Month: November 2019

Scottish Care Award for Braeside’s Pat

Pat Gibson has been recognised as one of the leading care home employees in Scotland at a prestigious evening awards ceremony celebrating the best of the independent care home sector in Scotland.

88% of all care home support in Scotland is delivered by the independent sector, with these services caring for over 33,000 older individuals and employing nearly 46,000 people.

Pat, a Senior Carer at Braeside House in Liberton, won her award in the  Positive Impact category at the Scottish Care Awards 2019. This award recognises people who have made significant and sustained contribution to the care home sector.

Pat received her award, which was sponsored by Compass Associates Ltd., at an Awards Ceremony on 15 November at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. The Awards Ceremony were hosted by Michelle McManus, with nearly 700 people attending.

Pat was delighted to have been recognised and said: “I am very surprised but thrilled and honoured to be chosen as a winner in these prestigious awards.”

Morag Francis, the Head of Care for Older People at Royal Blind, who nominated Pat, said: “Pat has been a vital part of the Braeside team for over 30 years. The majority of this time has been on nightshift where she is a hidden gem. She works tirelessly for the residents and they are always front and centre of everything she does.

“Pat provides fantastic support to the nurses, stepping up and supporting them constantly. Her charge nurse said ‘She works tirelessly on nightshift to ensure high standards of care. She has fully embraced new technology, changes to her role and responsibility and additional training needed. Pat maintains a positive team player attitude and promotes this among the team.”

The care awards followed a full day conference for the care home sector with speakers including Professor George Crooks, CEO of the Digital Health and Care Institute and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Ms Jeane Freeman MSP.

The Scottish Care National Care Home Conference & Exhibition, which is now in its 20th year and was sponsored by the Clydesdale & Yorkshire Bank, has incorporated an awards ceremony for the last 15 years.

The conference focus this year was on the essential role of care homes in supporting individuals within a demographic reality of an ageing population and more complex care needs.

It also highlighted their importance within communities and the criticality of care homes in delivering positive outcomes and relieving pressure on other health and care services including hospitals. The conference explored topics as diverse as the role of technology, design approaches to future care, LGBTI recognition, intergenerational support, dentistry and workforce.

The conference, exhibition and care awards are the largest of their kind for the care home sector in Scotland.

For more information visit www.scottishcare.org

Scottish Government to strengthen children’s rights

UNCRC to be incorporated into Scots Law

Scotland will incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into law to the maximum extent possible within the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney announced the approach following an extensive public consultation.

The UNCRC is the most complete statement of children’s rights ever produced and sets out the rights of every child, irrespective of where they live, their religion or make-up of their society. This includes rights relating to health and education, fair and equal treatment and the right to be heard.

To incorporate the UNCRC into law a Bill will be laid before Parliament next year. The Bill will allow for incorporation of the provisions of the Convention currently beyond the powers of the Scottish Parliament, should these powers change in the future.

Speaking on the 30th anniversary of the Convention, Mr Swinney said: “Through the responses to our consultation, it is clear there is widespread support for directly and fully incorporating all of the rights set out in the Convention.

“Our Bill will take a maximalist approach. We will incorporate the rights set out UNCRC in full and directly in every case possible – using the language of the Convention. Our only limitation will be the limit of the powers of this Parliament – limits to which many of us obviously object.

“This approach will mean that the Convention on the Rights of the Child is enshrined directly into Scots law. This represents a huge step forward for the protection of child rights in Scotland.

“Every devolved body, every health board, every council and the Scottish Government itself will be legally obliged to make sure they respect children’s rights. And, if they don’t, children and young people will be able to use the courts to enforce their rights. I hope the example of Scotland incorporating the convention will spur the UK and other countries to follow suit.”

Yemurai Chaza and the Edinburgh Caribbean Association present: Visions of Home

In collaboration with the Scottish Book Trust:

At this event, listen to experiences of being Black, Mixed and Scottish. We can blether about race in Scotland, heritage, identity, colourism – the unsaid truth, different cultural milieux, our relationships with our ‘other homes’ or mental health.

Performances from young Edinburgh-based artists/poets/creatives will be used as a springboard for all the themes explored. Continue reading Yemurai Chaza and the Edinburgh Caribbean Association present: Visions of Home

Systemic change needed to address disadvantage in STEM subjects, says Holyrood committee

Disadvantages as a result of deprivation, gender and rurality need to be addressed to improve learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to a new Holyrood committee report. Continue reading Systemic change needed to address disadvantage in STEM subjects, says Holyrood committee

A bad start to life shouldn’t mean a bad Christmas for Scotland’s children

With only five weekends left until Christmas, one Scottish children’s charity is asking members of the public to remember those children where Christmas can be a difficult time of year.

Aberlour – Scotland’s Children’s Charity – has launched its Christmas Appeal which this year focuses on its work with vulnerable children and families across Scotland affected by parental mental ill health. Continue reading A bad start to life shouldn’t mean a bad Christmas for Scotland’s children

Ama-zing Harmonies: Culture event at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

MONDAY 25th NOVEMBER at 6pm

With support from Edinburgh North west locality, we are hosting a series of shows and events in promotion of local culture and art. 

We will be collaborating with Akorwa UK delivering a Drum and Dance Ensemble. Akrowa UK is originally a Ghana group with members now resident in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

www.akrowa.co.uk

This is a free event, come and enjoy the fun and learn the various cultures in this locality. All welcome!