Is admitting to loneliness one of the last taboos? This year’s Leith Chooses funding event is bringing this theme to the forefront of people's minds by asking community organisations to offer ways to combat the effects of both loneliness and hunger in their local area. 

In November 2019, following the departure of Steve Gowenlock, Anne Spiers was appointed the new acting CEO of MCFB. Anne has extensive experience both working directly with children and families and as a practice educator in both the statutory and voluntary sectors. She started working at MCFB in 2016, initially employed as a Project Leader for groupwork and was later appointed Depute CEO. Philippa Kemp, MCFB's Office and Communication Manager, spoke to her about the new role.

How do you feel about taking on the role of Acting Chief Executive?

A group of multicultural mums attending the MCFB weekly Mums' support group have written, tested and curated recipes for a new cookbook which was launched at Ostara Café on 27 November. Award winning chef, Pam Brunton of Inver Restaurant in Argyll spoke at the launch. Profits from the sale of the book will go towards further supporting women attending the group.

After 8 incredibly successful years as Chief Executive Officer and 21 years working at Multi-Cultural Family Base, Steve Gowenlock will be leaving. As a founding member of the organization, he leaves behind an impressive legacy, working tirelessly to secure the financial stability of the agency, improving the life and welfare of countless marginalised and vulnerable children and families, overseeing the practice education of hundreds of social work students and managing a busy staff team.

We are delighted to announce that MCFB was successful in securing 3 years’ funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for the Bright Choices project, which supports FGM survivors and individuals in Edinburgh affected by honour based issues.