Tag: Children and Families

Dalkeith Rugby Club welcomes more than 400 families to Minis Festival

Families from across Edinburgh and the Lothians turned out in force at the Dalkeith Minis Rugby Festival 2022 on Sunday (15 May), which was supported by leading housebuilder Stewart Milne Homes.

Hosted at King’s Park by Dalkeith Rugby Club, more than 400 primary school children across six teams including Dalkeith, Falkirk, Lasswade, Leith, Penicuik, and Preston Lodge competed in the round robin festival of 12-minute matches throughout the day.

With a people-first ethos, Stewart Milne Homes was the main sponsor of the event and provided funding to support the organisation of the minis rugby festival which has been encouraging friendly community sport for over 15 years.

The award-winning housebuilder also provided a gazebo for the event which was the main hub for all attendees on the day and supplied re-usable water bottles for all the children to keep them hydrated throughout the event and take home for future use.

Rugby balls were also donated to the club for the kids to use when on the pitch and all participants proudly took home a competition medal as a keepsake of the action-packed day.

Dawn Lawrence, Sales Consultant at Stewart Milne Homes’ Shawfair development, said: “Events such as the Dalkeith Minis Rugby Festival are the foundation of thriving communities, and at Stewart Milne Homes we share the club’s passion in creating vibrant places and a sense of belonging that people want to call home.

“After virtual events have dominated the agenda for the last two years, it’s fantastic to see a huge number of youngsters get outdoors once again into green, natural space and participating in activities that promote healthy lifestyles.

“We’re very proud to work with community groups and sports clubs, and it is humbling to be able to offer a helping hand to an organisation which shares our people-first values.  I’d like to say thank you to Dalkeith Rugby Club for collaborating with us on such a fun, family-orientated event.”

Christopher Boyle, Head of Minis Rugby at Dalkeith Rugby Club, said: “The Minis Rugby Festival is one of the highlights in our calendar and we are thrilled to see such a fantastic turn out for the 2022 event.

“The whole team shares a passion for enhancing sporting opportunities across the Midlothian region and beyond for our next generation and seeing these efforts culminate in events is incredibly rewarding.

“The funding support and gifted items from Stewart Milne Homes have been gratefully received by the Club and everyone who attended.”

Stewart Milne Homes is currently creating a number of new developments across Central Scotland, including Shawfair in Midlothian, which will feature 115 new homes as well as communal green space and excellent active travel links to the wider community.

The luxurious three-, four-, five- and six-bedroom homes on offer are from the housebuilder’s new ‘Villages’ range which has been expertly designed for modern-day lifestyles, creating the very best of contemporary and considered living for the whole family.

For further information, visit www.stewartmilnehomes.com

Social housing must be top priority for new administration as talks continue

Shelter Scotland has said Councillors must stick to their promises and make social house building the top priority for the next administration in Edinburgh as talks to decide who will head up the council continue. 

Ahead of the election the housing charity’s petition demanding action on social homes attracted more than 3,300 signatures in Edinburgh, and in excess of 12,000 nationally. 

Before voters went to the polls, councillors from the SNP and Labour, the two largest parties on the City of Edinburgh Council signed the Shelter Scotland social housing pledge to make social housing delivery a top priority for their term in office. 

Shelter Scotland’s analysis of the council’s figures shows the city needs at least 7,000 social homes over the next five years.

 Director of Shelter Scotland, Alison Watson, said: “Social housing ends homelessness. It protects against worsening child poverty and helps our communities thrive. It is easily one of the best things the new council can do to improve our city. Despite that, none of Edinburgh’s previous administrations have delivered the homes the council’s own figures say the city needs. 

“Before this election, the parties now negotiating a new power sharing agreement promised the 3,360 citizens in Edinburgh who signed the social housing petition that they would make building at least 7,000 social homes a top priority. Now they need to deliver.” 

Alison added: “Communities across Edinburgh are suffering as a direct result of the housing emergency. They will not easily forgive or forget if councillors do not deliver what they’ve promised.

This is one thing the parties can agree on and something the people of Edinburgh will expect to see on the first pages of their new plan for the city.” 

Child Disability Payment pays out more than £3 million since launch

Payments made to over 3,000 children and young people across Scotland

More than £3.25 million has been issued in disability payments to children and young people since Child Disability Payment launched. It is estimated that as of 31 March 2022 a total of 3,050 children and young people were in receipt of the payment.

The total number receiving payments includes 555 people who have had their Disability Living Allowance for children payment transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Figures for 26 July 2021 to 31 March 2022 include an initial pilot period where Child Disability Payment was only available in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles local authority areas. The benefit opened to people across Scotland in November 2021. Payments began in February for children and young people whose awards transferred from DWP.

Almost three quarters (74%) of applications were made online, with 16% by phone.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “Social security is a shared investment in building a fairer Scotland and we encourage those who are eligible for support to apply.

“It is excellent to see that Child Disability Payment is already making a difference to the lives of thousands of children and young people, and their families. Families who find themselves in need of support can access this help in a way that suits them best.

“For the first time anywhere in the UK, we have an online application facility for applying for our disability benefits , and the high number of people choosing to use this demonstrates that we have been responsive to the way people want to access social security.

“We are determined to ensure there is a seamless process for all recipients whose payments are moving from DWP to Social Security Scotland, and we will continue to transfer cases in a safe and secure manner. Importantly, the process is automatic – people do not need to reapply and they will be kept informed at all times.”

Mark Ballard, Head of Policy for the National Deaf Children’s Society Scotland, said: “It’s been very important to have such positive and productive discussions with Social Security Scotland around our shared goal of making the new Child Disability Payment work for deaf children.

“Social Security Scotland has consistently taken on board our feedback, which is based on both the lived experience of the families we work with and our own specialist knowledge.

“We look forward to continuing to work with them to develop and enhance Scottish benefits for deaf children and their families.”

Young cyclists take to their bikes to demand safer streets

Almost 500 young cyclists in Edinburgh and Inverness took to the streets at the weekend to demand action is taken to make the streets safer for cycling.

The events, run by campaign group Kidical Mass, were just two of the hundreds that took place around Europe to raise awareness of the need to make space for the next generation with measures like cycle lanes that are separated from roads.

There are currently 12 Kidical Mass groups in the UK, with Inverness and Edinburgh leading the way in Scotland. The groups organise regular cycle rides, to give young people visibility and help them make their voice heard.

Ewen Maclean was one of the organisers of the Edinburgh Kidical Mass ride. He said: “The Kidical Mass movement is about demonstrating the need and demand to allow kids the freedom and safety to move around our cities in a healthy and sustainable way. Very shortly these kids will be independent young adults and the benefits of encouraging active travel are clear and societal.

“Not only is incorporating active travel into your lives good for your mental and physical well-being, helping to address the inactivity crisis, and the climate crisis, but it reduces traffic volume, pollution and accidents and damage to our roads – which benefits those who need to drive as well as those that don’t.

“The children on the ride were able to chat and laugh and be outside interacting with their community, feeling safe enough to get around.

“These kids were the lucky ones: many, many more would have loved to have joined from Leith, Portobello and other areas further afield but there is no safe route for them to access the ride.

“This is why we need to fight for safe routes across the city for all residents, but this ride was about giving a voice to kids, who can’t vote or participate in consultations – we need to listen to what is important for them for the future.”

Elspeth, aged 6, joined in the ride in Edinburgh. She said: “I loved riding with my friends and waving at people – it was really fun and I felt safe. I loved the music too.”

Bridie Barnett, hospital doctor and mum of 2 from Inverness, said: “It was amazing to see so many kids out on their bikes this weekend – we really see a difference in their confidence when we do these cycles because they aren’t worried about the cars coming close to them – it gives us a real insight into how good things could be if we had proper segregated cycle lanes.”

It’s Bookbug Week!

All aboard for Bookbug’s Big Journey

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, will host Bookbug Week from Monday 16 May – Sunday 22 May.

This year’s theme is Bookbug’s Big Journey, and Bookbug jumped on a vintage bus with families at the Riverside Museum to mark the occasion.

Bookbug Week will focus on all kinds of journeys, whether it’s the excitement of riding on the bus or a train, strolls through the park, an adventure to outer space or even just a trip out in a buggy. Scottish Book Trust is also reminding families that wee ones love hearing stories and songs when they’re out and about.

Bookbug Week is an annual celebration of Scotland’s national book-gifting programme and Song and Rhyme Sessions.

This year, Scottish Book Trust ran a competition for a new Bookbug Week illustration, and the winner was Dylan Gibson.

He illustrates picture books and illustrated stories for older children and reluctant readers and has produced artwork for dozens of books and covers. Dylan will run an online event showing children how they can draw their very own Bookbug Week picture.

Award winning illustrator Nick Sharratt and author Katrina Charman will host a live online event jam-packed with rhyming fun. They will be sharing book readings of their book, Car, Car, Truck, Jeep and The Whales on the Bus, with a fun draw-along to take part in too.

Many Bookbug Sessions will return in person – check Scottish Book Trust’s website to find a Session near you. The popular live Bookbug Session on Facebook will run on Friday 20 May at 10am.

Bookbug has recently launched their very own Instagram, and members of the public can join in the fun by sharing their own #BookbugWeek pictures and stories.

Families can access Bookbug’s Song and Rhyme library, via Scottish Book Trust’s  website, or on the free Bookbug app. There are also fun activities for children available on Scottish Book Trust’s Home Activities Hub.

An exciting Bookbug Week competition will run across Bookbug social media from Monday 16 May, and you could be in with a chance of winning a bundle of books and some transport goodies.

Clare Haughey, Minister for Children and Young People said: “I am very excited for Bookbug Week 2022 ‘Bookbug’s Big Journey’, knowing families will be able to enjoy sessions in libraries and community settings.

“Bookbug helps to encourage an early love of books among children while also providing great opportunities for parents and their wee ones to spend time together, having fun and learning.

“I am very proud that we have a universal national programme in Scotland, which supports all families to enjoy reading with their children from the earliest opportunity.  As well as laying the foundations of early literacy, the Bookbug sessions help to promote positive interactions and attachment for families, which we know is key to children’s health and wellbeing in the long term.

“I’m delighted that the Scottish Government are able to provide increased funding for 2022/23 of £1.7m for the continuation of the fabulous Bookbug programme.”

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “It’s wonderful to welcome families back to libraries and community groups for Bookbug Week and Bookbug Sessions.

“Our thanks to Dylan Gibson for designing this year’s wonderful Bookbug Week illustration. We hope everyone enjoys their Bookbug Week journey, and we look forward to seeing people across Scotland joining us in person and online.”

Edinburgh volunteers needed for NSPCC’s flagship Childhood Day

NSPCC Scotland is bringing people in Edinburgh together this summer to have fun while helping to protect children from abuse and neglect.

Childhood Day, which is on June 10, is the NSPCC’s landmark charity day where families, friends and colleagues fundraise and take action to help keep children safe.

To help make this the best Childhood Day yet, the NSPCC is appealing for volunteers on the day in Edinburgh to help at the fundraising collections for the city centre and Edinburgh Craigleith Retail Park, from 10am until 6pm.

Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “Last year, the NSPCC Helpline made 897 referrals to agencies in Scotland about child abuse and neglect concerns – an average of two referrals a day.

“With the support of local people here in Edinburgh, we can take action against child abuse, and raise funds to ensure young people always have someone to turn to.

“We need volunteers to help at our Edinburgh collection, so please contact us if you’re able to give your time, energy and enthusiasm. It would be great if you could spare a couple of hours to help us. Together we can make all the difference for children.

“Or you may prefer to set up a fundraising event. Whether you’re organising a sponsored kickabout in the park, a board game, a musical get-together or an online gaming tournament, we want your help to get the UK playing and to raise money to help us keep children safe from abuse.”

https://youtu.be/mMcOHBaKkN0

To help with a collection, visit:  

www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/events-fundraising/childhood-day/volunteer/

If you want to do your own fundraising, then visit:

 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/childhoodday 

for a fundraising pack.

Living Streets: Pupils set to step out during Walk to School Week

Pupils in Scotland are celebrating national Walk to School Week (16 – 20 May) with a series of events and a special guest.  

Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking.  Families are encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the week to see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.

Pupils at schools in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Shetland, Stirling, Moray, Orkney, Renfrewshire, Thurso and Wick are being joined by Strider, the Living Streets mascot for a series of events to celebrate Walk to School Week.

Living Streets is working with Scotland schools to deliver WOW – the walk to school challenge in over 120 schools.

WOW is a pupil-led initiative where children self-report how they get to school every day using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker. Pupils who travel actively at least once a week for a month are rewarded with a WOW badge.

Chris Thompson, Schools Manager, Living Streets Scotland said: “Walk to School Week is a fantastic excuse to celebrate the many social, health and environmental benefits that come from walking to school.

“Schools across Scotland are working really hard to get more active on the school run and reduce congestion outside the school gates. We’re thrilled to be taking Strider along to meet some of the pupils swapping the school run for a school walk on what will be Strider’s furthest visit north!”

Mrs Caroline Leask, ‘Road Safety Lead Teacher’, Sound Primary School, Shetland said: “Sound Primary School are delighted to be selected as Living Streets feature school and are thrilled to welcome Strider to launch the WOW challenge.

“Our pupils are enjoying taking part in the Walk To School challenge each day and earning their badges. The campaign has encouraged pupils to take more active journeys to and from school whilst also being ECO friendly in their travel options.”

Queen’s ‘inspirational’ faith inspires free children’s book

  • The Church of England and Thy Kingdom Come prayer movement are giving away up to 500,000 FREE story books to children, in honour of The Queen’s faithful reign  
  • The book is inspired by the Queen’s dedicated service to the country for 70 years, and her Christian faith 

The Queen’s commitment to the country and her Christian faith has inspired a free story book, which will be distributed to half a million children in honour of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.  

The book, which is based on faithfulness, honours The Queen’s 70 steadfast years on the throne and is being issued by The Church of England and Thy Kingdom Come, The Archbishop of Canterbury’s global prayer movement. 450,000 of the books have already been requested and given away.  

The free story, Queen CJ and the Bouncy Castle, is a product of The Cheeky Pandas – a children’s cartoon series featuring contributions from stars including CBeebies’ Gemma Hunt, and Archbishop Justin Welby.

In the book, a little panda who owns a bouncy castle and doesn’t want to share it with her friends, learns that a good ruler is faithful to her people and serves her country through the ups and downs – just like Queen Elizabeth II.  

Alongside the book, there will also be a special ‘Royal’ themed Cheeky Pandas episode by the makers of CBBC’s Andy and the Band and CBeebies’ The Baby Club, with voiceovers from Gemma Hunt, and free activity packs (including a widget version for children with additional needs), assembly plans and music videos to use in homes, schools, and churches. 

Cartoon episodes will also be available in BSL.

  

Pete James, the creator of the Cheeky Pandas said: “It is an honour to partner with Thy Kingdom Come and the Church of England this year to create these resources to nurture young children’s faith in a fun way, in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.” 

You can order the free books here on The Cheeky Pandas website, as well as other free Jubilee resources. 

There is also an extended version of The Cheeky Pandas free Jubilee book, available for purchase.  

Grow Strong: Edinburgh Community Food launches schools project

Edinburgh Community Food, a social enterprise and charity which uses food to tackle health inequalities, have teamed up with Veg Power, a not-for-profit to increase veg consumption across the UK, to deliver ‘Grow Strong’, a pilot project across Edinburgh, encouraging children to grow food.

38 Edinburgh primary schools and local families have started to receive their Grow Packs which include everything they need to raise Cherry Tomatoes.

The packs include propagators, seeds and compost kindly donated by Unwins Seeds, as well as a Grow Strong wall chart bursting with information to help them grow their tomato plants.

Former Blue Peter gardener, Chris Collins, will be joining Edinburgh’s children by growing his own tomato plant.

He has plenty of tips and vlogs to help guide the little growers and their helpers: “There is nothing like seeing the miracle of a tiny seed emerge from the soil, grow, bloom and produce fresh food. 

“When you have grown once, you will want to grow for a lifetime. Knowing how to grow food is not just amazing fun, it’s also a life skill and one our children should not be without.”

Once the cherry tomatoes are ready to harvest the little growers will head to the kitchen to turn their tomatoes into a delicious pasta sauce.

According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), 80% of children are not eating enough vegetables. Learning about where food comes from is not just good for healthy eating, it’s important to develop children’s understanding of the food chain, sustainability and the environment.

Veg Power’s Chief Executive Dan Parker said, “Veg Power is committed to increasing the UK’s veg consumption and the Grow Strong project in which children will grow tomatoes from seed is a fun initiative that not only teaches them about food systems and healthy eating but brings together an alliance of local government, business, community and schools.”

The learning will continue throughout the Summer with a number of exciting events for children taking place in Edinburgh’s Community Gardens, which will help them on their Grow Strong journey and ensure the cherry tomatoes make a tasty pasta sauce.

With the rising cost of living, the Grow Strong project is all about helping children and families enjoy delicious, fresh, healthy food working towards making sure everyone in Edinburgh has access to an affordable, healthy diet.

People across Edinburgh are invited to join in the fun by growing their own cherry tomato plants. Share your Tomato Adventure using #TOMTASTIC.