Vacancies at Pilton Equalities Project

CURRENT VACANCIES

2 Part time Minibus Drivers

  • Part time
  • £18,200 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 10th June 2022.

The Pilton Equalities Project is a voluntary organisation based in North Edinburgh since 1989, providing a range of services to older and other vulnerable adults.

We are looking for a part-time driver who holds a D1 category license and who is over 25 years old (for insurance purposes).

Must be physically fit as there will be moving and handling involved.

Hours to be agreed, but flexible working is a requirement as holiday cover will be required.

The main duties include transporting groups to venues in and around Edinburgh, picking up surplus food donations, maintenance checks, bus washing etc.

Experience of working with the elderly and disabled is essential. Knowledge of driving minibuses and operating wheelchair restraints is desirable but full training can be given.

Find out more

Mental Health Support Worker

  • Part time
  • £25,404 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 10th June 2022

PEP are seeking to employ a skilled Mental Health Support Worker to develop two new wellbeing groups in North Edinburgh for older people aged 65+.

The purpose of these groups will be to support older people whose wellbeing has been negatively affected by the pandemic.

This will include, but not be limited to, older people who have experienced bereavement, social isolation or mental health issues.

Find out more

Mental Health Worker

  • Part time
  • £26,166 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 10th June 2022

PEP are seeking to employ a skilled Mental Health Worker to be responsible for the daily running and further development of PEP’s Mental Health Service.

The purpose will be to support older and other vulnerable adults, whose wellbeing has been negatively affected by the pandemic.

This will include, but not be limited to, older and other vulnerable people who have experienced bereavement, social isolation or mental health issues.

Find out more

Pilton Equalities Project

 Charity registered in Scotland SC010108

To enhance the quality of life for older and other vulnerable adults in North Edinburgh by continuing to develop services that enable active community participation, which encourage independence and which measurably reduce isolation.

SEPA issues first water scarcity alert of 2022

  • The Firth of Tay area, covering north Fife and Dundee, has seen the risk of water scarcity increase to alert from early warning stage.  
  • Businesses abstracting water in affected areas urged to be more water efficient to protect environment and business operations.
  • SEPA’s latest water situation report shows dry conditions impacting river flows and soil moisture. 
  • Most of the south and east of Scotland remains at early warning.  

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published its first water scarcity alert of the year with business operators and farmers in the Firth of Tay area urged to efficiently manage their water use. 

The risk of water scarcity in north Fife and Dundee has increased to alert from early warning and SEPA is monitoring the area closely, coordinating steps to manage water resources in line with Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan. Businesses which abstract water in affected areas are being urged to consider how they can be more efficient to protect both the environment and their own operations. 

SEPA is responsible for the forecasting, monitoring, and reporting of the situation facing Scotland’s water resources and will produce weekly water scarcity reports from May to September. 

Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, Nathan Critchlow-Watton, said:  “It is vital that water abstractors in north Fife and Dundee, who are licensed by SEPA, have a plan to deal with water scarcity. We would encourage businesses to abstract at different times, reduce the volume/rate where possible and consider alternative sources of water. 
 
“Climate change is already having an impact with a decrease in rainfall expected over the summer, and we have to be ready for more pressure on Scotland’s water resources, perhaps in places that have not had to deal with water scarcity before.  
 
“SEPA aims to work with businesses to do the right thing and protect Scotland’s water environment. We can provide advice and guidance on ways to reduce pressure on rivers at risk of drought. Taking action now will reduce the likelihood of SEPA resorting to regulatory action.” 

Businesses can find more information about water scarcity and ways to prepare on SEPA’s website.

Although Scotland is generally considered a wet country, we are continuing to see the effects of long periods of dry weather. The Scottish Government has this week highlighted the need to be prepared for the continued effects of climate change in Scotland, highlighting SEPA’s water scarcity reports. 

sepa_water-scarcity_digital-leafletDownload

Reshaping unscheduled care services

People needing urgent and unplanned hospital care will benefit from a new national improvement programme aimed at reducing waiting times.

The Urgent and Unscheduled Care Collaborative will see health boards adopt a number of measures to reduce A&E waiting times and improve patient experience, including offering alternatives to hospital–based treatment.

People will also be offered scheduled urgent appointments to avoid long waits in A&E. The programme will also determine how the discharge process can be simplified to ensure patients don’t face unnecessary delays in leaving hospital. Health boards will share more than £50 million of funding this year (2022-23) to support this national integrated approach with work already underway in some areas.

Earlier this week the Scottish Government’s Resource Spending Review was published, setting out priorities for the next five years, including investment and 2reform of health and social care services.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “It is absolutely crucial we ensure people are receiving the right care at the right time and in the right place. That’s why I’m pleased to confirm today’s £50 million investment to help achieve our national urgent and unscheduled care priorities. 

“Our twin approach of investment and reform in urgent and unscheduled care will help boards see people who need urgent attention more quickly. For many, A&E may not be the best place for their healthcare needs and our £50 million improvement programme will offer patients alternative routes to urgent care.

“Last year 4,500 patients received care from a Hospital at Home service – without this these patients would have experienced an acute hospital stay, we are determined to build on this success.”

Witness appeal following serious assault by white van driver

Police are appealing for information following a serious assault in Princes Street that happened around 1pm on Friday, 20 May, 2022.

A 31-year-old man was on or near the pedestrian crossing when he was punched in the face by the driver of a van at the junction with Hanover Street.

He was treated at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for a serious facial injury.

The driver, who made off in a white van, is described as white, of stocky build, balding with a beard. He was wearing grey work trousers, a blue Nike top and boots.

Police Constable Mihaela Hristova said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or who may have made a note of the registration of the van which the suspect used.

“If you can help please contact us on 101, quoting incident number 1746 of Friday, 20 May, 2022, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The Great British rip-off: don’t get caught out by UK seaside bank holiday parking charges

Tourists visiting UK seaside towns this Bank Holiday are being warned to do their research on parking charges – as research reveals the potential costs of leaving your vehicle when visiting the seaside.

As the cost-of-living crisis drives more of us towards Summer staycations, several popular private seaside car parks appear to be cashing in according to research by leading vehicle breakdown provider Start Rescue.

The worst offender was found in Newquay – a destination which welcomed over 5.9m tourists in 2021 – with one private parking location charging £35 for a stay of just eight hours.

Newquay, which has been described as Cornwall’s ‘favourite holiday destination’, is one of several popular seaside towns to scrap free parking facilities in favour of new pricey tariffs, removing its free facilities in June 2020.

Start Rescue has advised that it pays to shop around before ditching the car this Bank Holiday, warning visitors to vote with their feet when it comes to rip-off parking providers.

The great seaside spend: Rates to park your vehicle for eight hours:

  1. Newquay – £35
  2. Brighton – £31.50
  3. Blackpool – £18
  4. Bournemouth – £15.95
  5. Weymouth – £15.50
  6. Llandudno – £12
  7. Durdle Door – £10
  8. Polzeath – £10
  9. Scarborough – £9.95
  10. Southend on Sea – £9.30

Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue, said: “Parking our vehicle is something many of us take for granted and it’s the last thing we should be worrying about when taking a break at the seaside. We often find a parking space at the seaside, see the high cost to park, but are wary of moving in case we can’t find a cheaper space elsewhere.

“We recommend doing your research before your trip, because the cost of parking up by the beach can mount up, especially if you’re visiting for a few days, with prices varying greatly within one area.

“If you are able to walk a little further, first try the less expensive parking which is normally a little further away from the main beach area. Choose wisely and you’ll have more money to spend on the things that matter most.”

Meanwhile, in EDINBURGH – Please note, today and tomorrow (3 June) are NOT parking holidays. The usual parking charges will apply!

https://edinburgh.gov.uk/parking-spaces

Edinburgh Pets At Home store celebrates £300,000 pledge to Scottish Dementia Dog Charity

Visitors to the Pets at Home store at Fort Kinnaird last weekend joined the pet care specialist in celebrating its £300,000 pledge to Edinburgh-based Dementia Dog, an innovative project by Dogs for Good and Alzheimer Scotland that supports families across Scotland living with dementia, both at home and in the community.

The grant has been made through the Pets at Home Foundation, the charity founded by the Pets at Home Group – which includes Pets at Home, Vets4Pets and The Groom Room – as part of its mission to create a better world for pets and the people who love them.

The funds will be used to support the charity’s expansion across mainland Scotland, which includes training more full-time assistance dogs, providing animal assisted therapy, delivering training workshops and hosting events.

Over the weekend, visitors to the Fort Kinnaird store in Edinburgh, and others across Scotland, had the chance to speak to ambassadors from Dogs for Good about their work, enjoy cupcakes (or pupcakes) and more.

Amy Angus, Group Charity and Community Manager at the Pets at Home Foundation, said: “For families affected by dementia, a dog can provide great comfort and support through a very challenging time.

“We’re incredibly proud to be able to help such a fantastic initiative across Scotland, and it was great to celebrate with our colleagues and customers in our stores and veterinary practices over the weekend.

“It’s thanks to their great work and generous donations that we’re able to support so many important projects like Dementia Dog.”

Peter Gorbing, CEO of Dogs for Good, added: “For many people, their pets are not only their best friend, but can also be a real lifeline, helping to maintain a routine, retrieve medication and regulate sleeping patterns.

“We’re passionate about bringing people and dogs together and this funding will go a long way in helping us to support more families living with dementia.

“We’d like to send a big thank you to the Pets at Home Group and all the generous people who contributed to this pledge, which will mean so much to families across Scotland.”

The Dementia Dog project is one of hundreds of causes that the Pets at Home Foundation has supported, with more than £5 million donated to more than 750 organisations in the year to March 2022.

To find out more about the Pets at Home Foundation and the charities it supports, visit: https://www.petsathomefoundation.co.uk/

Musselburgh Racecourse and S.Luca partnership offers discount to local community

Two renowned East Lothian businesses are working together to offer more people in the local community who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis an opportunity to enjoy a fun day out.

Musselburgh Racecourse is partnering with S.Luca to offer racegoers a discounted meal when they purchase a concession ticket at the racecourse over the next three months. 

Anyone who purchases a concession ticket will be able to present this at the Musselburgh branch of S. Luca to get a 10% off their meal. S. Luca is also offering a free ice cream for all kids who attend the races over this Jubilee weekend.

Concession tickets will be reduced to £15 over both days of the Jubilee weekend, saving £15 on Saturday and £10.00 on Sunday. This discount will continue over the next three months except for Ladies Day in August. All Saturday 4th June concession racegoers will receive a complimentary concession ticket to Sunday 5th June.

Bill Farnsworth, General Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “In a bid to help the local community during this difficult period, we were keen to partner with our friends at S.Luca to provide an offer over the summer that would help as many people locally get access to a fun day out.

“We hope this offer over the next three months allows more people, particularly those who have been hit the hardest to come along and enjoy their day at the races with a delicious meal at the end of it.”

Jane McGhie at S.Luca, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Musselburgh Racecourse to offer discount to those who are going along to the races this summer. We want to do everything we can to keep costs down for people at a time when prices are high across the most basic amenities.”

The concession ticket (£15 on all days except for Ladies Day) offer will continue for three months (finish end of August) and can only be purchased at the gate on race day with a form of valid ID.

SNP announce record social security spending for Edinburgh

HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS EDINBURGH TO BE SUPPORTED BY £23 BILLION

As communities across Edinburgh recover from the pandemic and face a Tory made cost of living crisis, yesterday the SNP Government’s spending review outlined record social security spending to help households facing increasing pressures. The Scottish Government allocated around £23 billion for social security over the course of the parliament.

The focus on supporting households under increasing pressure reflects the SNP’s commitment to create a fairer Scotland by tackling child poverty, reducing inequalities and supporting financial wellbeing in Edinburgh, and builds on current efforts to help families and mitigate Westminster welfare cuts.

The Resource Spending Review outlined over £23 billion worth of payments, with a total of almost £1.8 billion for the ‘game changing’ Scottish Child Payment alone. By 2026-27 the budget for Social Security Assistance will have increased by £6.3 billion.

This is despite the Scottish Budget for this year being cut in real terms by 5.2 per cent by the Tory UK government and the SNP government already spending almost £770 million on cost of living support, including several measures for families in Edinburgh not available elsewhere in the UK, such as:

  • Doubling the ‘game changing’ Scottish Child Payment to £20 per child per week with plans to increase it to £25 and extend it to under 16s by the end of the year – reaching a possible 450,00 young people.
  • Investing £86m to mitigate the Tory Government bedroom tax and benefit cap and support 90,00 people in their tenancies
  • Uprating eight Scottish social security payments by 6 per cent
  • A brand new Low-Income Winter Heating benefit that guarantees a £50 annual payment to over 400,000 low income households in winter 22/23
  • The Carers Allowance Supplement which will support around 90,000 carers with an additional £450 a year
  • Providing everyone in primaries one to five and over 140,000 eligible children and young people access to a free school lunch
  • Making free bus travel available for nearly half of Scotland’s population through concessionary travel

Additionally, the Scottish Government is making investment in areas like energy efficiency to bring down costs and the spending review set out how the SNP will build on these over the coming years.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: ““I am very glad to see this record investment in social security by the SNP Government, putting such a strong focus on tackling child poverty and helping households both across the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency and the wider city who are facing severe pressures right now which seems likely to only increase for the next while.

“Many families across Edinburgh are already benefitting from support like the Scottish Child payment, a £150 council tax reduction, the Scottish Welfare Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments which mitigate Westminster’s cruel bedroom tax.

“These are policies that build on the SNP’s current efforts. They will make a real difference to people’s lives and build on long standing measures that we benefit from every day – such as free prescriptions, free university tuition, free personal care, and 1,140 hours of free early learning and childcare which will continue to be maintained.

“When times are tough, Governments have to make tough decisions and I’m grateful the SNP government continue to focus on what matters most to people but, it is acting with one hand tied behind its back as Westminster continues to inflict its cruel austerity agenda at a time when people need support the most.

“Once again, it is clear that only with the full powers of independence, that we can stop spending a fixed budget on protecting households against Tory cuts and start to properly build a fairer, more equal Scotland.”

Cammo Meadows Jubilee Tree Planting

Staff from David Wilson Homes took part in a Jubilee Big Tree Plant at Cammo Meadows to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of The Queen’s reign, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has planted over 1,500 trees in communities across Britain.

The Jubilee Big Tree Plant saw the country’s largest housebuilder plant trees to recognise the Queen’s wish to create a legacy for future generations.

Douglas McLeod, Regional Managing Director, Scotland said “We wanted to recognise Her Majesty the Queens incredible service to the country and her communities by fulfilling Her Majesty’s wish to plant trees that improve the sustainability of the local environment.

“It was wonderful to bring together residents, staff and local community groups to mark the Queen’s Jubilee celebration.”