Equalities Monthly - October 2026!
Hello world!
Welcome to the October 2026 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?
The FIN Team had their get-together at Saunders Court, Kirkcaldy on the 8 September discussing the project and how to get involved. Playlist for Life also joined us on the day!
Our Fife Equalities Forum was online on Wed 9 Sep 2026, sharing updates, opportunities to work together and more.
We also had a shoutout in the Fife HSCP: Culture, Engagement & Communities Service Newsletter Autumn 2026. This was about our 10th Anniversary and Summer Gathering. To read more click here: Culture, Engagement & Communities Service Newsletter Autumn 2026
Also, if you were at this event, we would be grateful for any feedback. This is the link: Fife Centre for Equalities Summer Gathering & 10 Year Anniversary Feedback
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 are your experiences of living in Fife? Do you feel that you are able to get the support or advice you need?
Our Let's Chat service hopes to learn more about your views on services across Fife, what is working well about them and what may need extra improvements.
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:
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.
FCE Community Roundtables 2026
In October we will run two roundtables, welcoming partners, clients and volunteers. We host this space for conversations on what matters to communities in Fife.
During Challenge Poverty Week (5th-11th October) we will host our Anti-poverty and Community Wealth Building roundtable (7th October.) In the morning we will focus on barriers to accessing antipoverty support. We know people struggle to access the support that is there for them, we want to find out what can practically help.
In the afternoon, we will discuss community wealth building, and listen on views how it can be inclusive, increase participation and create opportunities for all residents in Fife.
Later in the month, alongside Black History Month, we will host our second Race and Ethnicity roundtable (29th October.). We will continue the conversations we started last year and look how the experiences in our communities have changed over the year. We will consider how Fife’s diverse communities can engage with each other, raise awareness and celebrate cultural differences and consider what can make people feel safe and respected for who they are.
If you are interested in sharing your experience of life in Fife, your thoughts on access to local services, your insights on what would support you, your family or community, you can use our anonymous online Let’s Chat form or contact us using the details below:
Address: Fife Centre for Equalities, New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1XT.
Phone: 01592 645 310
E-mail: info@centreforequalities.org.uk
Website: centreforequalities.org.uk
Human Rights Community of Practice Project starts at Fife Centre for Equalities.
Introducing the Human Rights Community of Practice
The Human Rights Community of Practice will bring together a diverse community of people to foster and develop their commitment to making human rights meaningful in our communities. It will consist of people with lived experience, frontline practitioners and workers, professionals, community groups and stakeholders. Every perspective is important and we will recognise that lived experience is invaluable.
The Community of Practice will enable a safe, supportive and collaborative space where those involved learn from each other and share their experience as we strengthen rights-based practice across Fife.
Working Together for Change
The Human Rights Community of Practice is an opportunity to create a culture where human rights are understood, valued, and actively upheld. We cannot do this alone, it is work we can do together by sharing ideas, knowledge and placing lived experience at the heart of the conversation. Together we will ensure human rights move beyond theory and into shaping everyday lives. Human rights are not just legal ideals, they are about people, relationships, dignity and individuals having a voice and control. Come and join the Community of Practice to make change happen.
To learn more about our aims for the project, please visit our blog by clicking here.
Get in touch at COP@centreforequalities.org.uk for more information.
Lunchtime Learning - Equality Pathfinders 2026 Reboot:
We listened to your feedback and requests following our 10 Year Summer Gathering and Celebration (link to blog) and restarting our training programme with a fresh focus on guiding organisations with their Equality Mainstreaming and human rights, creating good foundations for their Bronze level award. We also will support partners in developing their Fair Work principles and gain the Silver Award as they progress in their equality journey.
Join us for our first lunchtime workshops, where we outline the programme. The workshop will be online on Wednesday 21st October and Wednesday 25 November, 12-1pm.
For more information, please click here for the October session and here for the November session.
Fife Inclusion Network:
Fife Inclusion Network held their September get-together at Saunders Court, Kirkcaldy. It was a great opportunity to engage with the residents and some of our Fife Inclusion network members to introduce our project and the work we are doing to build connections and inclusion in our communities.
We were delighted to have Pam from Playlist for Life project joined us on the day who talked about her Playlist for Life project, a music and dementia charity that uses the power to music to support wellbeing, brain health and connection.
It was a great and engaging session; everyone had an enjoyable time.
Our upcoming Get-Together will be at Together Levenmouth Hub in Leven on 27th Oct from 11:30am – 13:30pm. Please keep an eye on our event page Events | FCE for update and join us on the day.
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 online on Wed 14 Oct 2026 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
FCE Companion Support:
FCE at Freshers
As Fife College has been holding their Fresher Fairs in each of their Campuses over the past few weeks, our staff have been in attendance spreading the word about FCE.
We had a stall at the Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy campuses speaking with students about their experiences and the different opportunities we have for them to get involved. We had a few sign ups for our Fife Inclusion Network as well as gathering feedback on our Let’s Chat forms.
It was great to meet with other groups and organisations providing support across Fife. Overall, it has been a great couple of days engaging with students and we look forward to the next one!
MPS Training
From time to time our team takes part in development training sessions to help us improve our knowledge and continue to provide better guidance and support to the people of Fife. This month we took part in Peer Research Training, alongside some of our volunteers, to help us develop our skills and to support our future projects.
Sarah and Rebecca from Migration Policy Scotland (MPS) took us through a 3-hour training session on how to conduct peer research. The session took us through all the steps from planning to execution, including how to keep it ethical and how to safeguard both ourselves, researchers and participants.
This was both an informative and enjoyable session with lots of take aways to help us to train our volunteers but also to plan and launch future peer research projects.
This has been a vital step in helping us develop our new upcoming Community Navigators volunteer project, which we are currently in the process of recruiting for. So, if you are interested in joining our volunteer research project, please get in touch to find out more.
The Companion Support Project was created to build a network of volunteers who are passionate about reducing social isolation, connecting people and groups and making Fife a fairer place for all.
Funded by the Fife Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, our Companion Support (CS), volunteers work in a group setting to empower others, and encourage them to make new connections and friendships.
It is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and learn valuable new skills.
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:
Black History Month - 1 to 31 Oct: n the UK, Black History Month happens every October. It gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. However, campaigners believe their contribution to society has often been overlooked or distorted.
Challenge Poverty Week - 5 to 11 Oct: We wanted to highlight the injustice of poverty in Scotland, and to show that collective action based on justice and compassion can create solutions. The week is an opportunity for you to raise your voice against poverty and unite with others in calling for a just and equal Scotland.
International Day for Older Persons - 1 Oct: Under the theme "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives," the event will examine how policies can help ensure that longer lives are healthier, more productive, financially secure and lived with dignity. Discussions will highlight evidence on healthy longevity, the importance of prevention and lifelong well-being, age-inclusive labour markets, social protection, integrated care and whole-of-government approaches that recognize the interconnected nature of longevity across sectors.
World Mental Health Day - 10 Oct: It’s a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in good mental health.
For 2026, the theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is in Lived experiences heard: Real voices, real change.
Click here to visit our Equality Calendar, and add your own event today.
Our Partners' News and Events
Curious Conversations: The Bench
At 6pm on Wednesday 7th October 2026, Fife Contemporary will be hosting a conversation between the two artists - Mike and Simon - who designed and built The Bench
Concept of The Bench came about from the Fife African and Caribbean Network's mission and vision to bring people together to discuss potentially challenging topics, in a safe space, and to bring about mutual understanding.
The Bench was brought to life, with funding from Fife Contemporary and mentorship from FACN elder Mrs Loretta Mordi.
To find out more about the project and to sign up to the event, please see the links below.
Communi:TEA, Abbeyview
Communi:TEA, where people and food come together.
We welcome everyone to come and enjoy a variety of foods, activities and getting to know each other.
All ages are welcome at Communi:TEA. We always do our best to accommodate dietary requirements so please don't be shy, just let us know.
There's loads of opportunities to get involved just reach out to Nyree.
Contact
Nyree Keith
Date, time and location
Abbeyview Community Hub, Abbey View, Dunfermline KY11 4HA
23 April 2026 at 12:00pm to 27 April 2027 at 2:00pm
Fife Contemporary - Celebrating 20 years:
Fife Contemporary will be marking its 20th anniversary in 2026. This important organisation for the cultural life of Fife and across Scotland is marking this landmark year with a new exhibition, Dear Earth.
Dear Earth runs across a full year, from opening on 21 March 2026 in Kirkcaldy Galleries to closing at St Andrews Museum on 6 March 2027. Fire Contemporary are announcing a satellite programme of events to accompany the exhibition, bringing together artists from across disciplines to respond to the environmental and social themes addressed in Dear Earth.
HAG: Knowledge, Power & Alchemy through Craft
This popular exhibition is back running across Scotland at 4 venues (Inverness Museum and Gallery, Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries, Kirkcudbright Galleries, and concluding at The Dick Institute, Kilmarnock) through 2027.
Looking at the work of female craft artists who are impactful celebrating the knowledge, power & alchemy mediated by their work, the exhibition and photography together celebrate craft skills and approaches to practice developed by these significant women over decades of work and personal endeavour.
Consultations to look out for
Your experience of homelessness in Fife:
Fife Council, in partnership with Turning Point Scotland, would like to hear from people like you, who have experienced homelessness. Your insights will help us understand what the reasons for homelessness in Fife are, and if anything could have been done earlier to prevent you becoming homeless.
Some topics may feel sensitive – please only share what you feel comfortable sharing and you can stop at any time.
For more information go to Your experience of homelessness in Fife - Fife Council - Citizen Space
You can also email Jennifer Dunbar for more information at Jennifer.Dunbar@fife.gov.uk
Hill of Beath and Lumphinnans Action Plan:
Fife Council and the Hill of Beath and Lumphinnans Steering groups, consisting of community partners and local residents are developing a new Community Action Plan to guide priorities for the next five years. Your views will help shape the People and Place themes that matter most to the community.
For more information go to Fife Council - Citizen Space to see links to these areas or you can email Patricia.Galfskiy@fife.gov.uk.
Café Inc Family Survey:
Café Inc makes sure that the Kingdom's children and young people (under 18) will have at least one tasty and healthy meal per day, while our nurseries and schools are closed over the holidays.
Please complete the short survey if you have used Café Inc during 2026 and let us know what you think about the service.
For more information contact Stephanie.Gardiner-cs@fife.gov.uk
Community Learning in Dunfermline - Consultation 2025:
Community learning is all about helping people grow, connect, and thrive through learning opportunities that are local, inclusive, and tailored to your needs. Whether you're looking to build new skills, support your family, or meet others, there’s something here for everyone.
This consultation looks at:
Adult Learning
Family Learning
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
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: 07700 149871
Or even write to us: New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XT
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