A group of Edinburgh College’s Access and Continuing Education (ACE) students have completed a project to help the homeless in partnership with pan-disability charity Leonard Cheshire.
The students took part in Leonard Cheshire’s ‘Can Do’ programme, during which they decided to embark on a ‘building communities’ project to raise funds for, and awareness of, the needs of homeless people.
Delivered by the pan-disability charity Leonard Cheshire, Can Do is a skills development and community involvement programme designed for 16-35 year olds with additional support needs. With both in-person and virtual formats, the participants took part in sessions on fundraising, mental health and wellbeing, designing posters and much more.
The project provided the students with an opportunity to make a positive difference in the community, improving their confidence and motivation, while also benefiting from the learning experience. In addition, the participants gained an SVQ Building Communities award through completion of their project.
In one session, the students learned about homelessness and discussed some essential items you might need for winter as a homeless person. Following this, they were tasked with some online shopping to create ‘care and share’ bags to donate. Each participant was given tasks, such as budgeting, comparing prices and spotting deals, before ordering and receiving the items, and packing the bags.
All of the care and share bags, as well as all proceeds from the campaign, were donated to Bethany Christian Trust, a charitable organisation in Scotland whose mission is to relieve suffering and meet the long-term needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Scotland.
Jasmine Lapointe, Access and Continuing Education lecturer at Edinburgh College, applauded the students for choosing such a significant project which made a positive and tangible difference in people’s lives, and said they should all be proud for taking part.
Leonard Cheshire Can Do Coordinator for Edinburgh Obert Dhundu said: “The students expressed a keen interest in embarking on a project that will be impactful not only for themselves but for vulnerable people in the community, and this led them to choose a project centred on homelessness.
“They showed great commitment in learning about homelessness, as well as the related topics we covered. It was a real privilege to have facilitated this project for them.”
Edinburgh College creative students launch annual festival
Edinburgh College’s creative students are ready to take over the city with a number of unique performances and exhibitions taking place at venues across the capital as part of the annual Glow Festival.
Glow, the culmination of a year’s hard work for the College’s Creative Industries students, will see students perform and exhibit at venues in Edinburgh throughout April, May and June.
The festival will feature events covering the wide range of the College’s Creative Industries courses including: Performing Arts; Broadcast Media and Photography; Music and Sound Production; and Art and Design, with music concerts, theatre shows, exhibitions, film showings and more.
The ninth annual Glow festival, which sees a return to events happening in-person following two years of online performances and exhibitions, launched at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery last week (27 April) with performances from the College’s Musical Theatre students and Brass Ensemble.
Students will showcase their skills and talents across some of Edinburgh’s top venues including Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Festival Theatre, The Biscuit Factory, Bannerman’s, Assembly Roxy, Church Hill Theatre, Everyman Cinema, and the College’s campuses.
The programme of events includes large-scale end-of-year shows including a musical theatre performance with a modern twist on the classic tale Cinderella, an exhibition of Theatre Costumes, a new play set around 1990s rave culture, the Performing Arts Studio Scotland Cross Currents dance event and an exhibition of make-up artistry.
Edinburgh College Assistant Principal Curriculum for Creative Industries Jakki Jeffery said: “After hosting virtual events for the past two years, we are absolutely delighted to be launching our return to an in-person Glow Festival for 2022.
“Our students have been hard at work over the last few months perfecting their work and performances and can’t wait to show off their talents at venues across the capital.
“Glow gives our students the perfect opportunity to showcase their work in front of live audiences or at exhibitions in Edinburgh, giving them the experience that will help set them up for a successful career in the creative industries. We have some spectacular events planned this year, and look forward to seeing you all there!”
Edinburgh College has officially opened a new Renewables and Energy Efficiency Training Centre aimed at helping people save energy in their homes, thanks to funding from SP Energy Networks.
The new facility will see students, apprentices and industry professionals learn how to use cutting edge equipment and develop skills required to build low energy homes, and to modify existing homes to become more energy efficient.
The centre, housed at the College’s Granton Campus, was opened by Edinburgh College Vice Principal Jonny Pearson, alongside speakers including Jillian Violaris of SP Energy Networks and John Renwick of Energy Skills Partnership (ESP).
Equipment featured in the new centre includes: ground source heat pumps, air source pumps, solar thermal systems, rainwater and greywater harvesting, SIPS eco panels, underfloor heating systems, and latest gas appliance condensing boiler technology supplied by Worcester Bosch.
The focus for the centre is to train students and apprentices in these technologies, while also supporting those in industry to reskill and upskill, using high-class equipment under the guidance of Edinburgh College lecturing staff.
The centre has been funded by SP Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund and managed via the ESP.
ESP is a collaboration of Scotland’s colleges and industry partners established to increase Scotland’s capability and capacity to deliver the right skills for the energy, engineering and construction sectors.
ESP were awarded £500,000 in 2019 from the SP Energy Networks Green Economy Fund, which was established in 2018 by the electricity network operator for Central and Southern Scotland.
SP Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund supports the delivery of the Scottish Government’s ambitious plans to meet climate change targets, boost local economic growth, improve air quality across the country and deliver a better future, quicker for local communities.
In order to manage the project, ESP established the Energy Efficiency Training Network comprising of nine colleges to launch new training centres including across Scotland.
Edinburgh College Vice Principal, Jon Buglass, said: “It’s a privilege to open our new Renewables and Energy Efficiency Training Centre at our Granton Campus.
“The centre will provide students, apprentices and those within the supply chain with access to a state-of-the-art place to learn new and existing technologies. It is incumbent on us as one of Scotland’s largest colleges to play our part in ensuring those in industry can embed these skills early in their careers, understand them and start to use them to build houses for the future – helping the nation to move towards net zero.
“Our thanks go to Scottish Power Energy Networks, Energy Skills Partnership, Worcester Bosch and other partners for the support in creating this new facility.”
Jillian Violaris, Green Economy Fund Manager at SP Energy Networks, said:“Edinburgh College’s new Renewables and Energy Efficiency Training Centre will support the skills needed to help the country achieve net zero emissions.
“Rapid change will be needed across the nation in the coming years and the new training hub will support the development of the next generation of green experts that will deliver it.
“When establishing the Green Economy Fund, it was clear that delivering clean energy transition in our communities would require a future workforce with the right skills, that’s why education plays a vital role in the move to a low carbon economy.”
Jim Brown, Director at ESP, said: “The SP Energy Networks Green Economy Fund project has realised a massive impact for colleges across central and southern Scotland in developing the capability and capacity to deliver the future skills industry needed to support government’s commitment to reach Net Zero by 2045.
“This flagship education project supported nine new centres with investment in capital equipment which positions colleges at the forefront of upskilling and training for industry.
“It has been a true partnership with government, industry and colleges working together to address the skills challenges in reducing carbon emissions, supporting green growth and the just transition to Net Zero. ESP is delighted to have facilitated this project alongside Edinburgh College.”
Students from Edinburgh College Midlothian Campus have marked the completion of their ground-breaking homelessness awareness project this month.
The students took part in Leonard Cheshire’s ‘Can Do’ programme, during which they decided to embark on a ‘building communities’ project to raise funds for, and awareness of, the needs of people in the community who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Delivered by the pan-disability charity Leonard Cheshire, Can Do is a skills development and community involvement programme designed for 16-35 year olds with additional support needs.
With both in-person and virtual formats, the participants took part in sessions on fundraising, mental health and wellbeing, designing posters and much more. The project gave the students an opportunity to make a positive difference in the community, improving their confidence and motivation, while also providing a learning opportunity. Participants gained an SVQ Building Communities award through completion of their project.
In one session, the students learned about homelessness and discussed some essential items you might need for winter as a homeless person.
Following this, they were tasked with some online shopping to create ‘care and share’ bags to donate. Each participant was given tasks, such as budgeting, comparing prices and spotting deals, before ordering and receiving the items, and packing the bags.
These bags, as well as all proceeds from the campaign, were donated to Bethany Christian Trust, a charitable organisation in Scotland whose mission is to relieve suffering and meet the long-term needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Scotland.
On receiving the items, Kevin, a staff member from Bethany Christian Trust, said: “I am grateful for the bags of love and kindness that have been donated by the students from Edinburgh College Midlothian campus.
“Bethany Christian Trust is full of gratitude for the commitment shown by the students in putting the bags together and the residents are absolutely going to love the items”.
The students also had an opportunity to learn first-hand about mental health and wellbeing. A local man who has lived experience of being homeless explained how he struggled with his mental health and discussed with the participants the support he received to recover from the challenges he faced. The students later sent wonderful messages of encouragement to him for his strength and ability to stay positive.
James,One of the Can Do participants, said: “What I liked most about the project was getting an opportunity to help and make someone smile”.
Jasmine Lapointe, Lecturer at Edinburgh College, applauded the students for choosing such a significant project which made a positive and tangible difference in people’s lives, and said they should all be proud for taking part.
Obert Dhundu, Leonard Cheshire’s Can Do Coordinator for Edinburgh, said “The students expressed a keen interest in embarking on a project that will be impactful not only for themselves but for vulnerable people in the community, and this led them to choose a project centred on homelessness.
“They showed great commitment in learning about homelessness, as well as the related topics we covered. It was a real privilege to have facilitated this project for them.”
Students! Edinburgh College Wellbeing team have launched a Creative Mental Health Group and are looking for students to join to help explore mental health through a number of creative methods.
The first ever North Edinburgh Community Festival will be a free, family friendly community-led day full of fun and entertainment with the opportunity to find out about learning new skills in a relaxed and interactive way.
The day will feature performances from local groups and there will be stalls and activities for all ages. There will also be local organisations, the emergency services, Edinburgh College, community groups and employers giving young people and their families an insight into the work they do and the opportunities they have to offer.
The programme was launched this afternoon at an event in West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Depute leader Cammy Day said: “This is going to be a great day for the North Edinburgh community to come together and learn more about what local groups and organisations can offer people of all ages in the area. They’ll be loads happening to make the festival fun as well as having educational elements with local employment opportunities being showcased.
“If you live in or around the area, I’d encourage you to come along to enjoy the local bands and find out more about local groups and organisations offering a whole range of activities from Arts for Grown-ups to nature play activities and storytelling.
“The day is being organised by the community and a dedicated group of local organisations and groups and I’d like to thank everyone involved.
“It’s also part of our £1.3bn project to regenerate Granton Waterfront and transform currently unused land to become a new sustainable neighbourhood.
“This will be a key part of our network of 20 minute neighbourhoods across the city, with affordable environmentally friendly homes, excellent transport and active travel links and access to lots of open and green space, arts, sports and culture.”
Willie Black North Edinburgh Community Festival Planning Committee Chair said: “I’m proud to be part of the planning committee for the Festival, creating a celebration of North Edinburgh and its place in our Capital city.
“The Festival is open to all ages. It’s going to be massive a boost to the area bringing our community together and is particularly welcome as we all start to recover from the Covid pandemic.”
Michael Jeffrey, Edinburgh College Vice Principal, said: “We are delighted to be a part of the North Edinburgh Community Festival and look forward to working with all the partners to showcase the fantastic talent, opportunities, and facilities on offer in the local community.
“We encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the day with us.”
Jed Milroy Assistant Director Tinderbox Orchestra said: “Tinderbox Orchestra is thrilled to add North Edinburgh Community Festival to kick off our Summer touring schedule.
“There is so much creativity in this brilliant community and it will be a real joy to see everyone coming out to celebrate it all together.
“We’re especially excited about young people from Tinderbox Music Club and Granton Youth performing on stage, many for the first time ever! It’s never been more important to come together as a community and look at all the positive things that are going on. Get it in your diary!”
Highlights of the programme include:
A music line-up featuring local acts and performers including local youth orchestra Tinderbox Orchestra, young musicians from the Granton Youth Mixtape Music Club, a fun and energetic concert for all the family from Fischy Music, a family rave from Big Fish Little Fish, a musical medley from the Forth Children’s Theatre, performances from local schools including Broughton High School, St David’s R. C. Primary and Pirniehall Primary School and performances from local punk rock band Yer Local Bams, DJ Dynamite and Newhaven Community Choir.
Family events and activities will include Bookbug with Muirhouse Library, nature play activities led by The Green Team, storytelling and book making with the Super Power Agency and arts and activities curated by North Edinburgh Arts.
Workshops for all ages including an Arts for Grown Ups drawing class led by artist Alice Betts and drumming and rhythm workshop with Moving Music. As well as a parade led by Low Income Families Together.
Stalls featuring around 30 locally based groups and third sector organisations.
Learning and upskilling opportunities from local employers and employability support organisations, including course taster sessions from Edinburgh College Granton Campus, employability advice and support from Robertson Partnership Homes, CCG Construction and Crudens, as well as advice and support from Capital City Partnerships and Smart Works Edinburgh.
Food demos and “pay what you can” food available from Edinburgh College, local charity Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts and social enterprise Scran Academy.
Festival Programme: Tinderbox Orchestra, Fischy Music, Big Fish Little Fish, Yer Local Bams, Granton Youth Mixtape Music Club, DJ Dynamite, Broughton Music School Jazz Quartet, Rai Williams, Newhaven Community Choir, St David’s R C Primary and Pirniehall Primary School Music Club, Forth Children’s Theatre, Ama-zing Harmonies, Pulse of Place Samba Band, Bookbug, arts and crafts, The Green Team, Super Power Agency, Moving Music, Play Rangers, Arts and Dance classes, Art Bugs in Muirhouse, Spartans Community Football Academy, Low Income Families Together Parade.
Community Stalls: West Granton Community Trust, Muirhouse Library, Project Esperanza, Lothian Breastfeeding Buddies, Pennywell Pantry, Community Renewal, Venture Scotland, Vocal, Fresh Start, Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust, Granton Goes Greener, NHS Lothian, Pilton Equalities Project, Learning Disability team and NHS Lothian, Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, the City of Edinburgh Council’s Active Travel Team, Police Scotland, U-Evolve, Wasps, Girlguiding Edinburgh, Pilton Youth and Children’s Project, ESES Communities, Muirhouse Housing Association, Grassroots Remedies and much more.
Jobs and Skills: Edinburgh College, Capital City Partnerships, Smart Works Edinburgh, Robertson Partnership Homes, CCG Construction, Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, Royal Navy.
About North Edinburgh Community Festival Planning Committee: The event is being run in partnership with a consortium of organisations who meet fortnightly, including: The City of Edinburgh Council, West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, North Edinburgh Arts, Edinburgh College, Police Scotland, Low Income Families Together (LIFT), Granton Youth, Tinderbox Orchestra and Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.
Funders and Sponsors: The City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, Edinburgh College Development Trust, Muirhouse Resident Association and Immediate Waste.
Granton’s iconic gasholder was lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian national flag last night.
The Council in partnership with Edinburgh College hosted members of the local and Ukrainian communities to watch the switch on of the lights as a gesture of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Council Leader Adam McVey said:“Last week when we met at the City Chambers with the Ukrainian community, we made a commitment to offer support wherever we can. Lighting the gasholder is a symbol of our support and solidarity with the people of our twin city Kyiv and all of Ukraine.
“As the humanitarian crisis escalates in Ukraine, the people of Edinburgh have been extremely generous in offering support and donating to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal to help those facing terrifying circumstances as they defend their country.
“We’ll also continue to fly the Ukrainian flag at the City Chambers and take local actions to support Ukraine further and condemn Putin’s illegal war.
Depute Leader Cammy Day said:“There’s more people of Ukrainian descent living in the Capital than anywhere else in Scotland and so we’re lighting up the gasholder as a display of our support for them.
“I’d like to offer my thanks again to the people of Edinburgh for their outpouring of support at this time of crisis for the people of Ukraine. We welcome Ukrainian citizens to Edinburgh and we will do whatever we can to support them.”
Edinburgh College Principal and CEO Audrey Cumberford MBE FRSE said: “By lighting the gasholder in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, we, together with council colleagues, are demonstrating our solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
“At Edinburgh College, we stand with all of those who are suffering as a result of this war and are providing direct support to staff and students who are affected. We will continue to do what we can to support the local Ukrainian community in the city and are proud to play our part in Edinburgh’s collective effort to help.”
Edinburgh’s sustainable food producers and suppliers are being called upon to apply to have their details registered in a new directory.
The Sustainable Food Directory is designed to help people find out where they can source sustainable food locally and to support the promotion of the capital as a leading food destination in Scotland.
Managed by Edible Edinburgh, and supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, the directory will aim to showcase the best places to find local, sustainable food in Edinburgh, for residents and visitors.
Local food growing projects, community food organisations, shops, markets, cafes and restaurants are all being asked to apply to become part of the directory – with the aim of gaining recognition as the most sustainable food places in the city.
Applicants are being asked to complete a short form, detailing why they should be included in the directory, along with a sustainability statement outlining how they’re actively working towards sustainability in their services; supply chain, packaging and recycling.
Councillor George Gordon, Chair of Edible Edinburgh, said: As a food partnership, we want to promote the breadth of sustainable, healthy, local food choices on offer to residents and visitors to Scotland’s capital city. Food that’s grown locally has less distance to travel to get to our plate, meaning less carbon emissions from things like transportation and storage.
“We know that Edinburgh’s amazing local food and drink producers work hard to bring high quality, sustainably produced food to people’s plates. So, we’re calling on sustainable food businesses, growers, suppliers and producers in the city to apply to be listed on our new directory, highlighting their business action and ambition, to make it easier for people to support local food producers, shops and communities in Edinburgh.”
The project to create a Sustainable Food Directory was announced as part of Edible Edinburgh’s Inspiring Food event at Edinburgh College Granton Campus on Friday.
The college event promoted some of Edinburgh’s leading food businesses, charities, growing projects and pantries.
Business can find out more about the directory and how to register by emailing Edible Edinburgh on hello@edible-edinburgh.org.
The directory is scheduled to go live to the public in early summer.
Thirteen ‘emerging leaders’ from the Scottish Parliamentary Service (SPS) staff were recognised yesterday at a certification event hosted by the Presiding Officer.
The staff were the first group to attend a new course created by Edinburgh College and the Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators (SAMEE). The course supports minority ethnic employees in achieving their full potential now and in the future.
The scheme also aims to ensure the Parliamentary Service more closely reflects Scotland’s population by developing existing minority ethnic talent within the organisation.
While the 2021 election saw a more diverse group of MSPs elected, diversity monitoring within the Parliament as an employer found an ethnicity pay gap caused by a lack of minority ethnic staff in more senior positions.
Speaking after the certification event, Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone MSP said:“Diversity matters, and I am proud to recognise the achievements of our first intake of colleagues participating in this innovative and progressive scheme.
“I am very pleased to encourage them as they advance their careers at the heart of Scottish public life.”
