COVID-19 Resources

Lockdown: Support and Resources

The COVID-19 lockdown is a difficult period, and we hope that these resources will provide some support, comfort, and solace.

Support

Regular testing for people with no COVID-19 symptoms is one of the ways we can all help keep people safe and stop new variants spreading in Edinburgh. Infection rates are rising again across Edinburgh, so we’re still asking people to keep testing, even if they’ve been vaccinated.

People with no COVID-19 symptoms and haven’t been identified as a close contact can come along for a test at one of our community test centres or mobile test units run by the Scottish Ambulance Service. There’s no need to book and testing is free, fast and safe. People with symptoms must book a PCR test online or call National Testing Centre on 119.


Community test centres

You will take a lateral flow test which will take around 15 minutes and we’ll send you your results in around 45 minutes.

  • McDonald Road Library, from Monday 13 September until Saturday 25 September (closed Sundays), 9am to 6pm

  • Fountainbridge Library from Monday 13 September until Saturday 25 September (closed Sundays), 9am to 6pm


Mobile test units

You will take a PCR test which will be sent to a laboratory. You will be sent your results in 24 to 72 hours.

  • Tumbles/Power League car park, 20 Westbank Street, Portobello EH15 1DR until Sunday 12 September, 10am to 5pm

  • South East locality office, 40 Captain's Road, Edinburgh, EH17 8QF to Sunday 12 September, 10am to 5pm

  • The Assembly Rooms, George Street from Monday 6 September to Saturday 11 September, 10am to 5pm

  • Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, 30 Harvesters Way, until Sunday 26 September, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

  • Faith Mission, 2-4 Drum Street, Gilmerton, EH17 8QG from Monday 13 September to Sunday 26 September, 10am to 5pm

  • James Pringle Weavers, Bangor Road, Leith from Monday 13 September to Sunday 19 September, 10am to 5pm

  • Edinburgh University, Buccleuch Place outside the lecture theatre, from Monday 13 September to Sunday 26 September, 10am to 5pm

  • Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Castlehill from Monday 13 September to Sunday 19 September, 10am to 5pm. There is no parking at this location, please arrive by foot.

  • Craigmillar Medical Centre, 106 Niddrie Mains Road, from Monday 13 September to Sunday 26 September, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm, and Sunday 10am to 5pm


If you can’t get to one of the test centres, you can order free rapid lateral flow test kits online or by phoning the National Testing Centre on 119 or collect them from most chemists or libraries in Edinburgh.

Almost 1 in 3 people infected with Covid-19 don’t have any of the usual symptoms but are potentially passing on the virus unknowingly to family, friends and others in the community. By getting tested people can find out if they are positive and self-isolate at home to stop spreading the virus to others. People who have been vaccinated are also encouraged to take a test as they may still carry the virus.

You can find out more about community testing on our web pages at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/communitytesting

Please can you share this with your contacts in the community and encourage people to come along for testing.

Thank you for your help.

COVID-19 Pastoral Care Group

We have been supporting some of our parishioners at risk of being isolated by:

  • Keeping regular phone contact

  • Buying and delivering shopping

  • Collecting and delivering medication

  • Delivering our weekly newsletter

If you, or anyone you know, would like to receive our support, please get in touch.

St Vincent de Paul Conference

If you are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis, St Vincent de Paul might be able to help. For more information, please contact us, and a member of the St Vincent de Paul will respond to your enquiry within 48 hours.

Parish Emergency Planning Group (PEP)

Our PEP Group has been meeting regularly to develop and implement plans for pastoral, spiritual, and liturgical care in these new circumstances.

If you have any ideas and suggestions for the group, please contact us.

Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline

Helpline is open for 24 hours: 0800 027 1234

You can also contact the helpline by email or online chat. For more information, visit: sdafmh.org.uk

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Dial-a-Mass

This is a phone service for those without internet connection but would still like to celebrate Mass. Dial 0141 473 4869 for a 15-minute recording for a daily Mass by Fr Stephen Baillie of St Joseph's in Clarkston, Paisley.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are being held online during the COVID-19 lockdown. For more information, visit: aa-edinburgh.org.uk/online-meetings/

Prayer Resources from South Edinburgh Cluster

Lots of handy resources to keep us connected and prayerful during this time, including some fantastic resources for children and young people.

People Know How

A fantastic charity offering digital inclusion and befriending services for adults to help us stay connected. Visit peopleknowhow.org or contact them via contactus@peopleknowhow.org for find out more.

Craigmillar COVID-19 community testing

Community testing for people with no COVID-19 symptoms is one of the ways we can all help keep people safe and stop the spread of COVID-19 in Edinburgh. We recently offered community testing in Craigmillar Library and we’d like to thank everyone who came along for a test.

Infection rates are still higher in the wider Craigmillar and Niddrie area than in many other parts of Edinburgh, so we’re asking people to come forward again for a rapid test. We’re open in Craigmillar Library from 9am to 6pm from Monday 23 May to Sunday 30 May. There will be no library services from Craigmillar Library during this time.

Testing is free, fast and safe. There’s no need to book and it will only take around 15 minutes to take the test and 45 minutes for people to be sent their results.

Almost 1 in 3 people infected with Covid-19 don’t have any of the usual symptoms but are potentially passing on the virus unknowingly to family, friends and others in the community. By getting tested people can find out if they are positive and self-isolate at home to stop spreading the virus to others.

You can find out more about community testing on our web pages at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/communitytesting