Community wellbeing in Almond & Western
Almond & Western Voluntary Sector Forum produces information flyer
Category: Almond
Scottish Youth Parliament: Edinburgh elections results
The Scottish Youth Parliament election results 2021 were announced on Monday 22 November. Eleven new Members of the SYP will now represent young people in Edinburgh.
Ten of those elected are from state schools in the city, seven are young women and three are from a Black and Minority Ethnic background.
One remaining seat, in Northern and Leith, will be contested in the new year.
Edinburgh registered the highest number of expressions of interest in Scotland from potential candidates and fielded the most candidates (26) of any local authority.
We also achieved the highest voter turnout in Edinburgh since 2015, despite many of the usual campaigning activities being curtailed because of the pandemic.
Councillor Ellie Bird, Young People’s Champion, said: “I want to commend the astonishing achievements and contributions of all 26 candidates that stood across Edinburgh in the Scottish Youth Parliament election, and warmly welcome the eleven new MSYPs into our city’s elected member family.
“The success of this year’s election is a testament to the commitment and passion of everyone involved in prioritising the voice of young people, at a time when it’s never been more important.
“Due to the restricted access to schools, youth clubs and community centres, candidates have had to rely on their own ingenuity, creativity and sheer dogged persistence to get their message, and their vote, out.
“The determination that these young people have demonstrated in standing up for what they believe in by putting themselves forward for election and to be accountable to their electorate, especially during such a challenging period for young people, is nothing short of inspirational.
“I know they all have a lot to offer their communities and the causes they care about most, and I can’t wait to see what they do next and look forward to working with Edinburgh’s newest group of elected representatives to place young people at the heart of policy and decision making.”
For more information about the election and the successful candidates, please see @edinburghMSYPs
Joy Rides at Cramond
Care home residents have ‘wheely good time’!
A CYCLING initiative at an Edinburgh care home aiming to get elderly residents out in the fresh air and interacting with the community has got off to a speedy start.
With restrictions easing, Cramond Residence was delighted to resume its partnership with Joy Rides – a customised electric tri-shaw bike that carries two passengers and a “driver”.
Residents at the care home to the north of the city enjoyed venturing out every other week before the pandemic on bespoke trails with Joy Rides founder and cycling enthusiast Lissa McIntyre.
Joy Rides was created in 2019 and is a one woman show helping passengers combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, whilst improving health and well-being all while having fun on the front of a tri-shaw bike.
Lissa McIntyre, said: “From a very young age I’ve had a passion for cycling – there is nothing better than feeling the wind in your hair and forgetting your worries for a little while.
“No other form of transport gives you the same sense of freedom as a bicycle does, so I wanted to ensure people who couldn’t cycle were able experience this feeling – albeit minus the strenuous pedalling!
“When doing my initial market research, I noticed there was a lack of outdoor activities available for older people within the city so I wanted to close this gap and offer them the same experience and enjoyment.
“Riding on the tri-shaw gives you the freedom that comes with being on a bike outdoors with the security that a reliable, safe person is in charge behind the wheel.”
The Joy Rides project resumed in June, and aims to allow residents and other customers to filter back into their local communities without stress or unease following months of lockdown.
Lissa, said: “There are a host of positive mental, physical and social benefits that come from getting elderly people out in the fresh air, especially as many have not left the home for a long period of time.
“During the trip residents are encouraged to socialise with others from different parts of the home and are often keen to have a chat with locals.”
Residents often request the cycle to go along Cramond promenade to view parts of the city they don’t often see, such as the view to the Forth Bridges in Queensferry and across the water to Fife.
Between every session the tri-shaw bike is thoroughly cleaned, on top of this both the driver and passengers are required to wear a mask during the trip with health and safety being paramount.
Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.
During lockdown, Lifestyle Coordinators led activities from The Residence Cinema, connecting to residents in their own private house lounge or in their bedrooms via smart TVs to encourage two-way communications.
Places in the care home start from £1850 a week. To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/
Cramond Island’s rich history
by CONNOR LAW
Did you know you can walk part way across the Firth of Forth?
North of Cramond village lies an island rich in history: Cramond Island.
The island is rare as it has a geological feature which few islands do: you can walk there, as it is a tidal island.
Historians believe the Island was likely occupied by the Romans; Cramond is one of very few places in Scotland which is rich in Roman architecture.
Despite this there is little hard evidence of Roman activity on the island. There is, however, evidence which suggests that the island was of significance to the prehistoric culture, that evidence being a burial Cist ( a box like stone coffin).
Despite a lack of firm historical records during ancient times, strong evidence from the British Wool Company confirms that from the 1790s until the death of Peter Hogg in 1904, Cramond Island was used for farming and sheep grazing in particular.
One such piece of evidence comes from a 1853 ordnance survey which show as a Farmstead towards the northern end of the island, although today it is partially concealed in ivy.
Evidence also suggests that Cramond Island was also a fishing island, as the remains of a stone Jetty can still be seen at the northwest corner of the island.
Cramond island was once known for its oysters, but the oyster population has been destroyed due to overfishing.
The island was also requisitioned during both world wars to protect the nearby anchorage for warships and the dock gate at Rosyth Dockyard from German torpedo boats and possible sabateurs. Counter-measures included an anti- submarine net, which was placed along the Forth and ran from Cramond Island to Inchmickery and Inchcolm island and the Fife coast line.
Two-pounder guns (Personal Defence Weapons) were placed on the northern end of Cramond Island during World War One and reinforced with further two pounder guns during World War Two.
The remnants of several second world war buildings can be found on the island, including shelters, engine rooms and store houses.
The island is approximately 7.70 Hectares in area, roughly 1/3 of a mile away from Cramond village.
Although it is owned by the Dalmeny estate, visitors can cross the causeway and explore the island, although any visitors to the island should take care to visit the island at low tide as visitors are stranded on the island on occasions.
It is difficult to believe that the opportunity to explore such wilderness and historical mystery lies on Edinburgh’s door!
MD appointed at ‘Scotland’s finest care home’
A LEADING figure in the development of care homes and hospitals in Scotland is to take the reins as a dedicated Managing Director of Edinburgh’s finest care home.
Graeme Kelly, who is currently a Director at Walker Healthcare, will move across to the newly created role at its newest development, Cramond Residence, as it looks to build on growing demand as consumer confidence recovers within aspects of the sector that can demonstrate a positive track record over the past 12 months.
The home, which enjoys a leafy location, was purpose-built in 2018 by Walker Healthcare as a boundary-pushing advancement in both comprehensive luxury and clinical care for older people.
The latest technology and awareness of the importance of infection-control were factored into the design and specification from the outset, with small-group living in nine self-contained living pods as a cornerstone of the design alongside awareness of the benefits of the latest technology in everything from laundry systems to ventilation.
Graeme, 62, from Fife, has been astonished at the lengths that the care home’s teams have gone to provide rich and stimulating care, while managing to keep Covid-19 at bay, with very few cases recorded at the home to date.
Graeme said: “From day one we set out to create a new upper tier in the care home sector. Infection control was of utmost priority at this development long before the pandemic – and you can see how the design of the home is shaped around it.
“The Cramond Residence team, like so many key workers, have been truly inspirational throughout the last year. They’ve given the residents here the best possible care, hospitality and experiences and have provided families with reassurance
“We’re starting to see confidence returning and new enquiries are increasing month on month. Those that have put off a relative’s stay in a home are now ready to commit, if they can be reassured by the track record of the home, over the past year.
“All of our staff and residents have now had the vaccine too – and while we can’t for one second become complacent – we are grateful for our record so far in the pandemic.”
Graeme’s move over from Walker Healthcare, where he has worked since 1989 and which built and owns the home, coincides with the phased retirement of Eileen Gray.
The home offers nurse-led care, as well as offering a varied lifestyle programme. During this pandemic this has seen residents embark on a “Grand Tour of Scotland”, with distilleries, museums and attraction providing virtual tours and experiences.
Cramond Residence is a purpose-built care combining unparalleled luxury; true five-star accommodation with outstanding clinical standards – with places available from £1850 per week.
The home offers high quality person centred care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.
The nine small bubble group living facilities have up to eight bedrooms, a private lounge, dining and snug facilities.
To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/
Local groups receive awards for Keeping Scotland Beautiful
The efforts of 14 Edinburgh groups have been acknowledged by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful at an online seminar yesterday.
North Edinburgh is well represented among these green-fingered groups, with awards for Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, Fresh Start Growers, Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden, Friends of Lauriston Castle Estate, Friends of Starbank Park and North Edinburgh Arts Gardening Group.
The other capital groups to receive awards are Balerno Village Gardeners, Craigentinny Community Gardening Project, Craigentinny Primary Parent Council, Friends of Morningside Cemetery, Friends of Saughton Park, Inch View Care Home, Inspiring Hillside and Northfield Community Growing Group.
Annually Keep Scotland Beautiful runs two community environmental improvement programmes in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society; the competitive Beautiful Scotland campaign and the It’s Your Neighbourhood initiative.
A full list of the 14 groups from Edinburgh can be found in the attached table (below).
Faced with the challenges of 2020, there has never been a more important time to recognise and celebrate the achievements of communities and individuals across Edinburgh.
Throughout lockdown and the following months, groups have worked tirelessly to improve their communities through horticulture, environmental responsibility and working in partnership for the benefit of residents, visitors and our natural environment.
Despite circumstances this year, 47 new entrants were welcomed to the network, and although judging and mentoring visits were not able to take place due to restrictions across Scotland, groups were still supported with online seminars, networking events, question and answer sessions and a weekly e-newsletter.
Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said, “We know that lockdown resulted in many people reconnecting with green and blue spaces local to them. Yet, it has also been a particularly challenging year for the communities who strive every year to protect and enhance the places they live and work in.
“I’d like to thank all the groups in Edinburgh for the efforts they have made to keep Scotland beautiful this year.”
Although many of the groups had to stop or curtail their planned activities for the year, we have been blown away by what they have managed to achieve – whether that be setting up a food bank, encouraging and supporting others to grow their own, creating virtual garden tours, connecting their members through online catch ups and keeping their neighbourhoods bright and cheerful.
If you’d like to join the network in 2021, check out the website for inspiration and details on how to get involved:
www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/BeautifulScotland or www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/IYN
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support in North Edinburgh
Local organisations have put together a booklet listing mental health & wellbeing support services in North Edinburgh (see below).
If you need support call the new Community Wellbeing Helpline on 0131 332 8773.
Barnton cyclist incident: can you help?
At about 8.30pm on Friday 19th June, a 32 year old man was cycling his dark red Genesis Hybrid pedal cycle on Barnton Avenue.
About 20 yards from the junction with Cramond Road South, the rider became unseated from his bike and sustained injuries. The exact cause of the incident is unknown, however there is the possibility that another vehicle may have been involved.
Images of the bike are attached and at this time it is unconfirmed if any other vehicles were involved.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting incident 2977 of 22 June.
Council mapping tool: £5 million ‘doon the pan’?
A new online platform enables people to share suggestions for creating safer spaces for walking, cycling and wheeling safely in Edinburgh as the current restrictions begin to be lifted – but one local business owner says the city’s plans are ‘a disgrace’.
- Mapping tool launched to help people suggest improvements to make active travel easier and safer
- £5m funding from Transport Scotland via Sustrans will support changes across the city
- Package of measures already underway to help people walk, cycle and wheel as restrictions are lifted
In collaboration with Sustrans, the city council has launched the Commonplace mapping tool, which, throughout June, will allow residents to highlight ‘pinch points’ where emergency measures could help people maintain physical distancing safely on foot, bike or wheelchair.
Earlier this month the city council announced a package of suggested interventions to make it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists to move around the Capital.
As well as providing extra space, the proposals recognise a rise in active travel since lockdown began and aim to facilitate this as the phased lifting of lockdown continues. On Wednesday, Edinburgh was granted £5m Transport Scotland Spaces for People funding, administered by Sustrans, to help deliver measures to achieve this.
Over recent weeks the council has received many suggestions for road closures, widened pavements, segregated cycle lanes and other possible actions from across the city.
Now, the public will be able to highlight specific areas on an interactive map and provide feedback on barriers experienced, as well as identifying improvements. This, along with ideas already shared, will help shape council efforts over the coming weeks and months.
Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We’ve hit the ground running with an extensive programme of measures to help people observe physical distancing while walking, cycling and wheeling, and to support them to continue to do so once restrictions are eased.
“This week we were delighted to receive a fantastic £5m funding award from Transport Scotland, via Sustrans, which will help us to go even further to achieve these aims.
“We’ve seen a real increase in cycling and walking since the beginning of lockdown and we want to help this to continue as we return to a sense of normality.
“We’ve already had an incredibly enthusiastic response from residents who also want to see calmer, safer conditions maintained as we return to normal. This new tool is a great opportunity to involve the very people who use our streets to help shape our plans.”
Cllr Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice-Convener, said: “Our transport officers are working extremely hard to implement these changes as quickly as possible, and we’re delighted that the measures already in place have received such a great response from residents.
“We’ve received lots of ideas from across Edinburgh for further interventions, and this tool will help even more people highlight areas for improvement. We’d also like to reassure everyone who has already submitted suggestions to us that there is no need to resend them via this new tool, as we are reviewing all suggestions collectively no matter how they come to us.”
Dave Keane, Infrastructure Manager, Sustrans Scotland, said: “The City of Edinburgh Council has shown great ambition to make it easier for people to get around safely on foot, by bike or wheelchair during Phase 1 and beyond.
“We hope people living in Edinburgh will engage with the Commonplace mapping tool – it’s really simple, clear and easy to give feedback. Most importantly, it will help the council get a clear picture of where temporary interventions are needed most.”
Responses received through the Commonplace platform will be recorded and used to inform plans, though temporary interventions that will have the greatest benefit to public health and can be delivered in a short timeframe will be prioritised. The website will close for comments on 29 June.
A council spokesperson said: “While we welcome every response, we won’t be able to deliver all the improvements suggested, with any work dependent on available funding, procurement of materials and the availability of contractors.
“We’ll soon be sharing information on schemes that have been suggested alongside those that are being progressed on our website.”
A programme of changes is already underway across the city. The latest measures to be implemented include the partial closure of Stanley Street and Hope Lane (between Stanley Street and Christian Grove) and the closure of Warriston Road to through traffic.
The first will provide a low-traffic corridor for people to walk and cycle and access nearby green spaces like Figgate Park while the latter will create a wide pedestrian and cyclist-friendly space leading to access to the North Edinburgh path Network.
The council says existing temporary road closures in Silverknowes, Greenbank, Cammo and Leith have been welcomed by community members, creating welcoming and safe spaces for pedestrians and cyclsts of all ages and abilities – but at least one business owner is furious over ‘bungling council road closures’ (see below).
The Council’s overall approach will be implemented to support the Scottish Government’s phased approach to lifting lockdown.
All measures that are introduced will be closely monitored and refined or adapted in response to any issues, where necessary. The design process for any intervention will consider all road users, particularly people with mobility or visual impairments, and will seek feedback from organisations including RNIB, Edinburgh Access Panel and Living Streets.
At least one less than complimentary suggestion will be winging it’s way to the council. Boardwalk Beach Club, located on Silverknowes foreshore, is furious over a council decision to close local roads and is calling for consistency across the city.
In a statement on Facebook, Boardwalk Beach Club said:
*** COUNCIL BUNGLE WITH MISMANAGED CLOSURES DISCRIMINATING AGAINST DISABLED, ELDERLY, YOUNG FAMILIES, BUS USERS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES ***
“Road of Cramond Glebe Road and Silverknowes Road and closure of Cramond Car Park leave only one road access to Silverknowes and Cramond Beaches via 50 Marine Drive EH4 5es accessible via Silverknowes Parkway/Pennywell Road/Lower Granton Road).
“A disgrace and terrible for businesses and disabled, elderly people and young families in the area. Expect Cramond to have no businesses or services very soon. The village has been dying with less shops and businesses than the 1960’s and this will continue with the loss of Cramond Car Park.
“A total disgrace to businesses who didn’t open during Lockdown to help the community and who are now being hit with a double whammy as this disgraceful council discriminates against Cramond Beach/Silverknowes Beach while Portobello Beach is huge crowded with people and cars with little or no traffic restrictions.
“It doesn’t make sense that elderly, disabled people, young families and others can now not access two major roads leading to the safest, widest, most beautiful Promenade in Edinburgh within the second largest park in Edinburgh and largest coastal park and deny them access to buses within one mile (removing the 29 Lothian Bus from Silverknowes Promenade).
“And removing more than half of the free car parking at a time when Lockdown was lifted and Phase One measures allow people to meet in parks and on beaches in groups of up to eight people when people are travelling by car to congested garden centres and supermarkets.
“Please can The City of Edinburgh Council explain why Cramond Beach and Silverknowes Beach continue to be discriminated against when other beaches are accessible and open?
“Ten years without a bus, three years with no JustEat Hire Bicycles on a 3 mile promenade which is now flooded with people cycling, Noddy small roadside bins which constantly overflow with rubbish, six cycle racks along a 3 mile promenade when 15 were put in outside small shops elsewhere, uncut grass, roads closed in order to cause traffic jams to justify more roads being closed.
“The Council is a disgrace discriminating against elderly, young families and disabled people wanting to enjoy the amazing Cramond Beach and Promenade. Marine Drive is now fully open but disabled people have to search for a place close to the entry and for some this is too much.
“Please reconsider for beach access for all, especially since the 29 Lothian Bus service to Silverknowes Promenade was removed due to your closure of Silverknowes Road.
“It looks like the monies from The Scottish Government will be going DOON THE PAN!
“Edinburgh Council are turning the situation into “Go oot, dinnae go oot”. Why deny access to amazing safe social distancing setting and shoehorn people into tight areas? It makes no sense, especially when people are allowed to cram into small garden centre car parks and rammed supermarket car parks.
“It’s utter nonsense. Let’s make this place awesome. Please contact your Councillors, MP and MSP to make your voice heard. Live the dream.”
Submit suggestions on the Commonplace tool online, by 29 June.
Support for customers who are struggling to pay their mortgage due to coronavirus
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has today announced proposals which will continue support for customers who are struggling to pay their mortgage due to coronavirus (Covid-19).
The proposal outlines the options firms will be required to provide customers coming to an end of a payment holiday, as well as those who are yet to request one.
For customers yet to request a payment holiday, the time to apply for one would be extended until 31 October 2020.
For those who are still experiencing temporary payment difficulties due to coronavirus, firms should continue to offer support, which could include extending a payment holiday by a further three months.
Christopher Woolard, Interim Chief Executive at the FCA, said: “Our expectations are clear – anyone who continues to need help should get help from their lender.
“We expect firms to work with customers on the best options available for them, paying particular attention to the needs of their vulnerable customers, and to provide information on where to access help and advice.
“Where consumers can afford to re-start mortgage payments, it is in their best interests to do so. But where they can’t, a range of further support will be available. People who are struggling and have not had a payment holiday, will continue to be able to apply until 31 October.’
If the proposals are confirmed, the FCA would expect:
- Customers who can afford to return to full repayment should do so in their best interests – at the end of a payment holiday, firms should contact their customers to find out if they can resume payments and if so, agree a plan on how the missed payments will be repaid.
- Anyone who continues to need help gets help – lenders should continue to support customers who have already had a payment holiday where they need further help. Firms are expected to engage with their customers and find out what they can re-pay and, for those who remain in temporary financial difficulty, offer further support. As part of this firms should consider a further three-month payment holiday.
- Extending the time the scheme is available to people who may be impacted at a later date – customers that have not yet had a payment holiday and experiencing financial difficulty will be able to request one until 31 October 2020.
- Keeping a roof over people’s head during a public health crisis – the current ban on repossessions of homes will be continued to 31 October 2020. This will ensure people are able to comply with the government’s policy to self-isolate if they need to.
- Payment holidays and partial payment holidays offered under this guidance should not have a negative impact on credit files. However, consumers should remember that credit files aren’t the only source of information which lenders can use to assess creditworthiness.
This guidance would not prevent firms from providing more favourable forms of assistance to the customer, such as reducing or waiving interest.
Firms should consider signposting customers towards sources of debt advice. Debt advice may be helpful for customers coming to the end of payment holidays and may be particularly useful for consumers with pre-existing payment shortfalls or who are likely to be in longer-term financial difficulty.
When implementing this guidance, firms should be particularly aware of the needs of their vulnerable customers and consider how they engage with them. For customers who aren’t able to use online services (such as digital channels), firms should make it easy for customers to access alternatives.
The FCA welcomes comments on these proposals until 5pm on Tuesday 26 May and expects to finalise the guidance shortly afterwards.
This guidance only applies to mortgages. It does not apply to consumer credit products which are covered by separate guidance which will be updated in due course.
Gareth Shaw, Head of Money at Which?, said: “The extension of these measures will bring relief to people who would otherwise struggle financially during the challenging months ahead.
“Mortgage lenders should make the process as straightforward as possible, ensuring people can easily access the support they need.
“Consumers should also consider their options carefully as a mortgage payment holiday will likely lead to increased payments in the future – so it is likely to be in their interest to continue making payments as normal if that is feasible.”