Edinburgh residents, businesses, partners and stakeholders are being called upon to share their vision for the Capital’s future. The ‘2050 Edinburgh City Vision’ – which begins development today – will encompass the diverse needs of the city, ensuring it continues to thrive as a great place to live, work and visit over the next 30 years. Continue reading All together now? Capital sets it’s sights on collective city vision
Recorded crime in Scotland is at its lowest level since 1974 according to new figures released today. The statistics have been welcomed by local MSP Ben Macpherson.
In total, 246,243 crimes were recorded in 2015-16, compared to 256,350 in the previous year. Key highlights include:
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson said: “I am very pleased that Scotland now has the lowest rate of recorded crime in 42 years, including reductions in drug crime, theft and handling offensive weapons over the last year.
“I am grateful for the excellent work of Scotland’s police officers and their specialist and other civilian colleagues in detecting, disrupting and deterring criminal activities. Each of us can contribute to keeping our communities, homes and businesses safe, including by minimising opportunities for criminals.
“Police continue to lead that preventative approach alongside partners in other public services and the private and third sectors – not least in addressing emerging threats online, including child sexual exploitation, radicalisation and cyber-fraud.
“While higher levels of recorded sexual crime are broadly in line with UK trends, include a significant number of historical cases and may reflect greater willingness by victims to come forward, such incidents are completely unacceptable. This is why we have taken tough action to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Since 2006-07 we have also invested more than £10.5 million in a range of violence reduction programmes during which time violent crime has more than halved (down 52%) and is at its second lowest level since 1974.
“Today’s report also indicates that female victims of common assault were far more likely than men to be assaulted by a partner or ex-partner – underlining why the Scottish Government has committed an additional £20 million over three years to tackle violence against women, alongside our plan to strengthen legislation against all forms of domestic abuse.”
Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “The overall recorded crime picture remains largely positive with a 4% fall in overall recorded crime across our communities. This coupled with an increase in the detection rate of 1.2% reflects the hard work carried out by police officers and police staff throughout the country. The report also highlights the large demand on Police Scotland with 246,243 crimes recorded during 2015-16.
“The increase in the report of sexual crime is in part a reflection of the increased level of confidence the public has in reporting this type of crime to the police with the knowledge that every complaint will be handled sensitively and professionally. This equally applies to reports of historical abuse.
“We recognise the increase in crimes of violence and although this remains low in a historical context, we continue to work with partners in communities to tackle violence and address the influence that alcohol plays in many of these crimes. The recorded crime statistics are an important barometer on the level of service that the public get from Police Scotland, but they are only part of the picture.
“On a daily basis officers and staff provide help, advice and assistance on many different subjects ranging from anti-social behaviour, missing persons and mental health issues. In addition, we are developing a better understanding of the demands on modern policing in relation to issues such as cybercrime and online child exploitation which will be a focus for us in the future.
“Police Scotland will continue to engage with the public to identify issues in local communities across Scotland that will direct and inform the shape of policing for the future.”
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, has also welcomed the latest figures.Recorded crime in Edinburgh has fallen by 34% in the ten years between 2006/07 and 2015/16, part of a nationwide fall of 41% and the local MSP believes this shows the success of SNP policies in policing and justice.
Ben Macpherson said: “These are welcome figures that show a steep fall in recorded crime in the period since the SNP entered office in 2007 – and shows that SNP policies, such as having more police officers, have made our communities safer.
“It is excellent to see a decline in recorded crime of 34% across Edinburgh, part of a Scotland-wide picture that shows an overall fall of 41% since 2006/07.
“I am pleased to also see that the largest fall in recorded crime between 2014-15 and 2015-16 was in the City of Edinburgh, with a 11% decline. Having safe communities where everyone feels welcome are vital to creating the Scotland that we all want to see – and these figures show that, under the SNP, we have made significant progress in achieving this goal.”
Hi All,
We are delighted to announce that Action For Children are taking on one of the West Park Improvement Plans as part of their ‘Community Challenge’ employability initiative. This is a fantastic opportunity for local young people to get involved in carrying out improvements to the woodland in their local area at the same time as developing new skills. It’s a great programme with lots of opportunities for progression. Find more information about the programme below and details on how to refer are attached. Please share around your local networks.
Lianne Pipskyj,
Development Worker- Physical Activity, Pilton Community Health Project
** We are now recruiting for our next Challenge programme at – WEST PILTON PARK**
Could you please share this amongst your colleagues and partners within the North Edinburgh area?
Ideally we would be looking to engage with 13 young people in the local area. If we are not able to fill the 13 places from our group then I may need to open the referral process further to ensure we utilise the spaces.
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Challenge October 2016 Intake – Timeline |
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Closing Date for Referrals |
Wednesday 5th October 2016 |
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One to One meetings with successful candidates |
6th & 7th October 2016 |
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Programme Commences |
Monday 10th October 2016 |
***CLOSING DATE FOR REFERRALS is: Wednesday, 5th October 2016
Referral forms (please ensure you complete the referral form using the barrier definition for which is attached) to be completed and returned to:
E-mail:
nicola.raine@actionforchildren.org.uk
Do not hesitate to contact me on 0131 661 7828 or 0754570136 should you wish to discuss anything.
Nicola Raine
Practice Team Leader, Action for Children
esif-barriers-definitions-1 challenge-edinburgh-west-pilton-park
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to listen to 1,000 young people with experience of care. Ms Sturgeon met children and young people at Who Cares? Scotland in Glasgow yesterday to kick off a project to improve the lives of children in care.
The 1,000 voices manifesto, put together by Who Cares? Scotland and a coalition of charities, has three aims:
The First Minister said: “Every child should have the best start in life and an equal chance to succeed. Yet for far too many young people in care, and through absolutely no fault of their own, that’s not the case.
“Children and young people are the best advocates for change and I am delighted to commit to listen to 1,000 people with experience of care.
“I’ve heard today some powerful stories of incredible strength and success in the most adverse of circumstances. Every person will have a different experience and over the next two years, I’ll spend time meeting many more young people or hearing their stories.
“By listening more to our young people, and by hearing what works and how the care system can improve, we’ll be able to make meaningful, lasting change and ensure children in care get the same support, stability and life chances that the rest of us take for granted.”
Duncan Dunlop, Chief Executive of Who Cares? Scotland said: “We are thrilled to welcome the First Minister today. The commitment to listen to 1000 care experienced voices shows incredible leadership and will set us on a journey that will change the outcomes for care experienced people once and for all.
“The Scottish Government, when passing the Children and Young People Act, did something that had never been done by any Government in the world. They engaged with care experienced people, listened to their stories, and made legislation that addressed the realities of what it’s like to leave care.
“As the most senior corporate parent in Scotland, the First Minister has now set the tone. Decisions can’t and shouldn’t be made without listening to care experienced people. It is this commitment to working together that makes us confident that we are on the road to giving every care experienced person in Scotland the future we would want for our own children.”
Local MSP digs deep to support Leith CAB
Leith Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is appealing to the local community to help raise £20,000 for its new office on Dalmeny Street. Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP, Ben Macpherson, visited Leith CAB to pledge his support and made a personal donation of £1,000 to help the cause.
Leith CAB is an invaluable service for the local community and helps over 5,000 clients every year; with over 70 dedicated local volunteers offering their knowledge, skills and expertise free of charge, to help fellow citizens in need with essential, independent advice.
To help continue its vital service in Leith, Citizens Advice Edinburgh (CAE), a volunteer led independent charity, has launched a Crowdfunding campaign to fund Leith CAB’s move from its current office on Bernard Street to new premises on Dalmeny Street. Also supported by local musicians The Proclaimers, CAE aims to raise £20,000.
Yesterday Ben Macpherson MSP donated £1,000 to the campaign in response to CAE’s appeal to the local community to support the charity and help raise these vital funds.
The Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP said: “The Citizens Advice Bureau in Leith provides vital support to many of my constituents as well as to residents right across Edinburgh. That is why I’m proud to support this appeal and to help raise awareness of this important fundraising campaign. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a meaningful difference.
“The advice provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau in Leith is, unfortunately, crucial. At a time of continued economic austerity, UK government welfare reform, and significant uncertainty around Brexit, many people in Leith and across Edinburgh are reliant on the free, independent and impartial advice provided by Citizens Advice Bureaus. I will continue to support Citizens Advice Edinburgh and wish them every success with this important fundraising campaign.”
Benjamin Napier, CEO, Citizens Advice Edinburgh said: “We are delighted to have the support of local MSP Ben Macpherson and are grateful for his very generous personal donation. Citizens Advice Edinburgh work closely with all elected members, to help ensure we are dealing with the issues that impact on people’s lives in Edinburgh. Our bureau in Leith is a vital part of the network of support we provide and we hope that others will be encouraged by Ben’s donation to offer whatever they can to help keep this valuable service in Leith.”
Further information and details for anyone wishing to donate can be found at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/
The Scottish SPCA is appealing to kind hearted people in Edinburgh to fundraise on Halloween weekend at their local Pets at Home store. Volunteers are urgently being sought to support the Scottish SPCA by raising funds at Pets at Home stores from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 October.
Scottish SPCA Senior Community Fundraiser Sharon Meiklejohn said, “We’re calling out to all of animal lovers with a bit of spare time during the Halloween weekend to get in touch.
“With support from our Halloween helpers, we’ll be able to rescue animals in danger and distress, find animals new homes, investigate cruelty, help take people responsible for abuse and neglect to court and prevent cruelty through our free education programme for Scottish schools.
“We’ll also provide all volunteers with their very own fundraising pack with everything they need to take part. Volunteers may even wish to get into the Halloween fundraising spirit by dressing up as their favourite animal and they can even bring a canine companion along.
“As a charity that receives no government or lottery funding, we rely entirely on donations to continue our work rescuing and rehoming thousands of animals in Scotland each year.”
John Murasev, a regular volunteer for the Society, said, “I enjoy raising money at my local Pets at Home store to help abused and injured animals in Scotland. It’s a great way to chat to people in my local area and you’ll be surprised at how generous people are!”
For more information on Scottish SPCA fundraising events please email fundraising@scottishspca.org
City becoming Auld Reekie once again?
A war of words is breaking out over the state of Edinburgh’s waste and refuse service. Council leaders are calling on businesses to do their bit to keep the city’s streets and pavements clear but business organisations say the council is using traders as a ‘smokescreen’ to deflect wider waste problems. Continue reading What a waste!
