The next meeting of the EDINBURGH ASSOCIATION of COMMUNITY COUNCILS will be an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Thursday 20 January at 7pm to update the EACC Constitution.
Other items include on the agenda include best practice for community council treasurers and police reports at CC meetings.
All welcome to come along to our AGM on Zoom on 9 December.
Email admin@pchp.org.uk to let us know you are coming and we can send you a zoom link.
The Social Action Inquiry was set-up to explore what helps and what hinders Social Action in Scotland.
Our first steps are a series of participatory and thought-provoking conversations to connect people taking practical, socially driven action in the service of others, our shared spaces and our natural environments.
The conversation is two hours long and divided into 3 parts. Each part will invite participation from attendees to contribute through dialogue, written words and images.
The structure of the conversation will:
At the end of the sessions there will be information and offers from the Inquiry Team of how people can stay connected with the Inquiry.
Dates and Times of Conversations
Thursday the 24th of November 7-9p.m
Tuesday the 30th of November 4-6p.m
Tuesday the 7th of December 2-4p.m
Wednesday the 8th of December 7-9p.m
Book your place here and select your preferred Date and Time.
These conversations will take place on the Zoom platform. Once you have registered, we will send you the Zoom link and materials that you can use during the session.
For more information about the event you can email us at hello@socialaction.scot
I wanted to drop you a message to update you on our engagement activities for this phase of the Social Action Inquiry (writes DARRYL).
We are hosting 3 weeks of Conversations with the Social Action Inquiry.
Tickets can be reserved through Eventbrite here. We have scheduled BSL interpreters for the event on the 7th of December (7-9 p.m.).
We have also scheduled additional conversations with allied initiatives and organisations such as #Iwill21 and Inspirealba.
Each conversation is two hours in length and are designed with liberating structures in mind, enabling attendees to contribute regularly and evenly to the conversations. The conversations are divided into three parts and the aims for these sessions are to:
We would be grateful if you could share information about these events through your networks ,social media, and perhaps more importantly, nudge one or two people that spring to mind that need to know about these conversations.
We find that the personal touch often has the greatest influence.
You can find us on Twitter and Instagram we invite you to follow us, both platforms have embedded a short animation describing the events which can be shared.
Finally, please do get in touch if you would like to connect. Alternatively if you would like to be removed from our mailing list please let us know as well.
Best wishes
Darryl
Social Action Inquiry Scotland
Phone: 07867 181 040
Website: www.socialaction.scot
Twitter: @Soc_Act_Scot
Instagram: @Social_Action_Scotland
TUESDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2 – 4pm
All are invited to our AGM on Tuesday, 16 November at 2pm at the centre.
Booking is mandatory: https://forms.office.com/r/39UCtqKsrY .
Contact us: rwccmc@yahoo.com
MONDAY 22 NOVEMBER 11am – 12 noon
PEP AGM
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 22 November from 11am to 12 noon.
The meeting will be held on Zoom.
If you’d like to attend, please email pepequalities@btconnect.com and we will send you a link to the meeting.
Planning applications will have to show how they help meet Scotland’s ambitious targets to cut emissions to net zero by 2045 to get approval under new proposals.
Applications that create more town centre homes or help reuse vacant and derelict land will be more likely to succeed, under the draft fourth National Planning Framework which has been published for consultation today.
These proposals promote the creation of 20-minute neighbourhoods, where services are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle, across cities and towns. Tighter restrictions will be imposed on out-of-town retail development.
The Framework will support developments which contribute to nature restoration, drive population growth in rural Scotland, create more homes to meet local needs and encourage green investment.
Proposals for renewable energy, including increasing the power of existing wind farms, will be supported by planners – helping make Scotland an energy exporter.
It proposes 18 national developments including:
Planning Minister Tom Arthur said yesterday: “As COP26 delegates debate the future of our planet, we are proudly publishing our new draft National Planning Framework that proposes planners will have to consider the impact of applications on climate change and our natural environment.
“This plan for Scotland in 2045 aims to transform places so more of us live in well-designed and energy efficient homes, located within walking distance of local services and green space, and puts planning at the heart of delivering green, inclusive and long‑term sustainable development.
“This is a turning point for planning in Scotland. Our proposals will help us achieve our just transition to net zero emissions by helping to deliver more renewable energy, protecting our natural environment and creating better, healthier places to live.”
Today’s theme at COP26 is Cities, Regions and the Built Environment.
Seven towns have been chosen to help tackle the impact of climate change and secure a just transition to net zero.
The Climate Action Towns programme will empower communities to come together and engage in collective climate action, taking account of the unique challenges and opportunities each town faces. That might include looking at what action can be taken on switching to more sustainable food or renewable energy.
Communities in the seven towns will be offered support to find ways of making changes at a local level that will help tackle the crisis, giving them a voice and engaging those that may not have previously engaged in climate action.
The programme will be delivered by design agency Architecture and Design Scotland, with funding of £146,000 from the Scottish Government.
The seven towns chosen are:
The project will be driven by collaboration between local people and agencies, and their collective vision of what their Climate Action Town looks like. The outcome of the work with the towns will be used to outline learning for climate action on a town scale that can then be applied across Scotland and beyond.
The announcement came during the Scottish Government’s Just Transition themed weekend during COP26.
The start of the process to collaborate and co-design the Scottish Government’s refreshed Energy Strategy was outlined on Friday. It was also announced that Scotland’s first Just Transition Plan, to be published in spring 2022, will be focussed on the energy sector.
The Scottish Government will provide £100,000 to establish a Just Transition Alliance within the Under2 Coalition, a network of more than 200 devolved and local governments driving climate action across the world, so that members can access the resources, support and information necessary to deliver a just transition in cities and towns across the world.
Just Transition Minister Richard Lochhead said: “It is clear that we must decarbonise industry and society in order to mitigate the worst effects of climate change, but we must do so in a way that is fair for everyone and leaves no one behind.
“Scotland was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, so we see it as only right that Scotland is at the forefront of this green revolution.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make changes in a way that will be good for our people, our communities, our economy and our planet – we must seize it.
“Tackling the climate crisis requires all of us, at every level, to get involved. We can all make a difference. The Climate Action Towns project aims to support and empower communities to have a say on how their local areas should change as part of a fair and just transition to net zero.
“I look forward to seeing how the towns that are taking part rise to the challenge and find ways that will not only make a difference locally but to Scotland and indeed the world.”
Architecture and Design Scotland Chief Executive Jim MacDonald said: “The climate emergency demands urgent action from us all. For Scotland to adapt to the impacts of climate change, we are all going to need to work together to adapt the ways we live, work, play and move in our cities, towns and villages.
“Considering that half of Scotland’s population live in towns, it is vital towns are a key focus in the fight against climate change.”
As Cop26 kicks off EVOC are celebrating the citizens & communities across #Edinburgh (Scotland, the UK, & the World) who are already taking climate action!
We want you to share your #MyClimateAction story – a picture, short video, or something more!
Here’s how to get involved:
#myclimateaction
Some of the biggest stars in Scottish sport have voiced their support for the fifth annual Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week which gets underway today.
Solheim Cup star Catriona Matthew, athlete Eilish McColgan and sprinter Maria Lyle are among those who have spoken out about the health and wellbeing benefits of getting involved in sport and keeping active.
A series of events will take place over the coming seven days to shine a light on the many benefits of participating in sport and physical activity for girls and women, with a particular emphasis this year on the positive impact on physical, mental and social health.
The importance of role models in encouraging uptake is among the key messages this year.
Catriona Matthew, who captained Europe to Solheim Cup triumph over the US last month, said: “I think this is a great initiative and I absolutely endorse encouraging as many women and girls to get involved in sports as possible.
“Whether it be golf or tennis or cycling or whatever sport, I think taking part in physical activity is so effective for improving both mental and physical health. I also think it helps build confidence as well as playing a huge part in helping to build an active fun social life.
“This week is so important as it is genuinely about encouraging as many girls and women as possible to get active, whatever your level and whatever your age as well as celebrating all the great sporting achievements of our Scottish sportswomen.”
Olympian Eilish McColgan, who set a new British 10 mile record at the Great South Run last weekend, added: “I really hope this week encourages loads of women and girls to seek out the different sporting opportunities that are available to them. You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to enjoy sport – there really is something out there for everyone!
“The friendships and relationships I’ve forged as a result of being involved in sport truly have changed my life and moulded me into the person I am today – both on and off the track.
“This last year has been super challenging for everyone with so many being isolated at home and unable to follow their normal routine. Keeping active and taking part in sport can help build confidence and the social element that sport brings is the best part about it all. I would appeal to all women and girls to get out there and give it a go! Have a great week!”
Eve Muirhead, Olympic medal-winning curler, said: “I was very lucky to grow up in a sports-oriented family and even before I started to enjoy success on the curling rink, I knew how fortunate I was to be immersed in activities that were good for both my physical health and mental wellbeing and increasingly we have come to understand the importance of this.
“Playing sport has been my life and I am honoured to have been to three Winter Olympics playing alongside some hugely inspirational team mates and having strong female role models is vital to building on the strides that have been made even in the course of my career.
“There is consequently a real sense of responsibility that comes with sporting success to help the next generation take advantage of the opportunities that are now greater than ever before in every sport and we must keep this momentum going!”
Sprinter Maria Lyle, who took double bronze at the recent Tokyo Paralympics, added: “Sport has opened up many doors for me.
“Not only has sport allowed me to represent my country, it has helped me gain confidence, make friends, improved my studies (time management), manage my disability, overcome hardships and feel a sense of ownership for my physical along with my mental health.”
Dr Rachel Malcolm, captain of the Scotland rugby team, added: “I’m delighted to support Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2021. Over the past year, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of sport and physical activity, particularly on our mental wellbeing.
“Following the easing of restrictions, it’s been fantastic to hear stories about women and girls trying rugby for the first time. Sport has the ability to bring people together, creating a sense of community and life-long friendships in the process. I’d encourage anyone who is thinking of taking up a sport or joining a local club to give it a go!”
Jen Beattie, Scotland women’s national football team defender, said: “It has been amazing to see the growth of girls’ and women’s sport throughout my lifetime and for youngsters just starting out their sporting journey to now have female role models to look up to.
“Sport has so many benefits, both physical and mental, and it can really help you develop and grow as a person.
“Even in tough times sport can help you push through, look forward and be positive. During my breast cancer treatment last year my teammates were a tower of strength. The release of being out on the training pitch was amazing as well and helped me overcome a challenging period in my life.
“I’m excited to be part of the Active Scotland Panel discussion later in the week to tell my story and answer any questions people may have on my journey so far.”
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport week runs from Monday October 25th-31st.
The week aims to showcase women and girls projects across Scotland, highlight role models and increase participation
More detail can be found via Actify
Driving up participation levels of women and girls will be an important part of a £100 million push which doubles Scotland’s sport and active living budget by the end of the current Parliament.
Preparations are also underway for a Scottish sport media summit aimed at exploring, through a collaborative approach, ways to increase visibility and coverage of women’s sport across all platforms.
The fifth annual Scottish Women and Girls in Sport week kicks off today with a series of events planned over the coming seven days.
Sports minister Maree Todd will visit Dingwall Academy today to see for herself some of the activities being delivered and meet girls getting active, while other Scottish Government ministers will also take part in events during the course of the week.
Ms Todd said: “More participation and visibility of girls and women in sport is a priority for this Government. By doubling investment to £100 million in sport and active living we hope to address issues around equality of access.
“Our plans for a Scottish sport media summit will also address important issues around improving and increasing the visibility of women’s sports, athletes and participation.
“We know the positive impact which sport and being active has on physical, mental and social health across all stages in life. This has never been more important after our experience of the pandemic and the dangers of loneliness and isolation.
“This annual dedicated week provides an opportunity to increase visibility and participation of women and girls in sport and physical activity. It’s really important that we shine a spotlight on how girls and women are building new or maintaining healthy habits for their wellbeing. I would encourage everyone to get involved no matter the activity or the level.”
The additional investment will benefit the wider sporting system and be delivered in partnership with sportscotland to help rebuild capacity within the sector as we continue to recover from the pandemic. It will focus on breaking down barriers to participation and ensure that more people, including women and girls, can enjoy active lives, while improving physical, mental and social health.
Ms Todd will participate in a question and answer session to mark the launch of the week on social media today.
A short film to highlight role models across Scotland who inspire active lifestyles, entitled Hero Piece, will also be released setting out how sport and physical activity has impacted them.
There will also be a panel conversation chaired by Professor Linda Bauld, Chief Social Policy Adviser to the Scottish Government, and featuring Scotland and Arsenal footballer Jen Beattie to discuss the role of sport and physical activity in supporting women’s health and wellbeing.
sportscotland’s Active Girl Day initiative has already been taking place throughout this month providing schools and sports clubs with the flexibility to select any day in October to celebrate the work going into girls’ sport, the progress around girls’ participation, and the role models making it happen.
SATURDAY 23rd OCTOBER
Use the links below to book your free tickets to these online discussions:
How will a just transition affect me? ️
10am – 11am
11.30am – 12.30pm
Black History Month – Political Representation
12pm – 1pm
Scottish Islands on the front line of climate emergency
2pm – 3pm
6pm – 7pm
In Conversation with Professor Suzanne Simard
6pm – 7pm
Explore the full programme:
