Month: June 2021

More libraries to reopen from Monday 7 June

Still no date for Muirhouse re-opening

The majority of Edinburgh’s libraries will be open this month as part of a phased plan for reopening essential services in the city.

In total 11 venues will offer a variety of services as they open up from next Monday (7th June).

A number of libraries – Central (including the Children’s Library), Drumbrae, Kirkliston, McDonald Road, Wester Hailes, Stockbridge and Gilmerton – are all currently open. Craigmillar and Fountainbridge are being used as short-term community asymptomatic testing centres but will thereafter return to use as libraries.

The timetable for the phased reopening of further libraries is:

Monday 7 June

  • Currie
  • Piershill
  • South Queensferry
  • Balgreen
  • Colinton

Monday 14 June

  • Morningside
  • Moredun
  • a mobile library at Ratho (contact/collect only)
  • Balerno will be open for contact/collect and bus pass applications support.

Thursday 17 June

  •  Blackhall

Thursday 24 June

  • Portobello

It is hoped that the city’s remaining libraries will reopen again as soon as possible after these dates.

A number of libraries (Leith, Newington, Oxgangs and the library in Gate 55 at Wester Hailes) are temporarily being used as community covid-19 testing centres until at least late Autumn.Other libraries may be needed as short-term asymptomatic testing centres over the coming weeks and months.

To browse and borrow books, use a public computer, apply for a National Entitlement Card (bus pass) or collect hearing aid batteries visits will need to be booked online or by phoning the library direct.

There’s no need to reserve a slot if you’re return your books or picking up Hey Girls sanitary products. Social distancing measures are in place including face coverings being mandatory.

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Donald Wilson said: “It’s great to see more libraries opening their doors across the city as they are invaluable resources for local communities. Our phased plan means we have been able to reopen them in a measured and cautious way to ensure everyone’s safety.

“Our plans will see a further 11 venues open for a variety of services. Although a number of other libraries are currently covid-19 testing centres I want to assure everyone that they will revert to fully functioning libraries.

“I want to thank all the hard work and efforts from our library and cleaning teams who continue to work tirelessly to get our libraries open and ensure they are safe to use.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “I’m delighted that we’re going to see more libraries open next week as we welcome our people back into their local spaces. They are much-loved hubs which bring our communities together and are essential for supporting the wellbeing of our citizens.

“We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience over recent months as we put in place our phased plans and thanks must go to the fantastic work of all the Council staff who have made this possible.

“The measured approach demonstrates our commitment and recognition of the importance of public libraries in this, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.”

Survey on role of volunteering and the third sector response to Covid-19

The Scottish Government would like to better understand the impact of Covid-19 on the voluntary sector and volunteering. If you are an organisation which has engaged volunteers in the last two years, they would really like to hear your views.

The survey will provide invaluable and up-to-date insights on both the challenges and opportunities facing volunteering and will help to guide the recovery process in 2021 and beyond.

The findings will be published and widely disseminated for the benefit of all volunteer involving organisations. 

The survey closes TODAY – take the survey here

From shooting stars to shooting for the stars

After a high-flying career as a press photographer – which saw her hanging out of helicopters and climbing church bell towers to get the perfect image – Horticulture student Julie Bull is now very much grounded in her gardening business.

As a photographer with the Bournemouth Echo, Birmingham Post and Mail, and laterally the Edinburgh Evening News, she spent 30 years photographing all walks of life, from street children in Guatemala and Oxfam’s aid work during the genocide in Rwanda to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Hogmanay concerts and fireworks.

Following on from this career, she worked as a Police Scotland call handler receiving 101 and 999 calls. 

“I have always enjoyed gardening,” said Julie, 50, from Midlothian.  “I would watch the contract gardener through the bombproof windows at Police Scotland and on a good day could just about inhale the smell of the freshly cut grass. That’s when I decided to take the plunge and become a full-time Horticulture student and purchased my first secondhand lawnmower from Gumtree.”

After completing an SVQ Level 2 course in Amenity Horticulture, she progressed on to the NC Horticulture course at SRUC’s Oatridge campus in West Lothian.

While it’s a far cry from the days of photographing Nelson Mandela, royalty, and being blessed by the Dalai Lama, the four years since she set up her gardening/ companion gardening business Flower Power have flown by. 

This sees her providing a personalised gardening service for people, either as a lone gardener or as a companion garden working alongside clients at their pace.

After finishing her course, she plans to continue to expand her practical gardening knowledge before contemplating returning for the HNC course in the autumn.

“I volunteer with Cyrenians at Midlothian Community Hospital Garden and buddy up with ‘green prescribers’ who are referred by their GP or support worker,” she said.

“Being able to share space and time in the community garden with folk is a precious thing – especially after Covid-19 and all the lockdowns.  This complements the Trellis Therapeutic Gardening courses I’m completing alongside my SRUC studies.”

In the future, she would love to have enough knowledge and confidence to become a Community Garden Co-ordinator working alongside volunteers or even a First Gardener with the National Trust for Scotland.

“As I say to my 21-year-old son Alfie, a goal without a plan is just wishful thinking,” she said. “We can all shoot for the stars, can’t we?”

For more information about studying at SRUC, visit: www.sruc.ac.uk/courses

One in two workers would consider quitting their job if forced back to the office full time

 New research by SpareRoom reveals strength of feeling on future of working

  • Almost half (46%) of 18-40 year olds would consider quitting their current job if their employer doesn’t allow remote working post-pandemic
  • One of the least important features of a job now is office parties and regular socialising with colleagues
  • Conversely, the most desirable job features are pay, a good work-life balance and a job that has a sense of purpose
  • The majority of 18-40 year olds (60%) have changed the features they look for in a job after a year living in a pandemic

The great return to the office is on the horizon and getting closer, with all social restrictions set to end on 21st June (in England, anyway … maybe? – Ed). However, while a reunion with colleagues might be welcome, a full time return to the physical workplace is enough to actually put people off their jobs.

According to new research by flatsharing site SpareRoom, one in two (46%) 18-40 year olds will consider quitting their job if their employer doesn’t allow remote working post-pandemic.

Where a swanky office with a lively work social scene was once a major pull for young people and saw them move in their droves to big cities like London, the research from SpareRoom with over 2,000 18-40 year olds reveals the opposite to now be true for many. 

In fact, a clear majority (60%) have changed the job attributes they now find important and almost two thirds (63%) have a new attitude towards work. Of those that are employed and have had the option to ‘WFH’ (81%), there is a clear preference going forward for a continuation of home working or for a hybrid of working partially at home and from the office (72% combined). This compares to 28% that prefer working exclusively from the office.

Notwithstanding the possible resignation-inducing prospect of five days a week in the office, the most undesirable feature of a job now happens to be the office party. As part of the research, SpareRoom asked young people to rank features of a job based on how important they are.

The loser was a job with regular social events, suggesting that many are not yet ready to reembrace the old socially intimate culture of afterwork drinks and the annual Christmas knees-up.

On the other hand, the features of a job that 18-40 year olds now covet more than anything else are pay, a good work-life balance and the knowledge that their work has a purpose. 

Most important features of a job Least important features of a job
1. Pay and compensation1. Regular social events and office parties
2. Good work-life balance2. Regular appraisals/reviews and opportunity to grow
3. A job that has a sense of purpose3. Additional benefits e.g. gym, healthcare
4. Job security 4. Being able to pursue a passion / ‘side hustle’ outside of work
5. Feeling safe at work5. Reduced or flexible working hours

Matt Hutchinson, SpareRoom Director comments: “Work is one of the cornerstones of our lives and COVID has forced people to question their relationship with their job.

“That means, for many, the most desirable job is now one that offers security, a good work-life balance and of course the ability to work from home – even if not all of the time. Spending five days a week in the office, however, is particularly unattractive – to the extent that half would consider moving jobs if faced with this situation.

“Work is also one of the biggest drivers in the rental market. Pre-pandemic people moved for work or study. Now people are starting to think about what their lives will look like in future and the prospect of remote working opens up all sorts of possibilities. We’ve already seen a downward shift in demand for rooms in London, while other regions of the UK are seeing a rise.” 

Spring into summer with an offer from Edinburgh Leisure

With Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms, pools, fitness classes and climbing arena open, they are encouraging you to spring into summer with an enticing no-joining-fee offer. At a time when health has never been so important, their latest offer could be just what you need to kick start your fitness regime.

The no-joining-fee offer is available on new memberships and can be bought online on the Edinburgh Leisure website from Tuesday, 1 June to Wednesday, 30 June and is applicable to all fitness, swim, gym, class and climb memberships.

The Edinburgh Leisure experience may be different from before Covid-19 with new customers needing to join online rather than in venue and pre-booking required for all activities, but customers will still receive the warm, Edinburgh Leisure welcome.

Edinburgh Leisure continues to operate in a cashless environment, accepting contactless payments; and safety remains important with enhanced cleaning taking place and additional sanitisation stations available throughout the venue for use before and after each visit; and timetabled activities with staggered start times to reduce congestion.

With 50+ venues across the city, including a world class climbing centre, 6 golf courses, 9 swimming pools, 10 state of the art gyms and 800+ fitness classes per week across the various centres, Edinburgh Leisure is the biggest club in town, with something for everyone to enjoy moving and getting fitter.

For further information visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

New treatment standards for drug users announced

New standards for treatment for drug users will ensure everyone has access to the support which works best for them.

The 10 new standards, published today by the Drug Deaths Taskforce, will reinforce a rights-based approach for people who use drugs and the treatment they should expect, regardless of where they live.

Funding from the additional £50 million for drugs services announced by the First Minister in January will ensure that all Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) are supported by the Scottish Government to embed the standards by April 2022. They make clear that people must be able to start receiving support on the day that they ask for it and emphasise the importance of allowing people to make informed choices about the type of medication and help available to them.

These 10 standards apply to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) which is the term used to refer to the use of medication, such as opioids, together with any psychological and social support, in the treatment and care of people who experience problems with drug use.

Minister for Drug Policy Angela Constance said: “I want to thank the Drug Deaths Taskforce for their work on developing these standards and all those who gave their views following the interim report.

“We now have a set of standards which are safe, accessible and person-centred. These will help ensure consistency of treatment across the country. Making help available and giving people an informed choice is an essential part of respecting a person’s rights and dignity. It is also an approach which is more likely to be effective and provide people with the support and treatment they need.

“We have said a national mission is needed to tackle the drug deaths emergency and that is why we allocated an additional £250 million over the next five years to improve and increase services for people affected by drug addiction.

“These MAT standards will mean everyone with problematic drug use can access the right support for them regardless of their situation or location.”

Chair of the Drug Deaths Taskforce Professor Catriona Matheson said: “The publication of the MAT Standards and the start of their implementation represents a major achievement for the Taskforce and the beginning of a new phase of our work.

The Standards constitute the most significant intervention in the strategy to reduce the unacceptable level of drug related deaths. The Standards will form a critical element of the longer term, sustainable actions that will save lives, complimenting the emergency actions taken to date.

“The evidence is clear that using street drugs and not being in treatment is dangerous and life-threatening. The Taskforce wants more people at risk to be in treatment programmes.

“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the rapid development of the Standards and who are now involved in their roll-out and adoption. Commitment like this will help save lives.”

Scottish Drugs Forum CEO David Liddell said: “Scotland’s MAT Standards are the most significant landmark in improving Scotland’s response to problem drug use in over a decade. Implementing the standards will be the most significant development in addressing the on-going public health emergency of drug-related deaths.

“People who enter treatment are amongst the most vulnerable people in our society and often find engaging with services difficult. Services need to be more attractive, more approachable and more accessible; and reach out to people who have been in treatment but no longer are. 

“These standards are the basis for  making services truly person-centred. Implementing them will help services develop empowering relationships with people in treatment. Full implementation of the standards will save lives, reduce harm and transform people’s quality of life.”

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards:

  • all people accessing services have the option to start MAT from the same day of presentation
  • all people are supported to make an informed choice on what medication to use for MAT, and the appropriate dose
  • all people at high risk of drug-related harm are proactively identified and offered support to commence, re-commence or continue MAT
  • all people are offered evidence based harm reduction at the point of MAT delivery
  • all people will receive support to remain in treatment for as long as requested
  • the system that provides MAT is psychologically and trauma informed (Tier 1); routinely delivers evidence based low intensity psychosocial interventions (Tier 2); and supports the development of social networks
  • all people have the option of MAT shared with Primary Care
  • all people have access to advocacy and support for housing, welfare and income needs
  • all people with co-occurring drug use and mental health difficulties can receive mental health care at the point of MAT delivery
  • all people receive trauma informed care.