Dentists: Ministers need to fix broken payment system

‘Dentistry in Scotland is still light years away from business as usual‘

The British Dental Association has responded to new figures showing the number of claims for payment made to dentists for NHS treatments have fallen by more than 50% in some health boards since 2019.

It stresses the Scottish Government must rapidly move forward to fix the broken payment system at the heart of the service.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats analysed the number of NHS dental claims in all 14 health boards between 2019 and 2022. The analysis revealed that:

  • Across Scotland the number of NHS dental claims fell from 5,583,137 in 2019 to 3,184,858 between January and November of 2022
  • NHS Dumfries and Galloway saw a 55% drop in NHS dental claims, with claims falling from 139,988 in 2019 to 62,481 between January and November of 2022. 
  • NHS Orkney saw a 64% drop in NHS dental claims, with claims falling from 20,149 in 2019 to 7,175 between January and November 2022. 
  • NHS Shetland saw a 53% drop in NHS dental claims, with claims falling from 15,873 in 2019 to 7,510 between January and November 2022.
  • All 14 health boards saw a decrease in the number of claims submitted between 2019 and the first eleven months of 2022.

The BDA say that while COVID emergency measures have been withdrawn, practices continue to face of an historic backlog, with many patients requiring more extensive treatment having bottled up problems during the pandemic. 

On 1 October the Scottish Government cut the ‘multiplier’ designed to support the pandemic recovery, that increased NHS fees by 1.3. A lower bridging payment’ took effect uplifting NHS fees at a rate of 1.2 for the next three months, falling to 1.1 for the period up to April 2023.

Dentist leaders stress that in the months ahead progress must be made to deliver needed change to the broken high volume/low margin model NHS dentistry is based on. Without reform, this package will simply delay an inevitable exodus of dentists from the NHS that is already evident in other UK nations. 

Facing surging practice running costs, the BDA says that without an adequate interim funding package several key treatments, and anything – like dentures – that requires laboratory work, risk being delivered at a financial loss. 

Robert Donald, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Council said:  “Dentistry in Scotland is still lightyears away from business as usual. 

“Ministers pledged free NHS dentistry for all, but to keep that promise they need to fix a broken system. 

“Dentists are struggling, facing demand that can’t be met, with some NHS treatments already being delivered at a loss. They need to know that come April they will see real change, not just see the last safety net pulled away.”

UK Government announces Coronation weekend celebrations

Millions of people across the country and the Commonwealth are invited to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort over a weekend of special events.

  • The Nation and the Commonwealth will have the opportunity to join a weekend of celebrations to mark the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort
  • Coronation Big Lunches, thousands of street parties, and The Big Help Out will bring communities together over special Bank Holiday Coronation weekend

The Coronation will take place on the morning of Saturday May 6 at Westminster Abbey. Tens of thousands of people are expected to visit the capital city to experience this unique and historic occasion, with millions more watching from home, across the UK and around the globe.

Coronation Big Lunches, thousands of street parties, and a day dedicated to good causes will bring communities together throughout the UK over the special Coronation Bank Holiday weekend.

On Sunday May 7 a spectacular Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle will showcase the country’s diverse cultural heritage in music, theatre and dance.

One of the highlights of the concert will be “Lighting up the Nation”, in which iconic locations across the UK will be lit up with projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations.

Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: “The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort is a huge milestone in the history of the UK and Commonwealth.

“The weekend of events will bring people together to celebrate our Monarchy and the mixture of tradition and modernity, culture and community that makes our country great.

“Everyone is invited to join in, on any day, whether that is by hosting a special street party, watching the Coronation ceremony or spectacular concert on TV, or stepping forward during The Big Help Out to help causes that matter to them.”

Tens of thousands of Coronation Big Lunches and street parties will be held in the UK and Commonwealth on Sunday and across the weekend. Big Lunches take place across the UK annually and last year they raised more than £22 million for local charities.

The activities on Sunday will culminate in a fantastic evening of song and dance at the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, staged and broadcast by the BBC in front of an audience of several thousand members of the public, selected for free tickets via a public ballot.

The weekend of celebrations will end with the Big Help Out on Monday May 8 – a special Bank Holiday proclaimed by the Prime Minister in honour of the Coronation.

Created by Britain’s best loved charities and organised by The Together Coalition, it will highlight the positive impact volunteering has on communities across the nation.

In tribute to His Majesty The King’s lifetime of public service, The Big Help Out will encourage people to come out and support the causes that matter to them.

Hundreds of activities are planned for the day by local community groups, organisations and charities including The Scouts, Royal Voluntary Service, National Trust and RNLI. Further details and ways to take part will be announced shortly.

Peter Stewart LVO, Chief Purpose Officer at the Eden Project (who are behind The Coronation Big Lunch) said: “We’re so excited about The Coronation Big Lunch on May 7, it is a fantastic opportunity to be part of the celebrations and something for us all to look forward to!

“The Big Lunch has always been about community – last year almost two thirds of people who took part said The Big Lunch had encouraged more people to get involved in voluntary work. Sharing friendship, food and fun together gives people more than just a good time – people feel less lonely, make friends and go on to get more involved with their community, all as a result of sharing a sarnie and a chat in their neighbourhood.

“The Coronation Big Lunch helps you bring the celebration right into your own street or back yard so that anyone and everyone, across the UK and beyond, can be part of this amazing moment in our history. Get yourself an organiser pack, knock next door and get planning – this is going to be an event to remember!”

Jon Knight, Chief Executive of the Together Coalition, said: “The Big Help Out is going to be a festival of volunteering.

“A day when people up and down the country will roll up their sleeves and do their bit. In the run up to the day we’ll also be launching new ways of getting involved in volunteering in your community. The aim is to create a legacy of better-connected communities long beyond the Coronation itself.

“If you’re a voluntary group who wants to be part of it, please reach out now so we can make this the start of the biggest volunteering effort in our country’s history.”

Tony Delahoy: Things Remembered

NORMANDY LANDING

The tide was fairly high as the landing craft headed towards the beach. There were a few tall houses behind the beach and a sea wall with a gap leading inland.

We had all been issued with lifebelts; these were semi-circular in design and tied around the waste. After beaching from our landing craft we discarded the lifebelts in heaps piled up by the sea wall. I shudder to think how useless these ‘lifebelts’ would have been in the sea.

The area of our disembarkation was designated as Gold Beach. The precise area, I believe, was designated as Gold Beach King Red, an area between La Riviere and Asnells and in front of the village or Ver-sur-Mer; the track I believe we took is now called the Rue de 50th Division.

There were some damaged seafront houses, but fortunately they had no enemy in them, although I still felt a bit exposed on my BSA M20 motorcycle (Ed Note: Tony was Battery HQ despatch rider).

From the beach we continued to move some hundreds of yards in convoy until reaching the Ouistreham – Arromanches road. We then crossed over that road and, skirting the town of Ver-sur-Mer, we continued along a track where two dead German soldiers still lay in a ditch by the roadside; this was quite a sobering sight.

Naturally we became a little more cautious as we advanced further inland, and at the top of a field about 300 yards further on we halted in a small wooded area.

On dismounting my motorcycle I unslung my Sten gun from my shoulder and stood it down between my legs. At this point I heard the slight click of the breech block moving back under the impact of standing it down, which had been sufficient to push a bullet into the barrel.

Fortunately the impact had not been quite hard enough to cause the gun to fire, but in inspection the firing pin had actually made a small dent in the base of the bullet’s percussion cap. The gun had been set for rapid fire, which would have meant the whole magazine of 28 9mm bullets being fired – another lucky escape!

I can recall another incident where a Sten gun became caught in some camouflage netting resulting in the death of a comrade. There were many incidents and deaths with the Sten gun until a simple modification was made enabling the breech block to be safely secured.

More THINGS REMEMBERED tomorrow

Aldi launches incredible deals on Burns Night dishes

Aldi Scotland has launched its popular budget friendly Burns Night range.  

In store from 19 January, the discount retailer is once again offering unbeatable prices on its celebratory Burns Supper spread meaning up to four diners can enjoy a full Scottish feast of haggis, neeps and tatties for just £0.81pp (£3.26 total*). 

This year, Aldi Scotland will be serving up its exceptionally popular Macaulay’s Haggis at a promotional price of just £1.49 (454g). In addition, the retailer will also have a limited number of Simon Howie’s Specially Selected Chieftain Haggis for just £3.39 (908g). Made by the Perthshire-based butcher to the traditional Scots recipe, Simon Howie pride themselves on quality food at budget-friendly prices.  

Simon Howie, Owner, Simon Howie Foods said: “All our haggis’ are made with quality ingredients to award-winning recipes and are the perfect choice for celebrating all things Scotland as we enjoy a fine meal and raise a glass this Burns night.

“It’s always a highlight in the calendar and we are thrilled to be partnering with Aldi Scotland, once again.” 

A haggis feast is never complete without traditional ‘neeps and tatties’. Available at amazing Aldi prices, a 2.5kg bag of Maris Piper potatoes is just £0.99, while swedes are currently available at £0.39. For those adding a bit of culinary flair to their Burns Supper there are 1kg carrots (£0.29), white/red cabbage (£0.39 each), 1kg onions (£0.49) and 500g leeks (£0.99) available as part of the renowned ‘super six’ reduced range.  

For customers looking to pick up a plant-based option, Aldi Scotland is stocking Macaulay’s Vegetarian Haggis (£1.49), as well as a gluten free option from Simon Howie (£1.99).  

Not a fan of the ‘Great chieftain o the puddin’-race’? No problem, Aldi Scotland has a selection of products which offer a twist on the classic, including Punjab Pakora Haggis Pakora with a tomato and mint sauce (£1.59), Specially Selected Haggis Bon Bons (£2.29), Simon Howie’s Haggis Olives (£2.99), Specially Selected Beef and Haggis Pastry Parcels with Peppercorn Sauce (£3.99), and Simon Howie’s Curried Haggis Bon Bons (£1.99). 

To wash down the Bard’s celebratory fayre, Aldi Scotland will be retailing a variety of Scotland’s favourite fizzy ginger including Barr’s 1901 Irn Bru (£1.99, 750ml), Irn Bru (£3.99, 12x 330ml), Irn Bru Sugar Free (£3.99, 12x 330ml) and Irn Bru Xtra (£3.99, 12x 330ml). 

Aldi was named UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2022 by consumer group Which? for the second year in a row.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Haggis is Scotland’s dish, and something that every Scot should sample at least once. Whether it’s the real deal, a vegetarian option, or haggis inspired pakora, with our Burns Night range there is something for every shopper.     

“At Aldi we pride ourselves on being able to bring great, locally sourced, products to market that represent incredible value, and this Burns Night range is no different. Offering premium dishes at budget friendly prices, every one of our haggis dishes have been chosen for their exceptional quality and taste.  

“In 2022 we continued to underline our commitment to Scottish suppliers and producers with the aim of bringing the best of Scotland’s vibrant food and drink sector to our customers. We are now pleased to be kicking off 2023 by once again working with so many of our long-standing suppliers in Scotland to offer our customers a fantastic range of products.” 

Available at all 104 Scottish stores, Scots are guaranteed unbeatable bargains on all essential food and drink in honour of the country’s foremost poet.  

Aldi continues to support to Scottish food and drink producers with 25% of its range now locally sourced in Scotland. The supermarket’s commitment to local produce was recognised at the 2022 Scottish Sourcing Business of the Year by Scottish Food and Drink Excellence Awards. The discount retailer also scooped 63 individual awards for their Scottish product offering in 2022.   

Pressures on health service: resilience committee meets again

The Scottish Government’s resilience committee (SgoRR) has met again to discuss the impact of winter on NHS and social care, chaired by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Pressures on the system remain acute, despite a slight improvement in A&E waiting time statistics published this week.

The First Minister heard updates on rates of respiratory illness, levels of hospital capacity and actions to alleviate delayed discharge. This includes a nationwide re-assessment of hospital patients who are clinically safe to be discharged, so they can be moved home or to a homely setting as soon as possible.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy First Minister, Health Secretary and other cabinet ministers, along with the Chief Medical Officer and senior representatives from NHS boards, COSLA, Integration Joint Boards and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf will also meet NHS24 recruits in Cardonald later today. The trainees are part of around 200 new staff who are set to join the service by the end of March, helping to ensure adequate resource continues to be in place to respond to calls from the public.

The First Minister said: “There is no doubt that we are still seeing very acute demands across most of the health and social care system.

“That means it remains important to continue to pursue every avenue to improve the flow of patients through hospitals, and to ensure people are able to safely leave when they are fit for discharge.

“The measures discussed at SGoRR today are all helping to address these issues, but we remain indebted to the incredible efforts of staff right across the health and social care system for their commitment and hard work during this extremely challenging winter.”

Police Scotland statement on vetting checks of officers and staff

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor QPM said: “Officers and staff work day in, day out, right across Scotland to protect the vulnerable and keep people safe.

“We are resolute in our determination to address sexism, misogyny and violence against women, within our organisation and across society.

“Police Scotland has already strengthened vetting measures, introducing an additional check for new recruits just before they are sworn into office and we will commence a rolling programme to review vetting decisions this year.

“We have recently invested in our vetting team and take relevant action where concerns emerge.

“To further enhance our ability to safeguard our values and standards, all officers and staff will be checked against national systems, in line with work being taken forward in England and Wales.

 “It is right policing is held to high standards. We will always support officers and staff acting with our values and standards at heart.

“Those who reject what we stand for don’t belong in Police Scotland.”

Levelling up projects in Scotland awarded £177 million

TEN projects across Scotland receive grants from round two of the UK Government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund

A new ferry for Fair Isle, restoration of Kilmarnock’s historic Palace Theatre, and regeneration in Stirling are just some of the transformational local projects across Scotland awarded a share of £2.1 billion from the UK Government’s landmark Levelling Up Fund.

Major UK Government investment will benefit people across Scotland by spreading opportunity and breathing new life into historically overlooked areas.

A total of 10 projects in Scotland have been allocated more than £177 million from round two of the Levelling Up Fund. The projects will create jobs, drive economic growth, help restore people’s pride in the places where they live and spread opportunity more equally.

This will drive forward the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy by levelling up and provide the foundations for building a better future in communities across the UK. By working together the UK is better able to collectively tackle the individual challenges faced by every region and nation across the country.

Grants include nearly £27 million for a new roll-on, roll-off ferry for Fair Isle. There is also £20 million to fund the refurbishment of Kilmarnock’s 163-year-old Palace Theatre and Grand Hall, and a new park near the town square, as well as more than £19 million towards the regeneration of the Forthside area in Stirling.

In Aberdeenshire, £20 million will transform Peterhead’s disused Arbuthnot House into a new museum, library and cultural hub, while the popular marine aquarium in Macduff will be modernised and expanded.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Through greater investment in local areas, we can grow the economy, create good jobs and spread opportunity everywhere.

“That’s why we are backing a number of projects with new transformational funding to level up local communities in Scotland.

“By reaching even more parts of the country than before, we will build a future of optimism and pride in people’s lives and the places they call home.”

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: “We are firing the starting gun on more than a hundred transformational projects in every corner of the UK that will revitalise communities that have historically been overlooked but are bursting with potential.

“This new funding will create jobs, drive economic growth, and help to restore local pride. We are delivering on the people’s priorities, levelling up across the UK to ensure that no matter where you are from, you can go as far as your talents will take you.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “It’s fantastic to see real momentum gathering as we level up across Scotland. This latest round of UK Government funding will see more than £177 million invested into 10 exciting projects which will breathe new life into communities across Scotland.

“Working with local partners we are boosting culture and leisure in Aberdeenshire, Galloway and Kilmarnock; improving connectivity in Shetland and Dundee; regenerating Greenock and Cumbernauld town centres; unlocking huge swathes of land for green development in East Lothian and Stirling; and helping communities in Fife connect with nature.

“We must and will continue to invest in initiatives that will make a difference to communities and help grow our economy. So far we have announced more than £2.26 billion – including the two Freeports confirmed last week – to bring prosperity and growth to Scotland that is crucial as we tackle the challenges associated with rising energy prices and the increased cost of living.”

Projects in Scotland awarded Levelling Up Fund grants in round 2:

  • nearly £27 million has been guaranteed for a new roll-on, roll-off ferry for Fair Isle. The service is a lifeline for the island, supporting its residents, visitors and supply chains, and without its replacement the community will become further isolated.
  • in Aberdeenshire, £20 million will transform Peterhead’s disused Arbuthnot House into a new museum, library and cultural hub, while the popular marine aquarium in Macduff will be modernised and expanded.
  • there is £20 million to fund the refurbishment of 163-year-old Palace Theatre and Grand Hall, and a new park near the town square in Kilmarnock.
  • in Dundee, £14 million will go towards redeveloping a dated multi-storey car park into a sustainable transport hub, creating 350 electrical vehicle charging points, car share spaces, and an e-bike hire scheme.
  • nearly £20 million will help demolish and reroute the A78 dual carriageway to reconnect and transform Greenock town centre into a modern, vibrant hub based around public squares and green spaces.
  • in Stirling, more than £19 million will go towards the regeneration of the Forthside area, helping to create 1,000 new jobs.
  • more than £19.4 million to accelerate the regeneration of Riverside Park in Fife and improve access to the River Leven with new walking routes.
  • in Cumbernauld, more than £9 million will support the demolition and regeneration of two failing shopping centres and a vacant office block, helping to bring education, employment and homes into the heart of North Lanarkshire’s largest town.
  • in East Lothian, nearly £11.3 million of funding will help free up land at a former coal fired power station for future, green regeneration.
  • almost £18 million will help Dumfries and Galloway turn redundant spaces and buildings into exciting new cultural and leisure opportunities.

The major investment announced follows the allocation of £1.7 billion to 105 projects from round one of the Levelling Up Fund in 2021– taking the total allocated so far from the fund to £3.8 billion. In Scotland there was an allocation of £172 million to 8 Scottish projects from round one of the Levelling Up Fund in 2021– taking the total allocated so far from the fund to £349 million. The UK Government’s levelling up projects across Scotland can be explored on this map.

The UK Government has also confirmed there will be a further round of the Levelling Up Fund, providing more opportunity to level up places across the UK.

Council funding crisis: Leaders write to First Minister over budget ‘cut’

Scotland’s Council Leaders have written to the First Minister expressing their collective deep concern about the impacts of the financial settlement that Scottish Government has proposed for Local Government as part of this year’s Scottish Budget.

At a special meeting of Leaders on Monday 16th December, it was unanimously agreed that the budget settlement as it stands means another real terms cut to Councils’ core funding, at a time when many in our communities are struggling with the impact of rocketing prices across fuel, food and other bills, and facing unprecedented levels of poverty in a modern era, in an era where Local Government continues to provide the targeted and ongoing support deemed so vital to those most in need.

Council Leaders feel that this budget settlement will have a detrimental impact on vital local services, on our ability to focus the necessary resources and supports to our communities and on those who are already impacted by this cost-of-living crisis.

Leaders added that significantly, it will lead to the loss of jobs, both within Local Authorities and within the local companies who supply goods and services to councils and are reliant on their contracts to employ local people.

In the letter Leaders did acknowledge the impact of inflation, the UK Government’s mini-budget and global economic factors that are continuing to weigh heavily on the Scottish Government’s budgets and spending plans.

Given the pressures facing Councils, Leaders are keen this year to meet with Ministers so they can hear concerns first-hand, look at possible solutions and to work collaboratively with Government to enable Local Government to continue to deliver vital services to our communities.

Lothian labs deliver vital tests amid ongoing surge in respiratory illnesses

NHS Lothian laboratory teams are the first in Scotland to develop and use PCR testing to detect Group A Strep illnesses among those admitted to hospital.

The tests are proving vital in helping to identify and reduce onward spread of these infections, which are particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

Patients who are suspected of having a Group A Strep illness are typically treated swiftly with antibiotics, but this treatment impacts the success of more traditional testing methods, meaning an accurate diagnosis is more difficult and can take longer.

The introduction of the PCR testing, which is not affected by antibiotics, means patients are being diagnosed more accurately and much more quickly. A quicker diagnosis means treatments can be tailored, and the potential for onward spread of infection can be significantly reduced.

Dr Kate Templeton, Head of Molecular Diagnostics, NHS Lothian explained, “While the ongoing impacts of COVID are still being felt across healthcare, and society more generally, a more positive outcome of the pandemic has been the wealth of research and innovation within laboratory testing and diagnostics.

“Within NHS Lothian, we are taking the experience and knowledge gained throughout the pandemic and applying that to other health conditions. The development and use of the PCR test, which had more commonly been used in response to COVID, for Group A Strep illnesses is hugely important. Not only is it providing quicker diagnosis, but it is helping to reduce the spread of these infections and ultimately it is saving lives.”

The Lothian labs team is now processing PCR tests for suspected Group A Strep illnesses for all Health Boards across Scotland, a vitally important role, amid the ongoing surge in respiratory illness that is being seen across the country, and which is hugely impacting levels of hospital presentations and admissions.

Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian said, “The NHS Lothian laboratory teams did incredible work throughout the pandemic, but they haven’t stopped there.

“This new development, which builds on their immense knowledge, and the investment we have made in this area, is now proving vital as Scotland’s healthcare system responds to increased and sustained levels of respiratory illnesses.

“The introduction of the PCR test will mean Scotland’s hospitals can diagnose Group A Strep illnesses more quickly, improving treatment options for patients and minimising the potential spread of infection. This innovation is proving invaluable now, but will continue to play a vital role in future years.

“I am immensely proud of the laboratory teams for their ongoing work in this area, and as they continue to support not just NHS Lothian, but Scotland’s other Health Boards throughout this particularly difficult winter.”

Heart of Newhaven Community: January News

Happy New Year and Welcome to your January newsletter

We’d like to start this month’s newsletter with a little boasting:

“We just celebrated our daughter’s first birthday at the Heart of Newhaven! What a joy!

‘The hall was perfect and the team (particularly Kim) couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating. The building is historic and quirky and we are so privileged to be able to use the facility in our community. If you’re looking for a quaint and wholesome venue to celebrate, the Heart of Newhaven is the perfect spot.”

That is a genuine review left on Google after a successful event held at the Heart. Why not consider it for your special event?  Book here

There are also several regular classes now being held in the Heart. We have Zayna Dance Academy who are running nursery ballet and jazz, jazz and musical theatre classes for ages 5-8 and 8-11, and also some classes for adults. For more info contact zaynadanceacademy@gmail.com or Whatsapp: 07487450778.

If you have young children or are expecting, you might be interested in the regular Pregnancy Cafe events, run by Stepping Stones North Edinburgh. Check out their website at Home – Stepping Stones North Edinburgh

If you enjoy singing, then there is also Newhaven Community Choir  – who practise in the Heart every week.

Some of our tenants are now up and operating as well. Our very own potter, Borja Moronta is beavering away in his top floor studio getting ready for a special exhibition (check out his own website at borjamoronta.com), and the History of Education Centre on the first floor is taking bookings for visits to their newly refurbished Victorian Schoolroom (check their website at histedcentre.org.uk).

Their very first visitors came this month, of course, from Victoria Primary School, who were thrilled to be back on home turf and amazed at the changes that had been made since they left.

There is also a drop-in hand-sewing group being started by Lorna at Ink on Mesh. This is in association with the ‘Stitch an Acorn’ Campaign for Louise Gardiner’s Cape of Courage exhibition at Marchmont House, Duns, later this year.

The sessions will take place at the Heart on Tuesdays from Tuesday 7th February until Tuesday March 28th, 6.15pm – 8.15pm. Just come to the main door.

You can find out more about the project here: 

https://www.lougardiner.co.uk/blog.php

Lorna is also on the look-out for spare material scraps, sewing kit of any kind or even sewing machines that can be reused, repurposed and re-loved. If you have any such donations, please drop them off at the Heart for her attention or contact her on blessedunrest@aasfour601983

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Repair Café                  

Saturday 28th January, 10am-1pm

At The Men of Leith Men’s Shed, Creel Building, Heart of Newhaven Community
Something broken? Why not bring it along to our Repair Café where our volunteers will help you to attempt a repair. The event is free; our goals are to help people to learn repair skills and to save waste and cost.

We can look at any small objects including small electrical items, toys, small furniture, ornaments, indeed anything you value which is broken – come along and give us a challenge!

www.facebook.com/leithmensshedrepair.org

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We’re about to start a new venture at the Heart as well.

The Warm & Welcoming events on Wednesday and Saturday mornings 9 -12 , beginning Wednesday 1st February, will be open with tea, coffee and at very least biscuits. We will be hosting several pop-up events staffed by our partners and Heart residents. Just turn up, have a cuppa and meet them. 

ACE IT will  be running 1:1 advice if you need support with your laptop, phone or tablet: use the free Wifi and get any problems sorted out.

You will also be able to find out more about what’s happening the Heart in the coming months.

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Now back to more mundane but very important matters.

We’re currently hiring.

We’re looking for a part-time Buildings Maintenance Officer.

If you’re interested in being part of our small but very important team, read more about it on the website and if you’d like to apply, please send a copy of your CV, a supporting statement describing how you meet the person specification, and a short covering letter to anna.brown@heartofnewhaven.co.uk.

We’re also looking for more volunteers to help with specific tasks.

We need volunteers to help at reception on Wednesday and Saturday mornings when we will be holding our multi-purpose Warm & Welcoming events.

We’d also like to hear from anyone with event organising and/or community fund raising experience.

If you’d like to volunteer in any of those areas, then contact us via the volunteer form on the website.

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Finally, make a date to come and visit the Heart on the evening of Thursday 23rd February when we will be holding our second Coorie-In from 7 till 8.30 pm.

Come and meet some of our tenants and partners  and see what the Heart has to offer.

More details in the next Newsletter.