Community
There are loads of community activities that are hosted each month in The Centre. Here's a brief selection of some of the key partnerships and how you can get involved as well.
Find out more about the work we've done to contribute to our local community this year.
The Centre adopts Five Sisters Zoo
WHEN tragedy happens in a small community, it is up to those living in the town to rally round to help those in need.
This was the case when the Five Sisters Zoo, a West Lothian-based non-profit organisation, was left crippled when a fire devastated the compound in the early hours one Sunday morning.
At least two meerkats and an otter died along with dozens of reptiles, insects and mice after fire broke out in the tropical house.
A community-wide campaign ensued with everyone rolling up their sleeves to support the zoo to get it back up and running.
The Centre has decided to support the zoo throughout the rebuild with hands-on grafting and a fundraising drive through a year-long partnership, to replace this year’s Local Charity of the Year union.
James Bailey, centre director of The Centre, Livingston, said: “Everyone in the town was deeply saddened by the terrible fire at the Five Sisters Zoo. However, it has spurred a real sense of community spirit in Livingston. We’re delighted to be making this small contribution and look forward to continuing to support the team at the zoo throughout the next year. Our pledge will replace our usual partnership with a local charity, but we look forward to all of the good work we can do for the zoo.”
MS Society
The Centre's owners Land Securities also nominate a national charity partner of the year which this year is the MS Society.
The MS Society offer support nationally from over 300 branches throughout the UK. With them about to celebrate 60 years next year this year gives us an excellent opportunity to help them raise awareness for the upcoming milestone.
FIGHTBACK FLASHMOB click here to see the video
Click here for more information on MS Society
ARISE - Alliance to Reward Initiatives and Social Enterprise
A funding initiative, run by The Centre, Livingston, is encouraging community organisations to apply for funding.
ARISE West Lothian has helped more than 40 groups since it was established in 2010.
Whole and/or part-funding up to £1000 is available to community groups and charities based in West Lothian.
To request an application form, please contact arise@beattiegroup.com
West Lothian Connected Partnership
The Centre works closely with West Lothian Connected and provides exhibition space in the shopping centre the organisation for community activities. These are generally education / awareness events which will be of interest to various sectors of the local community. West Lothian Connected is the umbrella brand that includes: NHS Lothian; Inland Revenue , Job Centre Plus, HM Revenue & Customs, West Lothian Council.
West Lothian College Partnership
The Centre has been working with West Lothian College over the last 5 years on various initiatives which link to the student's curriculum. Recent examples of community activities are the commissioning of a mural to commemorate 30 years of retailing in Livingston with the Creative Industries Department and student work placements within our retailers.
West Lothian Council Educational Partnership
This is a partnership between The Centre, its owners Land Securities, its retailers, St Margaret’s Academy High School and West Lothian Council
The initiative piloted a new vocational retail training scheme to encourage secondary school students to gain skills required by retailers and to increase the profile of retailing as a career choice. This initiative was so successful that it was recognised by the Scottish Qualification Association (SQA) and has been rolled out across the region.
