Conveniently located on Tranent’s High Street, the VCEL office is once again open 9am to 5pm every day of the week, making it an accessible destination for anyone wanting to pop in and discover more about the wide range of volunteering opportunities available in the area. 

But as the team at VCEL are keen to point out, the office is so much more than a volunteer centre. This third sector interface provides support and advice for individuals and organisations across the region.

From workshops and group meetings to events and training sessions, the VCEL team offer a huge variety of services, all designed to build empowered and resilient communities and support a thriving third sector right here in East Lothian. And thanks to the completion of a three-month renovation project, the team believe the space can now be used to do that to even greater effect. 

The building project involved the creation of two new office spaces and an additional kitchen which can now be used to cater for community events, as well as a new disabled toilet, making the centre more accessible than ever. The whole space has also been redecorated to make it bright and welcoming for all. 

Speaking ahead of the reopening, VCEL chief officer Maureen Allan said: “The building is more than 100 years old, but these updates have ensured we can continue to address the needs of today and support the people of East Lothian within a safe and welcoming space.”

And the team at VCEL are wasting no time in putting the space to good use, restarting their schedule of regular community events in the lead up to Christmas. Local groups utilising the space include MELD, which promotes recovery from drug and alcohol use.

The Men’s Mental Health Group are also recommencing their weekly meetings at VCEL, providing a supportive space for men to chat with other men about any issues that may be impacting their mental health. And finally, Headway East Lothian also returns to support and improve the quality of life for people with acquired brain injuries, their families and carers through their weekly sessions at the centre.

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