Former Edinburgh school provides new home for children’s charity
A major Scottish charity is advancing its fight for children’s rights as they move into Edinburgh’s Norton Park
Children’s Parliament is dedicated to the realisation of children’s human rights. Founded 30 years ago, the organisation has played a pivotal role in promoting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in Scotland, working to understand the issues that matter to children and bring these discussions to policy makers.
Now, the charity is entering a new stage of growth, moving into the Norton Park offices in Edinburgh. Located in the heart of Leith, the former a primary and secondary school catered to generations of Edinburgh youngsters since 1903. It now provides the perfect setting for Children’s Parliament to expand its operations.
Currently housing over 25 charities and social enterprises, Norton Park itself has a rich history as a former school, serving generations of Edinburgh students since 1903. It transitioned to its current role hosting non-profit organisations in 1998 and has since become an independent registered charity.
The new headquarters also provides a valuable base for building closer relationships with the surrounding Leith community, with the organisation already reaching out to local schools.
Louise Hill, Director of Children's Parliament, said: “Making the move to Norton Park is about more than simply finding a new office. To be surrounded by other organisations who share our values and are passionate about driving social change creates lots of opportunities for us to learn from one another and work together.
“With Norton Park also being a charity, they understand what third-sector organisations need. The facilities and staff are fantastic, and everyone has been so welcoming since we arrived. It’s lovely to be part of a wider community of social enterprises.”
Working with children to demonstrate human rights in action and influence decision makers, Children’s Parliament ensures children understand their rights and ensures their views are heard by local and national decision makers.
The charity is also working to tackle child poverty through its Child Power project, encouraging children to become advocates for change and giving them a greater say in the decisions affecting their lives.
The move marks an important milestone for the charity, with Norton Park providing workspaces for third-sector organisations significantly below market rates, allowing the organisation to put more funding into its mission
Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “We’re proud to welcome Children’s Parliament to Norton Park. Given the building’s history as a school, it’s a fitting home for a charity dedicated to giving children a voice.
“The environment we’ve created is specially designed to encourage collaboration and cooperation between charities. Children’s Parliament is already showing the value of this approach, building relationships with fellow organisations and exploring opportunities to work together to drive positive change across Scotland.”