Reflections & Changes

Reflections & Changes

Celebrating 10 Years of Tribe Porty

We’re halfway through our tenth year at Tribe Porty which is a marker for reflections and changes, what a year it’s been so far! We’ve marked this milestone in true Tribe style, with gatherings full of connection, creativity, and joy.

Our anniversary dinner at Dovecot Studios was nothing short of magical. It was a pleasure to work with POP Conscious Catering who hold values so close to our own. They curated a beautiful meal, family style. The room sparkled with generosity and laughter as our Tribe came together in singing, reading poetry, and celebrating all we’ve built together. The energy was unforgettable, and our team, as always, made it all happen with heart and brilliance.

We also hosted our much-loved annual community summer party. Not even a heavy downpour could dampen the spirit! With the help of Team Oi Musica (and some very quick gazebo-building), we kept the party going. Workshops ran, sketch walks stepped boldly into the rain, and Peter & his trad jig crew quite literally brought out the sunshine. As always, Brass Blast closed the show with a bang. Huge thanks to everyone who joined and contributed, it was, once again, a highlight of the year.

A Time of Changes

Next month, we’ll welcome a new team as we say heartfelt goodbyes to two much-loved members of Tribe.

Debbie is retiring after six wonderful years. She first joined us as a volunteer before becoming Tribe’s first receptionist, a vital role as we expanded and evolved. Debbie has been a constant, a friendly face, and a huge part of our daily rhythm. Here’s what she had to say as she prepares for her next chapter:

 

“It’s hard to believe that Tribe is 10 years old and I have been part of it for 6 of those years. I am so grateful and blessed to be able to do such a great job with such amazing people.

I can only thank Dani for having faith in me and being so supportive and patient, that also goes for Alice, Ellie, and all the girls I’ve worked with. Thanks also to all the Tribers, past and present, who’ve given me good advice and so many laughs.

BUT mostly I must thank all the gorgeous pups who have made working at Tribe so memorable and made me feel so loved.” – Debbie

 

Ellie also moves on at the end of June, after a year of energising presence and contribution. Ellie brought a creative spark to our Tribe, most notably with the launch of The Story Sessions, which quickly became a staple of our events calendar. Here’s Ellie in her own words:

 

“I can’t quite believe we’re here already, but my time at Tribe Porty has come to an end. From my very first day, welcomed with such warmth and a genuine sense of belonging, I knew Tribe was more than just a workplace. It’s a vibrant, ever-evolving community.

What I’ve loved most is the people: the Tribers, the conversations over coffee, in the kitchen, and those one-on-one chats at reception. Sharing ideas, projects, stories, and life’s big and small moments made me feel truly connected.

One highlight has been launching The Story Sessions. A space to gather, listen, and be inspired by real stories from our community. It’s been amazing to see it grow into something that deepens our sense of connection.

Though I’m moving on from the team, I’ll still be around, hosting The Story Sessions bi-monthly, starting again in September after a summer break.

Thank you, Dani, Alice, Debbie, and all the Tribers, for making me feel at home and reminding me of the power of community.”

Reflections & Looking Ahead

At Tribe, it’s always been about the people. Without you, we’re just a building. That’s why we say: once a Triber, always a Triber.

As we say goodbye to Debbie and Ellie, we’re also excited to welcome two new team members, Sonny and Beverly, who will be joining us in July. Please say hello and make them feel right at home!

And there’s more to look forward to. As part of our 10-year celebrations, we’re excited to tease our next series of Tribe Talks, returning this autumn. This special edition will be centred around our core values: Work. Make. Share. Each month we’ll host a themed session to explore and celebrate these ideas in our community. This includes a collaboration with Edinburgh Tool Library. Stay tuned for more details soon!

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to ten years and the many stories, celebrations, and new beginnings still to come.

 

Thanks for reading,

Alice

 

 

As always we’d love to connect and hear your thoughts. As we look ahead to the next 10 years, we’d love to know: What would you love to see more of in the future of Tribe Porty?

 

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Beyond Pride: Spaces at Home and Away

Beyond Pride: Spaces at Home and Away

 

Pride Month is upon us, and I’ve been reflecting. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’ve been spending a lot of time recently thinking about the importance of inclusive, positive, and proactive community spaces.

Inclusive Spaces

A couple of weeks ago I went to the launch of Lonely Planet’s new LGBTQ+ Travel Guide. Until recently, if you wanted to know which parts of a city or country were safe, or where you could actually relax and be yourself, you had to rely on word of mouth – tips from friends, stories from the community, or scouring online forums. It always felt like you had to be part detective just to plan a trip. 

So seeing such a major travel brand put out a guide that is packed with practical info and shaped by Queer voices from around the world is huge. What sets this guide apart is each destination is introduced by local LGBTQ+ residents who share personal insights, recommendations for queer-friendly businesses, cultural highlights and must visit spots. It’s not just about where to go, but how to feel safe, seen, and celebrated when you get there. Sitting down with my girlfriend, flipping through these pages and reading about places where our community thrives – it’s a whole new beautiful feeling. 

 

Work & home

And it’s not just about feeling safe when we travel, it’s also about feeling safe on our doorsteps – and that includes at work, and in co-working spaces. When you walk into a workspace you want to know you can bring your whole self to the table without worrying about judgement, discrimination, or having to hide who you are. Safety isn’t just about physical security, it’s about emotional and psychological comfort too. There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who get it, where you can chat over coffee, lunch, or just get on with work knowing you’re in a space that has your back.

Why does this matter? Because when you feel safe, you’re free to focus on work, be creative and build genuine connections. Studies show that LGBTQ+ safe environments foster a culture where people can embrace their true identities, leading to stronger community bonds, higher job satisfaction and more opportunities for collaboration and growth, unlocking potential. Places that empower LGBTQ+ professionals to thrive, innovate, prioritise inclusivity and safety are vital.

 

Inclusivity in coworking spaces

Coworking spaces, such as our very own Tribe Porty, have the opportunity to not just offer a desk and wifi, but to be real hubs of belonging for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s more than just having flags up in June (although that is lovely!), it’s making sure there are clear policies against discrimination, having gender neutral toilets, hosting LGBTQ+ events, and having staff who genuinely get what inclusion means. Another really important thing is listening to LGBTQ+ members, inviting us into the conversation and being open to change as needs evolve. 

At Tribe Porty, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community starts with small but meaningful actions. Visible signs of support, like Pride flags, and collaborating with Porty Pride, using inclusive language across our platforms, and having gender-neutral facilities help signal that all identities are respected and celebrated here. We are committed to policies that protect against discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, and we’re intentional about using gender-inclusive language and inviting members to share pronouns if they feel comfortable.

 

Creating Inclusive Culture

Inclusion also means cultivating a community culture where LGBTQ+ members feel seen, valued, and supported. We aim to reflect diverse voices in our events and storytelling year-round, offering space for conversations, creativity, and connection. We’re always listening and learning, welcoming feedback from our community and making space for continuous reflection and growth. Because true inclusivity isn’t a checklist. It’s an ongoing, collective effort rooted in care.

When spaces do that, they become places where we can all show up as ourselves, connect, create and feel right at home. Which ultimately is what community is all about.

 

Soapbox: Story Sessions 

Soapbox and Tribe Porty are delighted to welcome you to another evening of Story Sessions! Join us on June 6th from 6pm for an evening of storytelling—a space to gather, connect, and be inspired by true stories from our community. Story Sessions is all about sharing real experiences: a place where voices are heard and celebrated.

This month, as part of Porty Pride, we’re shining a light on Queer Joy; a celebration of living authentically, loving boldly, and finding happiness in both the everyday and extraordinary moments of queer life. It’s about the moments that make us feel safe, loved, and empowered, and about the community that surrounds us with acceptance and support.

Storytelling is one of the oldest ways we connect as humans. Stories have the power to make us laugh, cry, reflect, and feel less alone. Through sharing and listening, we make sense of the world and discover authentic connection with each other.

Whether you come to share your story or simply to listen, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to embrace and uplift you.

Click here to find out more and book your spot.

 

Summer Party 2025

Join us for a day of creativity, live music, and great food at Tribe Porty!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 7th June, as Tribe Porty comes alive with a vibrant mix of workshops, live performances, and delicious food. This free, family-friendly event is open to all. This year, Edinburgh Tool Library will be opening the workshop up for a special pride workshop in support of Porty Pride.

During the hands-on workshop you’ll craft your very own pride noise makers. In this 45-minute session, you’ll be invited to create a wooden ratchet noise maker – before painting your creation in brilliant rainbow colours at our decorating station!

Whether you’re a seasoned maker or have never stepped foot in a workshop, this family-friendly activity welcomes everyone to express themselves and join in the Porty Pride celebrations.

Please note: Booking is only required to make a ratchet noise maker. We will be operating a free, drop-in simple bell-and-ribbon wand making session from 10am-2pm which is suitable for all ages, where booking is not required.

Find out more here.

Thanks for reading,

Ellie

 

Thanks for reading. As always we’d love to connect and hear your thoughts. As we look ahead to the next 10 years, we’d love to know: What would you love to see more of in the future of Tribe Porty?

 

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Celebrating Community

 

14th May marks the third European Coworking Day, a day to celebrate coworking and community, and our impact on individuals and society, through events organised by and taking place in coworking spaces all over Europe.

 

Celebrating 10 years of Tribe Porty

This year also marks a special milestone for us, 10 years of Tribe Porty. Home to over 145 members, we support a diverse community of social entrepreneurs, freelancers, charities, SMEs, and enterprises. From photographers and graphic designers to environmental consultants and translators. We also engage with our wider community through Tribe Talks, community events and workshops. Last year alone an estimated 1,275 folk came to Tribe for an event or workshop.

At Tribe, we believe a supportive environment that sparks creativity and collaboration benefits businesses, individuals, and the wider community. Alongside our coworking spaces, you’ll find like-minded organizations, including The Edinburgh Tool Library, Velow Bikeworks, Portobello Natural Health, Sodak, and The Pilates Studio Edinburgh.

 

More than coworking

For us, coworking is about more than a desk and a chair; it’s about connecting people. Personal and professional growth often go hand in hand in coworking spaces, where communities of like-minded individuals come together. When done right, coworking not only fosters collaboration but can also have a profound impact on health and wellbeing.

So, we’re asking our community: What do you get from coworking here that you don’t get working from home or elsewhere? How does being part of Tribe Porty influence your creativity, your sense of belonging, or even your daily motivation?

At Tribe Porty, we’re proud to create a space where community thrives and individuals flourish. One of the most beautiful aspects of coworking is the friendships that bloom along the way. These connections enrich our lives and our work, making every day a little brighter.

 

Finding your community

Studies show that 84% of people feel more motivated and engaged in a coworking environment. At Tribe Porty, community is central to everything we do, shaping a space where creativity and connection flourish. Dani reflects, “Tribe has become something far greater than I envisioned a decade ago. What started as a place to gather, create, support, and share resources has grown into a true community—a space filled with incredible people and genuine connection. Tribe is more than a coworking space; it reflects what collaboration, kindness, and shared purpose can achieve.”

 

Ten years of Tribe is about more than time passed, it’s about the friendships formed, ideas launched, and the meaningful work that has happened under this roof. Without the people, we are just a building. With that in mind, we wanted to connect with our community to see why they love being a part of Tribe Porty and what brings them back time and again. Here’s what they had to say:


“Since joining Tribe I have the chance to talk to friendly and interesting people during the work day, which is a welcome change! Working remotely, I value the push to get outside and interact with people, as well as the feeling of having greater boundaries between work space and home. Tribe has also been a great place to find encouragement and inspiration to try new things!”

 

“Tribe Porty has a positive affect on my wellbeing; it’s much easier to be here than in my workplace office. I enjoy having people around me and I can bring in my dog Freddie, which is hugely beneficial. People are friendly and coming to Tribe allows me to have a connection in my community that I wouldn’t otherwise have, I look forward to coming here!”

 

“Tribe Porty is so conducive to making new friends. Shared meals, dogs to snuggle, and coming in regularly have all been key for me in making new connections. Over time, I’ve gotten more and more comfortable in the space and familiar with the other ‘regulars’ and I’ve made a number of friends I see inside and outside of Tribe.”

 

“The team shows such genuine warmth and care for the co-workers, and also keeps the vibe lighthearted and fun at the same time. I’ve attended the seasonal parties, a couple of games nights, most of the coffee mornings and lots of social lunches. I’ve made it to a Soapbox night and a Tribe Talks, too! They’ve all provided the opportunity to connect with some new people or people I may not see that often at the hotdesk table.”

 

To find out more about joining Tribe Porty including our different coworking options, click here.

 

Thanks for reading. As always we’d love to connect and hear your thoughts. As we look ahead to the next 10 years, we’d love to know: What would you love to see more of in the future of Tribe Porty?

 

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Psst, as part of European Coworking Day we are offering one free day of hotdesking to new coworkers. Spaces are limited, book here. 

The fundamentals of failing

the fundamentals of failing

 

I’ve been thinking a lot about failing recently and actively seeking to do more of it. You could argue I’m trying to rewire my brain to appreciate the fundamentals of failing. Not to brag, but I have a plethora of things I am good at. I’d say, naturally good at… School was easy, university even easier (I mean it was an art degree.) And there it is, did you notice? Something I’ve also been very, very good at is downplaying my achievements.

​​Failure is emotional but necessary

For me, failure feels gut-wrenching, upsetting, and deeply emotional. I know I don’t take criticism well (sorry, Dani), but I also struggle to fully appreciate my successes. When I accomplish something, my mind often jumps to dismissive thoughts: “Anyone could do that,” or “So-and-so could do it better.” This persistent self-doubt is often called ‘arrival fallacy’, the illusion that reaching a goal will bring lasting satisfaction. Or, even more frustratingly, the dreaded and well known ‘imposter syndrome.’

The reason this has been on my mind recently all started with a 10K trail run. I have enjoyed running now for 4-5 years, it’s something that brings me calmness and joy. It helps me notice the seasons change, be around nature and my thoughts. Despite this, I’ve always had a fear around trail running and something I would blame my body for not being up to.

 

Letting go of external validation

Anyone who sat with me for lunch over the past couple of months at some point will have heard me tell a derisive story about my partner’s parents signing me up for a 10K trail run at Glentress. This particular run covered 300 meters of elevation in the first 5KM, and let me tell you, it was cold at the top. Despite being full of dread masked in my humor and sarcasm, I went along with my only goal being to cross the finish line.

Within the first ten minutes of running, I was quickly at the back of the pack. Clearly, I was surrounded by very serious runners. A man in his 70s jogged alongside me and jeered, “I think we will be seeing a lot of each other.” He wasn’t wrong. I stomped my way up the hill, taking in the views along the way, slowly slid my way across the top avoiding ice patches, and threw snowballs at my friend. On the descent, the sun came out, and it was magic. I looked up at the trees, took in some deep breaths, and quickly made my way to the finish line. I did it, and I came dead last.

 

“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, “This is what it is to be happy.” Sylvia Plath

 

Finding joy in the process, not just the outcome

Would I do it again knowing I would come last? Yes! This could be the first time in my life where I was elated to fail. I did not give a rat’s arse about anyone else or their stats. All that mattered was the feelings I had along the way and the fact that I crossed the finish line!

Failure is misunderstood, and we avoid it at all costs. But to achieve and to grow, we must first fail. Our obsession with failure allows our failures to define us and keeps us from trying and from being open to experiences. On the other hand, when we do achieve, it is all too easy to downplay or minimize our accomplishments.

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” Maya Angelou

To live well, we must remain open, curious, and most importantly, vulnerable.

 

Embracing discomfort and uncertainty

The truth is, failure is only failure if we allow it to be. What if we reframe it as learning, as progress, as proof that we are stretching ourselves beyond the confines of comfort? What if we measured our successes not by external validation but by our own growth, by how much we dared to show up even when we weren’t sure of the outcome?

That trail run wasn’t about time or placement, it was about pushing myself to go that bit further, about showing up even when I was certain I’d struggle. And in that struggle,I found joy in simply being in motion.

So maybe failure isn’t the thing to avoid, it’s the thing to chase. The more we appreciate the fundamentals of failing, the more we grow, the more we truly live. And that, to me, feels like the greatest success of all.

 

“Show me a man who has never made a mistake, and I will show you one who has never tried anything.” Albert Einstein

Thanks for reading,

Alice

 

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More than coworking

Annual Report 24/25

Do you remember the first coworking space you walked into? How many have you tried since? And, most importantly, what makes you stay? Each year, we ask our members a simple yet telling question: Why do you choose Tribe? The answers consistently affirm that we’re achieving our mission as a true community coworking space.

Coworking is about more than shared desks; it’s about connecting people. Personal and professional growth often go hand in hand in coworking spaces, where communities of like-minded individuals come together. When done right, coworking not only fosters collaboration but can also have a profound impact on health and wellbeing. At Tribe Porty, we’re proud to create a space where community thrives, and individuals flourish.

A year in review

2024 has been a great year for Tribe Porty. From receiving the Places for Everyone grant to improve our front yard space to hosting another fun filled summer party. We also relaunched Tribe Talks and kicked off with a series on Sustainability. Tribe Talks welcomed 247 attendees this year—120 more than last year! We’re thrilled to see our efforts making a difference and can’t wait to build on this success. Series 2 launches this February and will focus on women’s health, wealth, and wisdom.

We had 218 day passes booked over the course of 2024. Day passes are an important offering at Tribe Porty as we are not a members only club. We understand that a reccuring membership is not for everyone.

2024 saw us welcome 53 new members, our largest demographic for coworkers remains folks working in the  Arts, Culture & Entertainment sector. Across the board, the mix of sectors in our community has stayed pretty consistent, which shows how balanced and diverse Tribe continues to be.

One of the coolest things? Most of you found us through word of mouth! That speaks volumes about the love and belief our members have for what Tribe offers. It’s more than just a workspace—it’s a community worth sharing. And when new faces join because of your recommendations, it keeps our Tribe collaborative, creative, and full of energy.

 

What’s next?

Each year, we gather valuable feedback from our coworkers to understand their experiences and identify areas for growth. This feedback is used to shape our team meetings. We were already able to action most constructive feedback which includes:

When reviewing the feedback we were overwhelmed by consistent praise for our dedicated team and the social opportunities, which remain highlights of the Tribe Porty experience.

 

Ten years of Tribe Porty

This year we celebrate 10 years of Tribe Porty. The milestone is about more than time passed—it’s about the friendships formed, ideas launched, and the meaningful work that has happened under this roof.

Tribe aims to provide a space for nurture and growth of human potential through supporting local people in work, art and quality of life. This is done through practical opportunities and support and encouraging connections. There is evidence that people-powered health not only brings transformational change, but also economic benefits.

Over the next year, we will continue to grow and strengthen our community by fostering exciting new collaborations with local businesses. We are also developing online programs focused on providing holistic business support for our members. Alongside these online offerings, we plan to launch new networking events designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources among our members. Additionally, we will nurture and enhance our connection with our community through our podcast, Working For Progress.

 

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our story so far. Here’s to the next chapter and all that we will create together!

 

Read the full Annual Report here

 

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Nourishment

nourishment

 

To know how to feel nourished is fundamental to our wellbeing. Nourishment comes in many forms, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. On the surface, nourishment can take the form of foods, from the way we eat to where we eat and who with. As well as sustenance, food is a great way to gather people and nurture in person connections. 

 

Community

Beyond food, our sense of community can be one of the most profound sources of nourishment. When you find yourself surrounded by people who support, challenge, and uplift us creates a space for growth and belonging. Whether it’s spending time with family, working alongside colleagues, or participating in shared activities, these connections nourish our spirit. In a world that can often feel isolating or fast-paced, finding and being part of a community is more important than ever.

For others, nourishment comes in the form of quiet moments of solitude and reflection, a time to rest, recharge and refocus. You might find it in a quiet moment of meditation, reading a book that inspires us, or spending time in nature. 

 

Finding nourishment

As we move into the darker months of winter, knowing how to nourish ourselves becomes even more essential. The cold, dark days can feel draining. Many people, especially in places like the UK, associate winter with a reduction in energy and happiness. The shorter days often bring a sense of anxiety or dread. This makes it easy to fall into the trap of doing less and feeling less nourished. 

How to Winter: Harnessing Your Mindset to Thrive in Cold, Dark, or Difficult Times suggests that winter can be a season of opportunity if we shift our mindset. It encourages us to embrace winter as a time for restoration, inviting us to transform darkness into an asset. By finding activities to look forward to that align with the season, we can see winter as a season of restoration and opportunity.

 

“Do something that you can look forward to that takes advantage of the darkness and turns it into an asset”-Kari Leibowitz 

 

Undoubtedly nourishment is about taking care of our minds and souls. What activities help you feel restored? When we prioritize these practices, we acknowledge that our well-being is not just about what we consume, but also how we nurture our inner beings. There’s no right or wrong way to find nourishment; what’s important is understanding your own needs and making the time to practice what brings us joy and fulfillment.

Each of us has different ways to nourish our body, mind, and soul, and this month offers a chance to explore what fills us up in all areas of life.

 

An invitation to gather

The Story Sessions is back! Tribe Porty is collaborating with Soapbox to bring an evening of storytelling, join us on November 8th from 6pm to gather, to be inspired, to be heard, to tell and to listen to stories. 

The theme is Nourishment – How do you feel nourished? Is it through food? Being in community? With family and friends? How do we nourish our body, mind and soul?

This session we will be treated to a menu of canapés from Còmhla, a luxury dining company founded by friends Helena and Joanna in Edinburgh. Brought together over a passion for wild natural Scottish ingredients, Còmhla’s philosophy is to celebrate the seasonal. With a deep-felt desire to sustain both environment and community, all that Còmhla does is driven by creativity, consideration and social-consciousness. 

Tickets for this event are pay-what-you-can to feed back in to our communities. Click here to find out more and book your space.

 

Thanks for reading,

Alice

 

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Do good, Feel Good

This January, Tribe Porty has partnered with Vintage Vibes, an award-winning project tackling isolation and loneliness in Edinburgh. Volunteering has enormous benefits to our mental health, our communities and our local economy. 

Why volunteering is good for your health

There’s a common misconception that volunteering is a completely selfless act and that you are some kind of superhero if you volunteer. It might surprise you to know that volunteering has some surprising major health benefits. Volunteering is good for your health and community. So it is something you might want to consider adding into your self-care routine.

Studies show volunteering helps improve your mental health and wellbeing.  Helping other people triggers a release of the hormone oxytocin. This hormone has the effect of boosting your mood and counteracts the effects of cortisol aka the stress hormone in your body. When oxytocin begins to flow, blood pressure decreases, reducing social fears and anxiety. 

Giving an hour or so a week can act as a circuit breaker to the everyday stress of work and home life. It can give you a change of scenery, the opportunity to talk to different people, more structure to your week and allow you to build confidence or learn a new skill. It can also help you reset and appreciate what is important in life by giving you more self-awareness when starting to sweat the small stuff.

 

Vintage Vibes

Nicky Shallcross is the Volunteer Recruiter for Edinburgh based Vintage Vibes, a project working to combat loneliness amongst over 60s by creating 1:1 friendships between volunteers.

Nicky explains her motivation for volunteering…

“After starting my own business in 2022, I started to feel lonely working from home on my own. I’d gone from a busy head office environment to working alone and being all departments. I realised that you don’t have to be elderly or living on your own to feel like this, it’s surprising at how quickly this can happen to anyone. I was familiar with Vintage Vibes and their work from their annual Christmas Card campaign. It made sense to help someone else who was feeling lonely too by becoming a Friendship Volunteer.

I completed my volunteer training, the Vintage Vibes team then set about finding me a “VIP” who had similar interests to me. For the past year I’ve visited my 85 year old friend Sheila every week for an hour or so. We talk about anything and everything and are always giggling. My family live down south so there is something grounding and familiar having someone who is older to talk to. She’s warm, caring and dispenses no nonsense advice just like my Grandparents used to. I always come away from our visits with a sense of calm.

Sheila never ceases to amaze me with her constant curiosity on what’s going on in the world. In the summer she went on a girl’s weekend to Blackpool and enjoyed watching the Glastonbury coverage. Her highlight was Elton John, she said she turned the volume up and had a dance around her living room. Aging is natural part of life; I really hope I’m as sprightly as her when I’m older.

I’ve taken Sheila to local places close to where she lives that she didn’t realise were there. She loves the Edinburgh Printworks and Grow Urban plant cafe. The staff recognise her and chat, it makes her feel seen and included. For Sheila’s 85th birthday we went to Maison De Moggy, sadly she had to give up her beloved cat during the pandemic and misses her dearly. Despite personally not being a big cat lover, we had so much fun! I really felt that feel good feeling seeing her so happy.

Volunteering has personally given me a massive boost to my own mental health and was exactly what I needed. I’ve made a friend and got to meet so many amazing people. It’s even led to a part time job opportunity with the charity so you never know what good things volunteering can lead to.”

 

Fighting isolation

According to a 2021 study conducted by Age Scotland, more than 200,000 older people in Scotland are lonely. This study found that 10% of people over 50 feel lonely all or most of the time. Age UKs follow up 2022 study highlights that right now in Scotland loneliness among older people is at record levels. 100,000 older people say they feel lonely all or most of the time. Two years of Covid lockdowns and living under restrictions which prevented older people seeing family and friends have left countless older people feeling acutely alone.

The Scottish Government have identified that social isolation and loneliness are significant public health concerns in Scotland. Loneliness is linked to increased risk of poor health and reduced life expectancy. A Connected Scotland – a strategy for building stronger social connections and reducing social isolation and loneliness hopes to address this. Volunteering plays a key part in the plan to help achieve this. Volunteering at Vintage Vibes can supports both health and community.

 

Community impact

Government funding cuts to services combined with the cost of living and the fallout from the pandemic mean charities are under more pressure than ever. Charities must now deliver critical community support services that local authorities cannot. Volunteers are pivotal to being able to do this.

In addition to the benefits for individuals, volunteering can also have a positive impact on local communities. According to Volunteer Scotland, volunteers contribute an estimated £2.26 billion to the Scottish economy each year. Volunteering can also help build stronger, more connected communities by bringing people of all generations together.

If you’re interested in varying your week, consider volunteering as way to do this as well as making someone else’s. Volunteer Edinburgh is a great resource for finding volunteer opportunities in your area to fit around your schedule and support organisations that align with your values, more information can be found here. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Vintage Vibes Friendship Volunteer, please visit their website here.

 

Thanks for reading,

Nicky Shallcross, Volunteering Coordinator at Vintage Vibes.

 

An evening with Vintage Vibes

For our first Tribe Talks of the year we are collaborating with Vintage Vibes. Join us on 25th January from 18:30 for a fun evening hosted by volunteer coordinator, Nicky Shallcross.

Vintage Vibes is an award-winning project tackling isolation and loneliness in Edinburgh. The project, a partnership between LifeCare Edinburgh and Space at the Broomhouse Hub, started in 2015 as a fresh new way to combat isolation and loneliness among over 60s (called VIPs) in Edinburgh.

Vintage Vibes creates long lasting one-to-one friendships offering support, companionship and the opportunity for lonely VIPs to be more socially connected and active in their local community. Vintage Vibes are looking for volunteers of all ages (17+) from across Edinburgh.

This is a great opportunity to break the ice with Vintage Vibes and find out more about their work as well as how to volunteer. Nicky will introduce you to Vintage Vibes and their work and answer any questions about volunteering or how to refer someone who may benifit from their service.

Join us for a tea and a sweet treat, click here for more information and to register.

 

 

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Hitting Pause on Christmas

Christmas is a time where life becomes intensified, days are shorter, money is tighter and you have social gatherings galore. As Christmas draws closer, the need for a pause button grows. 

 

As a fan of Christmas, there are times that it even makes me want to bury my head in the snow (Christmas joke). It can be a difficult time to adjust expectations as we fall into the usual routine of overindulging in every aspect of life. I often reminisce on that weird covid Christmas where we had to remain within our own households. I remember initially feeling sad, like something had been taken away. On reflection, it was probably one of my favourites. Yes, I missed my family but it was lovely to spend the day in my own home, possibly the most relaxed Christmas of them all. Yet, every Christmas since then the intensity comes back in full swing.

It’s not all bad, who doesn’t love the lights, spending time with loved ones and eating your favourite Christmas foods. It’s also a time to reflect and give thanks, especially as the year draws to a close. Team Tribe had an evening of wreath making with artist Jana Middleton at Dook Soap for our Christmas do this year. At the start of the evening, host Jana asked us all to close our eyes and think of a colour that comes to mind when thinking of Christmas. Orange, red, green and white all came up. She also asked us to think of smells that we attach to Christmas, pine, mulled wine, spices and homebaking were mentioned. Lastly, she asked us to close our eyes and write down words or a sentence that come to mind when we think of Christmas. The feedback felt warm and cosy, like a Christmas hug. 

Earlier that day, I had been constructing this blog post. A helpful guide to make the most of Christmas and enjoy the festivities. I came away from the wreath making evening feeling extremely mellow and calm about Christmas. I felt like that simple exercise served as an important reminder as to what is and what makes Christmas. It’s a lot simpler than the panic, gift buying hussle that we find ourselves wrapped in. Christmas isn’t always an easy time of year and it is all too easy to forget that you do in fact have control. As a team, we have gathered some thoughts around Christmas and how to thrive and enjoy this period rather than survive. 

 

Wreath Exercise

Close your eyes and think about the following questions, write these down on a piece of paper. Use this as a guiding force over the Christmas period, these are arguably what you love the most over Christmas and the easiest to forget:

 

Catch some Sun

Christmas is in itself tied up in the winter Solstice. The winter solstice marks a crucial turning point in the year as the sun is at its weakest point. This is a point throughout history where people would hold fests and gather at monuments. It is a time to remember that winter is not forever. 

It is widely known that the sun benefits our body in numerous ways and keeps our circadian rhythms in sync. Being in the sun can tweak our immune and cardiovascular systems as well as causing our blood vessels to relax and widen. When we feel the sun on our skin, we release endorphins which can boost our alertness and energy levels.

Over the winter months, it is so important for us to harness this energy. Next time there’s a cold bright morning or the afternoon sun is peeking through some clouds, try to get outside. The sun being out also makes an excellent motivator to get your family outside over the Christmas period. Here’s a great read on the power of the sun.

 

Take a break!

The busier you are, the greater benefit there is to taking some time alone and finding that pause button. It can take a bit of confidence but take a break when you need to. A 15 minute brain reset in solitude can make a world of difference to both your mood and energy level. Studies show that alone time can increase happiness, better life satisfaction, and improve stress management.

 

Practice Mindfulness

It may not be your top priority over Christmas but daily mindfulness is important at any time of your life. Through mindfulness exercises, such as meditation, breathing exercise and yoga you can become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This gives you time to both process and manage them rather than becoming overwhelmed. Click here for some easy and quick breathing exercises.

 

Take stock and look to the year ahead

The end of the year is a very natural time to take a moment of reflection. We should all lean into this urge to celebrate our achievements and note our successes. It’s important to refrain from a critical mindset and instead hone in on what has brought you joy this year.

If you are new to this, we’ve gotchu. Keystone have a free online course to help you on your way. This will help you designate the time to reflect, check in and gather yourself for what’s next.

 

Relax and say no.

Ya know you can do that at Christmas right?? Check in with yourself and make the time to chill out and do the things that you like to do. It’s also okay to miss out on things and to say no when your cup is already full.

 

Shop small, gift small. 

The biggest overwhelm and stress can stem from gift giving. It’s always important to reframe what and why you are buying a gift. Especially when you consider that 80% of returned gifts end up in landfill and this year alone 3,088,345 bad Christmas gifts were thrown away. Before buying something, consider the journey this gift will take and what its lifetime value is. Sentiment and gesture is always far more powerful than cost and volume. 

 

Considering all things, seek and stay true to the things that you love about Christmas. Here are some words from Nick Cave on the power of small actions:

 

“The everyday human gesture is always a heartbeat away from the miraculous.

Remember that ultimately we make things happen through our actions, way beyond our understanding or intention; that our seemingly small ordinary human acts have untold consequences; that what we do in this world means something; that we are not nothing; and that our most quotidian human actions by their nature burst the seams of our intent and spill meaningfully and radically through time and space, changing everything.

Our deeds, no matter how insignificant they may feel, are replete with meaning, and of vast consequence, and that they constantly impact upon the unfolding story of the world, whether we know it or not.”- Nick Cave

 

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Collecting Moments

Moments pass, or rather moments fly by without us even noticing. Should we consciously collect moments to find calmness and fulfillment?

 

In a recent blog post, Controlling Distractions, we explored our relationships with phones and how we can use them in a more meaningful way. Phones are often used to pass time and perhaps lead us to ignoring the world around us. Hannah recently shared a Mary Oliver quote on a post it note and stuck it to reception where it still lives now. The quote is as follows:

 

Instructions for living a life:

Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.

Sometimes, Mary Oliver

 

Mary Oliver’s work can teach us how to find comfort in the quiet occurrences of the everyday. In a world where we are surrounded by white noise it’s all too easy to stop paying attention. Days blur by as we fall into the rhythms of life. As a result of this, we forget how to appreciate the small delicate intricacies of living. I can’t help but feel that we have lost our awe in the everyday.  It often feels as though that in a busy world, we try to keep busy and amongst the hustle and that we are tricked into thinking this is how to feel accomplished or satisfied.  

Our obsessions with doing and comparing our productivity and accomplishments to others bares us with a neverending weight of dissatisfaction, eventually we burn ourselves out. We forget to notice the pleasure in the everyday. The pursuit of productivity leaves us feeling unfulfilled, like we’ve never quite done enough with our days, but what’s wrong with enjoying a day for exactly what it is? Start to allow your days to unfold as they are and try to stop with our tendency to constantly optimise our time. Allow our free time to be exactly that, free time and time to rest. I think that collecting moments it’s a nice way to nurture this growth.

 

“Our days don’t need to be optimised, but simply occupied-that is, lived in, tended to, renewed.”- Madeleine Dore, I Didn’t do the thing today.

 

Slowing down, paying attention, collecting moments. 

On our podcast, Working For Progress, we ask our guests for five simple pleasures. We have noticed over time that these simple pleasures are simply that, a collection of small moments. A morning coffee, the falling of cherry blossoms, a bike ride to work. They are never overly complex, nor do they tell an astonishing story. Most of these pleasures may not have been shared with others or spoken aloud. But what they do reflect is the fundamental beauty in the everyday. Free passings of time that we should consciously indulge in more often. 

Let’s practice collecting moments that bring a feeling of joy and focus on them. It’s one thing to keep a log of these small moments privately on your phone but to tell others about it spreads the joy, broadens your attention and ultimately makes us more connected to the world around us. When we look without noticing, we lose our sense of belonging.

It’s time to start to enjoy those moments of nothing… Spend your time noticing the free sounds, sights, tastes of life. I shared this thought with Hannah and Dani, I asked them to collect moments in their days so that we could reflect on them. We invite you to do the same.

 

“A mind narrows when it has too much to bear. Art is not born of unwanted constriction. Art wants formless and spacious quiet, anti-social daydreaming, time away from the consumptive volume of everyday life.”-Kyo Maclear, Birds Art Life: A Year of Observation

We wanted to share some moments our team collected over the past week.

 

Moments Hannah Collected:

Moments Alice Collected:

Moments Dani Collected:

 

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Working For Progress

We recently took the time to record a season wrap up episode of our podcast, Working For Progress.

 

Reflecting on Working For Progress

Working For Progress was launched with the intention of clebrating our communities and sharing their individual journeys. We are lucky to have a community of creative people, all doing interesting work and who are also interested in the bigger picture. Their health, their communities, their impact on the world. It is important for us to connect through conversations about how we craft our working life and make progress. Each episode sees us ask our communities questions about their working life, the challenges they’ve faced and the progress they’ve made.

It was funny to think back to the initial awkward fears that producing and recording a podcast brings. We are forever grateful to our pals over at Glocast for allowing us to record our trailer episode with them. Perhaps without this as a date in the diary to record we would not now be reflecting on our eleven published episodes! 

We spoke at length about what stood out to us in season one and we really wanted to thank our guests for their honesty and vulnerability. Even recording a conversation with people that you know in a place that you are familiar with can bring nerves. Not to mention that using a mic can initially feel very intimidating. It has been a joy to listen to the intricacies of people’s journeys and without creating the space to reflect there’s so much we may have never known! The podcast has made both myself and Dani feel ever more connected to you all. Taking the time to interview each person has served as a valuable reminder of how important connection and conversation is. 

 

Dani reflects: “Each person brought their unique story to the conversation, a bit of where they have come from in terms of significant life moments which have impacted on what they are doing today. Thinking back, it was often a person or an interaction which profoundly impacted a decision or direction. Sometimes only with hindsight do you notice such influences.”

 

Working at the speed of trust

We also spoke about what we wanted out of the podcast. I really wanted to showcase all of the possibilities your working life can bring and highlight the turning points in people’s career journeys. For myself, I am very early doors. I have spent most of my working life in hospitality. I adore the world of hospitality but always desired something more stable without losing what I value. Before Tribe, I remember having this weird sensation that I was failing or doing things wrong and that I simply wanted more out of my working life. 

Coming to Tribe gave me the term value based work. It’s a privilege to work alongside so many people where value is at the heart of their working lives. At points in my own journey, value based work felt out of reach and at times it just felt like ‘a nice idea’. I wanted this podcast to highlight how many different avenues and directions life could take you. Career journeys are not always a linear path like you are told at school. For me, each episode really encapsulates this as each guest highlighted the journey and risks that they have taken themselves.

It was interesting to note how the support of communities and the right people at the right time came up alot in each person’s journey. Alongside this came trust and putting yourself in the relationship of trust to find trust. These seem to be vital ingredients in both navigating working lives and in taking risks. Here’s what Nasim Forootan said about the importance of trust: 

 

“It’s okay to trust and to open yourself up and be vulnerable sometimes with how you are feeling and what you’re seeing. Sometimes you need to have difficult conversations to explore the nuisance of things. Have faith that things will come out right. If you go into a situation with doubt, you won’t let yourself explore the relationship that could be. Trust is a really strong value for me. Trust is embedded in everything I do. When we work in organizations or when we look at community spaces and governments, it’s one element that is constantly broken. If we had a tiny bit more trust in each other the world would be a better place”-Nasim Forootan

 

The importance of community

Trust and honesty certainly became an overarching theme, both in trusting in yourself and the people around you. This is why coworking is so incredibly important. It’s not often in life you get to choose the people around you and people are such a strong and beautiful part of Tribe. Tribe is not just a desk to work from, it is the people that you’re sitting next to, have lunch with and stop for a tea break and a chat with. Coworking perfectly encapsulates the human need and want for both community and connection. 

During our chat, Dani reflected: “Think of Brene Brown’s saying, ‘It’s hard to hate people when you see them up close and know their story’,  it’s true. Bear with me, I am so far from hating anyone, especially this crew. But in a similar vein, the care and love I now have for each guest has expanded. To know them a bit more, to be trusted enough that they share themselves with us (and everyone who listens) is not taken lightly. We could easily brush it off, quite normal to be on a podcast and chat about your working life. But when people share their values, why they do what they do, what brings them a sense of belonging and awe, it connects us in generative ways.”

Bob Cummins of SODAK amply said during his interview that “Emotional safety is formed with people. If you’ve got others you can take the journey with, it makes risks easier”.  We hope that in listening to each of these stories you may find more confidence in navigating your own journey and not to feel scared of taking the necessary risks. Founder of Good Life School, Lorna Lythgoe spoke of this in such a beautiful way whilst reflecting on her on career journey :

 

“I felt like I had leapt off a cliff, I was falling and would occasionally land on a shelf. It was painful and scary and uncomfortable, which sounds like I’m saying don’t do it. In retrospect, now I know that was the growth and the career path, I started to gleefully leap off as I understood It wasn’t an abyss”- Lorna Lythgoe 

 

Keep working for progress

Most of all, our podcast makes us feel so very grateful for the communities of Tribe Porty and Keystone. We are so lucky to meet so many incredible people through these communities. It is an honour to share your stories. We want to keep showcasing you as the brilliant, incredible and completely normal people that you are. People who are real and care deeply about others and this planet. We hope that our little podcast helps you to stay surrounded by good people, keep true to your values and to keep working for progress. (Too cringe? Nah, we love it!). You can listen to all of our episodes, including our season wrap up by clicking here. Fancy joining myself and Dani in an episode? Drop us a line at: more@tribeporty.org


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