Building Links: investing in a space where all are welcome

St James is an inclusive Christian church and community hub in Leith. Our focus in building links with our local community is to provide welcome and radical acceptance to all, celebrate the arts as a way of expressing spirituality and bringing healing and joy, provide space for quiet contemplation, build connection between diverse groups, and challenge injustice.

We love our building, but there are some things we need to improve if we are to realise this vision. These include improved accessibility, a lower impact on the climate, additional toilets and better fire exits. Raising funds will allow us to maintain and grow the use of our building, offering a much improved space to the Leith community and extending our support to the groups least able to pay.

We are grateful for your support. Here's how you can help:
1. To donate click "Donate". Do consider adding Gift Aid to your donation if you are eligible and help us claim 25% more from your donation! Note: our giving platform has an option for adding a small contribution to support the site. To opt out, simply enter £0 as your custom amount under Platform Fees at check out.
2. Standing order donations are especially welcome! If you would like set up a monthly gift please see our instructions to set this up on our giving platform here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ETL_g6BbzYU8u9mvoftPS7yXfTusclbKX7HqvA-fCXs/edit?usp=sharing, or pick up a Gift Aid form and bank details at the Sunday Service in October-November. Check also if you can set up a payroll donation through your employer. By committing to monthly giving, you help create a steady foundation St James, and your donation will still count toward our goal.
3. If you would like to run your own fundraiser as part of our campaign please click "Join Event".

We are proud to share our space with the following community organisations and initiatives, among others:

- The Well: In partnership with ‘Safer by Sound, Edinburgh’ and Inspiring Leith, we host an inclusive, monthly ‘dry’ open mic night.
- Narcotics Anonymous.
- Sacro: St James works in partnership with Sacro to offer monthly evenings of hospitality and support for sex workers in Leith.
- Soul Marks: Led by artist Carol Marples, integrating art, spirituality and liturgy into our church and other churches worldwide.
- Music with Graham: Weekly music sessions and lunches for adults with learning disabilities.
- The Singing Mamas: a singing group to give women confidence and voice.
- Norinemindeyes Culture Connect Incorporated, a Black-led grassroots charity that uses music, culture, creativity, and well being to empower individuals and strengthen communities.
- Phelan School of Dance: a youth dance school in Leith.
- Siloam: A quiet meditative service designed for those in recovery.
- Building Bridges: A Charity connecting people from different cultures through food, the arts and intercultural activities.
- Lithuanian Dance Group.
- The Edinburgh Samba School.
- The Kindred Club, a welcoming club for individuals with dementia and their loved ones.
- Baha'i Community.
- Solidarity with Palestine: We work to raise funds and support for Palestine, including through our own group of activists, the Pesky Piskies.

On behalf of the growing number of communities who benefit from St James, thank you!