Celebrating
Volunteers
We at CED want to highlight the kindness of two of our Milton of Campsie residents. Euan McGrandle and his wife Joanie give up their time and volunteer at Birdston Nursing Home through their involvement with “Therapet”. Euan and Joanie are regular visitors to the home on Monday afternoons with Dougal the spaniel, who is a big hit with both residents and staff alike. The activity coordinator, Kirsteen, reports how much the visits are appreciated, and it is clear how much benefit the ability to pet an animal has on the residents.
Euan also volunteers with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde at Glasgow Royal Infirmary with the Palliative Care Team. Euan has no medical background however, in his capacity as a volunteer, he goes to the hospital every week to chat with those patients the medical team believe would benefit from a general conversation in difficult circumstances.
It's amazing acts like these that show the community just how much people care. A massive thank you to Euan and Joanie and their furry friend Dougal
National
Wellbeing
Week
National Wellbeing Week 2026 takes place from Monday 22nd to Sunday 28th June, offering a week-long programme of free online sessions designed for professionals across health, social care, social work, local government and the third sector.
This year’s theme, ‘Compassionate Leadership’, will provide individuals and teams with opportunities to come together to explore, discuss and learn about building positive work environments. Across the week there will be more than 50 diverse sessions led by inspiring speakers from across Scotland intended to help foster meaningful conversations that promote wellbeing in the workplace.
This week is coordinated by the National Wellbeing Champions, a network of leaders in wellbeing representing health, social work and social care organisations across Scotland, with support from the Scottish Government.
Pride
Month
In celebration of Pride Month, we at CED would like to share information on a range of LGBTQ+ support services available to individuals, families, and communities.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and raise awareness of the support available to LGBTQ+ people. We encourage anyone who may benefit from these services, or who knows someone who might, to explore the resources available and connect with local support networks.
Together, we can help create communities where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.
Loneliness Awareness Week
This week marks Loneliness Awareness Week a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations about loneliness.
Loneliness is a natural human emotion that can affect anyone at any stage of life. By talking openly, listening without judgement, and creating opportunities for connection, we can help ensure that nobody feels alone in their experience.
A simple conversation, a check-in message, or an invitation for a cup of tea can make a real difference. Let's take the time this week to reach out, connect, and remind one another that support is always available.
Race Against Dementia
Race Against Dementia Day
Today we stand with families, carers and researchers racing towards a world without dementia. Every step and every share brings us closer.
Dementia affects not only those living with it, but also their families, friends and carers — and in East Dunbartonshire, support is available.
Ceartas offers independent advocacy for people, helping them understand their rights, access services, and have their voices heard.
They also run De Cafés across Bishopbriggs, Lenzie, Killermont and Kirkintilloch, providing a friendly space for people and carers to connect, share experiences and access information.
Through projects like Songs From Here and partnerships with BAD (Battle Against Dementia), Ceartas supports people to stay connected, creative and supported throughout the year.
Fire Scotland's Christmas Toy Campaign
Fire Scotland's stations across East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute have been undertaking a Christmas Toy Campaign for local charities. Within East Dunbartonshire our stations at Milngavie, Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs have been collecting and last week Santa`s helpers from Bishopbriggs Fire Station delivered their collective haul of gifts to the Babes in the Wood Charity for onward distribution to children and young people across East Dunbartonshire.
Building a More Compassionate East Dunbartonshire
Compassionate East Dunbartonshire is proud to announce the launch of its new website, This very one you're on which is aimed to be a dedicated space for local people, volunteers, and community projects to connect. The site offers a hub where residents can learn about local events, share stories of kindness, and find ways to get involved in building a more caring community.
Creating a compassionate community is about recognising that everyone faces challenges and that small acts of empathy and support can make a big difference. When people come together to help one another, it strengthens the bonds that make our neighbourhoods and towns thrive. Compassion isn’t just a feeling — it’s an action that creates a ripple effect of understanding, inclusion, and hope across East Dunbartonshire.
Looking to highlight a compassionate act you witnessed in the East Dunbartonshire Area?
Click below
Ann
from
Kirkintilloch
"I help my neighbour by doing her shopping for her on a weekly basis"
Sam
Bearsden
“Seeing young people in Bearsden giving up their weekends to help tidy the park and chat with older residents gives me real hope for the future.”
Volunteer
Lenzie
“I started volunteering just to ‘give back’, but I’ve received so much more — friendship, purpose, and the joy of seeing people smile.”