and mission.
If you are passionate about equality, diversity, inclusion, and social justice, then this could be the volunteering role you’ve been looking for.
Applicants should have a passion and commitment to build a collective voice to champion equality, diversity, inclusion and social justice, along with the ability to provide strong governance and direction to ensure the delivery of our objectives.
These Trustee positions are voluntary, however, out-of-pocket expenses will be met.
For more information, please contact Elric Honoré, Chief Executive, elric@centreforequalities.org.uk or 01592 645 310.
Equality Calendar Dates to look out for:
Our Equality Calendar showcases all of the upcoming equalities awareness days, partners events and local consultations! Check out some of the upcoming international days below:
World Press Freedom Day - 03 May: Recognising the importance of a free press and protecting that right, this year is focused on looking at how AI can impact publications.
International Day of Families - 15 May: Raising awareness of the importance of families, the theme for 2025 is aimed at sustainability and long-term social development.
International Day of Living Together in Peace - 16 May: Living together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way.
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development - 21 May: A global effort to combat the stereotypes faced by those with down syndrome, as well as bringing attention to the wide range of support available.
Click here to visit our Equality Calendar, and add your own event today.
Our Partners' News and Events
Fife International Forum - We are Hiring!
Fife International Forum are currently looking for a number of exciting new positions!
They are currently looking to recruit for the following positions:
These roles are a great opportunity for anyone passionate about working with communities, developing new skills and supporting others across Fife.
Closing date for applications is 23 May 2025. For more information, please click here.
Fife Afro-Caribbean Network - Curios Conversations:
From the Fife Afro-Caribbean Network:
We would like take this opportunity to (re)introduce you to the Fife African and Caribbean Network ahead of our event on the 17th May 2025, at the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy - Curious Conversations - 11am-3pm
The theme of what we hope to be the first of many 'Curious Conversations' will be "Where are you from?"
This event is all about holding a space to be courageously, compassionately, curious about who we are, where we are from and our place in the community. It is an event open to all and will be so much more interesting with a diversity of ideas and voices so we do hope you can come, and do bring others.
There will be arts and crafts, panel discussion, and food. As always, it is a family friendly event.
We are really keen to create opportunities for our communities to access all spaces and places in Fife, where we may not naturally feel welcomed. This will strengthen our sense of belonging and agency in the community.
Please book a FREE ticket for the event here:
As part of the event we are looking to display a photo reel of "objects from home" as a representation of every day heritage. This might include items of clothing and accessories, cooking equipment, games etc. If you would like to contribute to this display, please send us a photo of your item with a short description.
It would be lovely to connect with you all again.
Valleyfield Open Day:
Valleyfield Community Centre will be hosting an open day on Tue 27 May 2025 from 12:30 to 14:30. It's a great opportunity to drop-in and learn more about the range of free courses and support available in the area.
For more information call 01383 602372.
Afro-Caribbean Festival Fife 2025
From the Afro-Caribbean Festival Fife 2025: Taking place on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, at Pittencrieff Park (The Glen), Dunfermline, the Afro-Caribbean Festival Fife is a vibrant outdoor festival which focuses on the joyful celebration of African and Caribbean culture, through music, dance, food, arts, and authentic community connection.
It is a great opportunity to celebrate with others, make new meaningful connections and enjoy the summer sun.
Event highlights include:
• Live African and Caribbean music and dance
• Delicious Afro-Caribbean food vendors
• Cultural storytelling and workshops
• A marketplace for Black-owned brands
• Family-friendly activities and entertainment
This is a free-entry, inclusive community event open to all.
You can also find updates via our Instagram: @afrocaribbeanfestfife For more information, please contact temi@aytfoods.com or call 07384 717175.
Fife Contemporary - Hag Exhibition:
Fife Contemporary are pleased to announce Hag. Knowledge, Power & Alchemy through Craft, an upcoming exhibition challenging perceptions of women and craft open at Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries from 8 March to 8 June 2025.
Hag. Knowledge, Power & Alchemy through Craft will open at Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries on 8th March 2025, International Women’s Day.
Free entry, open daily:
Monday – Friday 10am to 5pm (until 6pm Thursdays)
Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday 12 – 4pm
Provocatively titled but thoughtfully curated, Hag. will bring together the work of 13 of Scotland’s most inventive, creative and impactful women craft artists, including Lise Bech, Judith Davies, Caroline Dear, Claire Heminsley, Fiona Hutchison, Ruth Elizabeth Jones, Gilly Langton, Jo McDonald, Susie Redman, Patricia Shone, Carol Sinclair, Amanda Simmons and Emma Louise Wilson. Celebrating the knowledge, power & alchemy mediated by their work, the exhibition will celebrate craft skills and approaches to practice developed by these significant women over decades of work and personal endeavour.
To find out more please visit the Fife Contemporary website here.
Consultations to look out for
Fife Community Council Consultation:
Fife Council are currently looking for your views on the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils in Fife, (the Scheme). The Scheme sets out how community councils in Fife are formed; the conditions under which they can operate, and the minimum standards to be met for recognition as a community council. Closes 16 May 2025.
Woodend Park, Cardenden - Play Area:
From Fife Council:
We’re adding play equipment into Woodend Park play area in Cardenden and we need your help to make sure that the new facilities meet the needs of everyone who will use it.
We want to ensure that the play equiment and spaces we are providing meet the needs of the local community. Please have at look at these choices and let us know what options would work best for you and/or the young people in your life.
Closes 03 June 2025.
Health: Long Term Conditions:
Scottish Government:
This consultation provides an opportunity to gather the views of a wide range of individuals and organisations on what matters when it comes to prevention, care, support and equalities in long term conditions. This might be for yourself, someone you care for informally, for people you care for professionally or otherwise represent, whether on a professional or voluntary basis. We welcome your participation.
Housing (Scotland) Bill:
From Scottish Government: This consultation seeks views on how powers within the Housing (Scotland) Bill ("the Bill") could be used to exempt certain types of properties from rent control and the circumstances where rents could be increased above the level of any introduced rent cap.
The Bill, as introduced to Parliament on 26 March 2024, creates a power for Scottish Ministers to introduce rent control areas. This would only be done following an assessment of an area’s rents by the local authority and a consultation with the relevant local authority and representatives of affected landlords and tenants.
If the Scottish Ministers are satisfied, after reviewing this evidence, that capping rent increases for Private Residential Tenancies (PRTs) in an area is necessary and proportionate, that area may be designated as a rent control area through regulations that must be approved by the Scottish Parliament.
To view the consultation and share your views, please click here.
Women's Survey 2025
The Scottish Women's Budget Group has just launched its fourth women's survey: Introduction : Scottish Women's Budget Group Women's Survey 2025
This annual survey is an important opportunity for women in Scotland to share their views on public spending and how it affects their lives. This year, we’re focusing on three key topics:
Women’s financial situation
Council Tax
Fresh food and health
We want to hear directly from women about how their financial circumstances may have changed over the past year, how much unpaid care work they do, and the impact this has on their lives. We’re also gathering views on recent Council Tax changes and asking about access to fresh food and its links to health.
We’ll be posting about the survey regularly throughout the month across all our social media channels. We’ve created specific posts targeting different demographics, and we’ll be tagging relevant organisations—like yours—where appropriate to help amplify the message.
We’re hoping to match—or exceed—the number of responses we received last year, and your support in helping us reach more women across Scotland would be hugely appreciated.
The deadline for taking the survey is 31st May.
Needing assistance when running a consultation, or finding it difficult to take part? Contact us and help make Fife more accessible at info@centreforequalities.org.uk, calling 01592 645310, text on 07800 005834.
Funding
If you are interested in finding out more about the funding available to your organisation, please make use of the local and national resources below:
Fife Council: Fife Council Funding Portal
Fife Voluntary Action: Funding and Finance
SCVO: Funding Scotland
If you are looking to share funding opportunities that may benefit local community groups and organisations that cover the different protected characteristics, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at info@centreforequalities.org.uk, calling 01592 645310, text on 07800 005834.
Get in touch
Do you have any concerns that you would like to share? Or just looking for a chat? Get in touch!
Let's Chat Equality - Fife: Let's Chat: Equality in Fife | FCE
Email us at: info@centreforequalities.org.uk
Call us on: 01592 645310
Text us using: 07800 005834
Or even write to us: New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XT
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