EVOC: ‘Localities’ thinkSpace events dates

More and more local and national governments have come to the view that engaging with citizens and planning, purchasing and delivering services at a ‘sub-local’ or ‘localities’ level is the way to add value.

In Edinburgh the City of Edinburgh Council has agreed a localities way of working, with the city divided into four quadrants, or localities, as described in the Council’s ‘Organise to Deliver’ reports.

Simultaneously, there is a drive within the legislation covering the integration of Adult Health with Social Care that services will be designed and delivered closer to communities.

What does this mean for Edinburgh? What does this mean for the city’s Voluntary Organisations? What are your hopes and your fears? What are your expectations of EVOC?

EVOC intends to bring organisations together to consider current plans, and their implications for our communities, by means of a series of four thinkSpace events spread across the city.

This comes out to you as a request to ‘save the date’ to attend the event within the locality most relevant to your service provision:

SOUTH WEST

Tuesday 21 April 2 – 4.30pm, WHALE Arts

NORTH EAST

Thursday 30 April 10am – 12.30pm, The Halls

SOUTH EAST/CENTRAL

Wednesday 6 May 10am – 12.30pm, Methodist Church

NORTH WEST

Monday 11 May 2 – 4.30pm, Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre.

If you have any comments or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Dianne Morrison on 0131 555 9100 in the first instance.

EVOC will continue to publish relevant documents on its ‘Organise To Deliver’ page:http://www.evoc.org.uk/information/organise-deliver-bold-initiatives/

Milind Kolhatkar

senior development officer – community planning

Talking Tech during National Digital Learning Week

Education Secretary Angela Constance has called on all Scottish schools to make the most of opportunities offered by digital learning, as National Digital Learning Week continues.

Ms Constance was speaking as she visited Mauricewood Primary School in Penicuik to see how technology is being used to support learning in the school.

National Digital Learning Week (2-6 March) highlights how learners and teachers are using digital technologies in schools across Scotland.

At Mauricewood, Ms Constance saw a presentation about ‘The Moscars’, a project where groups of pupils used technology to develop a short film. She also chatted to pupils who are using technology in a variety of ways to find out more about other countries and their cultures.

She said: “We want learners and teachers in Scotland to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by technology in order to raise attainment, ambition and opportunities for all. Technology is all around us and we want all of our schools to tap into its rich potential for learning.

“There’s exciting events going on every day throughout National Digital Learning Week and I am delighted to see some great examples for myself at Mauricewood.

“At Mauricewood and in other schools across Scotland, there’s great examples of technology being woven into day-to-day learning, bringing subjects to life and opening up opportunities for research, collaboration, communication and creativity.

“This week also marks the start of a National Digital Learning Community, where we want teachers and educators across Scotland to continue conversations and reflections about digital learning, and we want this conversation to continue long beyond this week of activity.”

Activities are ongoing throughout the week, including TeachMeets in a number of authorities for teachers to share good practice, practical innovations and personal insights in teaching with technology, GlowTV events and daily blog updates at

:https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/glowblogs/ndlf/

Conversation are also continuing all week on Twitter using the hashtag #digilearnscot.

A video message from Ms Constance, marking the start of Digital Learning Week, can be accessed at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cmVLUU43f8

SYP Elections: Edinburgh Central & Edinburgh Western candidates

EDINBURGH CENTRAL candidates

EILIDH DEWAR

I have many hopes and ambitions for the future of young people and I hope that becoming an MSYP will allow me to put these hopes into reality for Scotland’s young people.

I want votes for sixteen and seventeen year olds in every election. Sixteen/seventeen year olds were able to vote in the referendum. It opened a lot of young people’s eyes to politics. They took a keen interest to politics by researching and deciding what they wanted to vote. Younger people involved in elections is a great idea because it shows
adults that they have a voice and are able to decide what they want and which party would benefit them. It is a step in the right direction as it would get young people a lot more involved and interested in politics.

I found that young people want more opportunities in their communities. They want more clubs and organizations focused on certain skills. If there are more opportunities to learn skills in certain areas, it opens doors for young people and could help them decide what they want to do as a career. For example, Screen Education Edinburgh is a film-making group I have worked with. SEE is open to any young person interested
in filming, editing, acting etc. As an aspiring film-maker, I have worked with SEE a lot and seeing the support they give young people who want to pursue a career in film or just do it as a hobby, is phenomenal. These types of groups benefit young people as it is a way for them to meet people, who are interested in the same things as them, improve skills and put them on a good path for their future.

I found that young people want more support when it comes to work experience. Work experience is important as it gives young people experience to put on CV’s. I was told by many young people that they want authorities to prioritise work experience for them so it is easier for them to get work experience outside school. This is important because being able to work is a skill every person must have because it opens up opportunities for them in future.

I spoke to people who were worried about lack of security streetwise. I want to see more police on foot patrolling streets instead of the odd police car. I want to know I am safe walking home and this is the case for everyone. I would make it a priority to get more security streetwise such as policemen on foot and more CCTV. Safety is so important and more security means less crime, making Edinburgh safer for everyone.

These are only a few of the things I would do as an MYSP. I have many other ideas that I feel passionate about. As an MSYP I would make it priority to make Edinburgh a better place for our generation.

LUCIE DUFFY

My name is Lucie Duffy and this year I’ll be standing as a candidate for the Scottish Youth Parliament in the Edinburgh Central constituency. I am becoming more interested in politics and politics itself is definitely something I might like to do when I’m older, so to be able to get the chance to represent you at the SYP would be an amazing opportunity for me.

In this manifesto you can read more about me and what I believe are important topics that should be brought to the Scottish Youth Parliament.

I want to be a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament because I believe that young people all over Scotland should have the confidence to stand up and have their say in how the country is run. Also, me being a girl, I feel that sometimes women are under-represented in Governments and Parliament and I want to change that.

I believe that the youth of Edinburgh needs a positive, helpful and friendly MSYP to represent them, and I think that this MSYP could be me.

I am involved in my school’s Amnesty International Youth Group, in which we mainly organise events to raise awareness of the work Amnesty International is doing in the UK and abroad. This means that one of the key issues I would want to raise at the Scottish Youth Parliament is the basic human rights of young people in Scotland, such as being entitled to a home and a family life.

90% of 16 and 17 year olds voted responsibly in the Scottish Referendum, so I see no reason why they shouldn’t be allowed votes in all elections. This is a campaign that is already being raised at the Scottish Youth Parliament but if I were to be elected it would be something that I would help maintain. I think that we should at least try to have the topic discussed with Parliament to consider possible changes.

Last but not least, I feel that the topic of Better Sex Education in schools should be raised. Scotland has the highest rate of teen pregnancies in Europe and this is something I definitely want to change. I believe that young people in Scotland should go into these experiences with a clear head, and it shouldn’t be something to be embarrassed or confused about.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my manifesto, and I hope to receive your vote in the SYP election 2015.

WING YAN NG

Giving young people a voice and fair representation is crucial to me. We need to protect our interests through strong representation and I want to listen and act if elected. Having been a MSYP for one term already, I feel even more motivated and enthusiastic to represent young people of Edinburgh Central.

Last year, I successfully supported to raise the national minimum wage for under 18 year olds through our national campaign “One Fair Wage”. However, I still want to work on my previous policies which were to solve the problem of the lack of funding for leisure facilities in Edinburgh, more work opportunities for university graduates and reducing bus and tram fares. My campaign for these policies is not necessarily about “change” but to review our current system and to see if there should
be more improvement.

First of all, I want young people to enjoy using facilities and not be restricted by money; they have the right to enjoy the facilities that are provided for them by Government.

Secondly, I think bus and tram fares should either be frozen for a reasonable period of time or be reduced.

Third and finally, there should be more work programmes introduced to school leavers/graduate leavers for their chosen field of work.

Young people need more opportunities today to learn a variety of new skills required in growing employment sectors. Strong and passionate leadership is needed and I believe I can make a difference by representing your interests in the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Thank you for your support.

EDINBURGH WESTERN constituency

There are two candidates:

OWEN CRUIKSHANK

SYP_Manifesto_Owen_Crusickshank_-_Edinburgh_Western

LAURA HOLLOWAY

Laura_Holloway_syp_pdf

Scottish Youth Parliament Elections: just seven days left to cast your vote

You still have seven days to cast your vote in the Scottish Youth Parliament elections …

The Scottish Youth Parliament is a non-party political organisation made up of 150 young people representing every constituency in Scotland. It campaigns to highlight the views of Scotland’s young people on a national and international stage.

Its members meet three times each year at a range of different locations, including in the main chamber at Holyrood’s Scottish Parliament.

There are 12 seats representing Edinburgh open to candidates who receive the most votes at the elections in March. These are in six city areas: Central, Eastern, Northern & Leith, Pentlands, Southern and Western.

Anyone aged between 12 and 25 is eligible to vote – to get involved young people can log onto the Young Scot website and use their Young Scot number to vote (temporary numbers for voting are also available from a selection of schools and community venues across the city).

EDINBURGH NORTHERN & LEITH CANDIDATES

EILIDH MACKAY

SYP_Mani_EilidhMackay_UPDATED

Hello, I’m Eilidh, and I want to be your MSYP for Edinburgh North and Leith. Why Me?

 I am passionate about being a voice for young people in my area and across Scotland
 I think there are important changes that need to be made for the benefit of young people in our country
 I have been a member of the Youth Issues forum for 4 years, proving my enthusiasm and meaning I know what issues are important to young people in Edinburgh
 I have a lot of experience in public speaking so won’t be afraid to speak out about the issues that are important

MAIN ISSUES

 Votes at 16
This is something I feel very strongly about; we have a voice that deserves to be heard

 Sex Education
I feel that there is a serious lack of proper sex ed in schools. This is an issue I’ve heard from a lot of people and one I promise to take forward

 School Dinners
Everyone knows school dinners are awful, so why has nothing changed? There needs to be a proper look taken at the quality and healthiness of what we serve to school students.

Follow Me – @littlenerdyscot – and tweet me with any questions you may have. I Hope I Have Your Vote!

KIERAN REAPE

K__Reape_Manifesto_PDF

Why I’m Standing
I’m standing for Edinburgh Northern and Leith in the upcoming 2015 Scottish Youth Parliament elections to represent the young people in the
Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency.
What I will support and commit to as a Member of Scottish Youth Parliament:
– Votes at 16 (including all elections; UK and Scottish General Elections;
European Elections and Local Council Elections)
– Equality in Young People.
– Higher minimum wage for under-18’s and Modern Apprentices

I want Votes at 16 to become a reality across every type of election possible. This ties in with equality in young people. Young people should be able to Vote.

I also want Modern Apprentices and Under 18’s to be paid higher. The Modern Apprenticeship minimum wage is £2.73 per hour. Compare
that to the National Minimum of £6.50 per hour and you can see that the
gap is far too big.

A little bit about me
I’m 17 years old and born and raised in Edinburgh. I attended Drummond Community High School. After leaving in 5th year I ended up doing some work with the European Parliament shortly after I left school and eventually started a Certificate of Work Readiness at
the National Records of Scotland in January 2014 to March 2014.
I completed the certificate in March and achieved a Highly Commended SQA Star Award for my efforts there and my destination of work after the placement. After the placement I immediately started a one year modern apprenticeship for a SVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration. I now work for the Scottish Government.

Like me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KieranReapeMSYP

Follow me on Twitter: @Keezor

Email me: K.L.Reape@gmail.com

Please note that due to the Code of the Civil Service, my influence on anything to do with the portfolio I will work in is extremely limited. It’s fortunate that each constituency actually has two MSYP’s. In the case of a portfolio topic, of where I work was to arise, I would plan to hand it over to the other MSYP of the constituency.

TERRI SMITH

SYP_Manifesto_Terri_Smith_Edinburgh_Northern_and_Leith

Past experience:
 I’ve been a MSYP since 2009
 Current Vice Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament
 Peer educator/mentor locally & nationally
 Youth Worker with disadvantaged young people
 Involved in 3 successful national campaigns
 Registered over 200 young people to vote in the referendum

Why vote for me?

 I have vast experience

 I’m hard working

 Great at public speaking

 I love working with young people

 I always throw in a bit of banter

 I’m committed to further representing you for another 2 years!

 I have a great working relationship with our politicians.

A vote for #TeamTerri is a vote for …

1. More support for LGBT young people
2. More knowledge and access to local and national opportunities
3. Engage and provide more support to the local youth forum and youth clubs/groups
4. Campaign to improve work experience
5. Tackle bullying In schools and provide further support for bullied young people
6. Continue to work with NUS Scotland to ensure college and university students aren’t facing further cuts to their education.

Police Chief: ‘Edinburgh is a safe city’

Chief Supt Mark Williams Responds to Recent Firearms Incidents in Edinburgh

Chief Supt Mark Williams, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh (pictured above) said: “Over the past few days, officers across Edinburgh have been involved in investigating a number of incidents in the city involving firearms.

“These crimes are isolated and are not linked. We’ve got dedicated teams pursuing positive lines of inquiry into those we believe are involved and let me be clear, we will do all we can to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Edinburgh is a safe city, violent crime is continuing to fall and incidents like these are thankfully rare.

“We would appeal to anyone who has information about these incidents to come forward and speak to us in complete confidence. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Jewellery robbery: Drylaw pair in custody

A man and a woman are being held in connection with an armed robbery at an Edinburgh jewellers yesterday. Police Scotland said a 27-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman have been detained.

An investigation was launched after a man robbed Laing the jewellers in Frederick Street at gunpoint and took watches to the value of £100,000. The robber subsequently hijacked a private hire car and was last seen in Pilton Drive North.

The couple were detained in North Edinburgh this afternoon following the search of a property in Easter Drylaw.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh attended an address in Easter Drylaw earlier today (Tuesday) as part of their investigation into an armed robbery and investigations are ongoing.”

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111.

Funding for trainees in creative industries

£100,000 funding has been awarded through Creative Scotland to support ten full time, year-long traineeships across the arts, screen and creative industries, it was announced today.

Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop in Hawthornvale will be one of the five capital-based organisations to offer traineeships.

The Traineeships Programme aims to support the employment prospects for people aged 20-30yrs interested in developing a career in arts and culture, by creating valuable work experience opportunities.

Traineeships will take place at Africa In Motion (AiM) Film Festival, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, Media Education, Starcatchers and Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) in Edinburgh; GMAC Film and Barrowland Ballet in Glasgow; Ayr Gaiety Theatre in Ayrshire; The Pier Arts Centre in Orkney, and with Jewellery designer Eileen Gatt in the Highlands.

Leonie Bell, Director of Arts & Engagement, Creative Scotland said: “Creative Scotland is committed to supporting the creation of opportunities for young people to gain employment, work experience and vocational qualifications in the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland.

“These traineeships will offer young people the opportunity to develop the skills and professional experience needed to progress in their chosen profession by removing barriers to paid work experience.

“At the same time, organisations will benefit from fresh, innovative ideas and enthusiasm of the trainees.”

Traineeships will be offered across the following areas:

Visual Arts
Assistant Curator (Programme Team) – Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
Gallery Programmes Trainee: Exhibitions, Learning & Digital (Curatorial and Education) – The Pier Arts Centre

Film
Shadow Curator – Africa In Motion (AiM) Film Festival
Online Film Content Developer – GMAC Film
Trainee Project Assistant / Member of Production Team – Media Education

Theatre and Dance
Starcatchers Trainee Associate Artist – Starcatchers Productions
Programme Officer (Programming Department) – Ayr Gaiety
Dance Participation Artist, Participation and Outreach Department – Barrowland Ballet

Craft
Eileen Gatt: Jewellery designer/maker

Literature
Digital and Language Resources Trainee – TRACS based at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

All Traineeships will be advertised on Creative Scotland’s Opportunities site.

Welcoming the announcement Irene Kernan, Director at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, said: “The Creative Scotland Traineeship will support Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop’s aims of developing talent and supporting young artists in their careers. Being able to employ a trainee for a full year provides a valuable opportunity for us to bring new approaches and skills to the staff team and further develop our public programme to connect with local audiences.”

Framing the art of science

His Excellency Rolando Drago, Chilean Ambassador to the UK, accepts the gift of a painting from award-winning botanical artist Gülnur Ekşi during the Royal Horticultural Society’s London Botanical Art Show last weekend.

Also in the photograph is botanist Paulina Hechenleitner – accompanied by daughter Martha – one of three authors of the forthcoming book Plants from the Woods and Forests of Chile for which Gülnur has prepared 35 paintings.

The book – the first one of its kind in English – will be published by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in early October 2015.

Shots fired in West Pilton

Shots were fired at a house in West Pilton March in the early hours of this morning. The house in West Pilton March was targeted at around 1am but no one was injured in the attack.

Police Scotland have launched an investigation. A spokesman said: “Police in north Edinburgh are investigating a report of a firearm discharge at a house in West Pilton March.”

We will update this story as more information becomes available

Scottish Children’s Book Awards shortlist announced

The Scottish Children’s Book Awards 2015 are on 4 March in Edinburgh. Check out who made this year’s shortlist:

http://bit.ly/SCBA_15.

The shortlisting panel also wanted to recommend the following titles as Highly Commended. When you’ve read the shortlist why not take a look at these too?

Bookbug Readers (3-7 years)

Lollipop and Grandpa’s Dinosaur Hunt by Penelope Harper, illustrated by Cate James

Share by Sally Anne Garland

Younger Readers (8-11 years)

The Day the World Went Loki by Robert J Harris

Winter’s Tales by Lari Don

Circus of Thieves and the Raffle of Doom by William Sutcliffe

Older Readers (12-16 years)

Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

Mind Blind by Lari Don