KNOW WHERE TO GO
Do you know where to get the Right Care in the Right Place?
By using NHS resources wisely, we can keep well and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
Find out more about #RightCareRightPlace: https://nhs24.info/RightCareRightPlace
We’re joining the COP28 Global Day of Action in Edinburgh!
Let’s show that Scotland is united for action – to tackle the climate and nature crisis, secure sustainable jobs & a fairer, greener society.
Saturday, 9th December
Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s insta-famous ‘petfluencer’ Hunter (@hunter.the.good.boy) has been named as Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home’s very first ‘Ambassadog’.
Stepping up for the role, Hunter visited the home to find out more about the services they offer and lend a paw loading up the food-bank donations van.
A frequent visitor to the Home’s Big Dog Park, located at Seafield promenade, Hunter’s owners often book out the private hire outdoor space to allow him to enjoy some free time to run around in a secure space.
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home enlisted the help of Hunter to help spread the word about their winter campaign as they face an unprecedented increase in demand for their support services including food banks and emergency food packages.
The charity’s Winter Appeal is calling out for support to enable them to provide vital aid for animals in need and help people to keep their beloved pets at home this winter.
Depending on the funding from public donations and the assistance of volunteer support to help staff, The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home finds winter an especially difficult season as high energy prices drain funds while demand for their vital services increases.
Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, explained, “We have seen a devastating increase in the number of surrender requests that we have received this year.
“This is due to various factors, including financial difficulties, behavioural issues and personal circumstances. We have supported pets for 140 years and it’s so important now, more so than ever, that we continue to receive donations and help provide pets with a safe place to recover, find love and also enable owners going through hard times to stay together with their pets.
“We don’t judge anyone or their circumstances and know that the rise in the cost of living has caused some to struggle to make ends meet. Winter can be especially tough, so with the support of our new Ambassadog Hunter, we are appealing to those who can, to make a donation. £20 can provide a cat with the vaccinations they require to be rehomed or £100 could keep a dog warm in the Home for three months.”
To make a donation please visit www.edch.org.uk/winterappeal OR text SURRENDER to 70560 to donate £5.
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more, text SURRENDERNOINFO instead.
Testament to the richness of Hindu culture, brought together a diverse community to celebrate the Festival of Lights
With the establishment of SHF as the official representative body of Hindus in Scotland to the Scottish government, the foundation proudly hosted this year’s celebration with immense enthusiasm and support. A dedicated team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event’s success at concise notice (writes RISHAB CHOUDHARY).
The Diwali celebration served as a cultural beacon, highlighting the Hindu tradition where every day is a festival and life itself is a celebration. In a world grappling with conflicts, the message of Diwali resonates as a symbol of hope and peace.
Mr.Jonathan Darby, Head of Strategic Engagement at the Scotland Office, delivered the opening remarks to kickstart the event, setting the stage for its commencement.
Heads of all Hindu temples of Scotland from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen commenced the program by lighting the diyas. Hindu priests from Edinburgh Hindu Mandir Pt. Hinal Bhogyata, Dr. Sreevas Sahasranamam from Hindu temple Scotland Rutherglen, and Acharya Medini Prasad Mishra from Hindu Mandir Glasgow recited Vedic prayers for Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for auspiciousness, grace, material, and spiritual wealth for all.
Amongst others, MSP Sandesh Gulhane – the only Hindu MSP, and MSP Alex-Cole Hamilton – leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats graced the celebration, sharing insights and wisdom that added tremendous value to the event.
Mr. Alex-Cole Hamilton hailed Lord Ram by saying “Jai Shree Ram” and shared the inspiring story of India’s Moon Mission of Landing on the Dark Side.
Dr. Sandesh Gulhane shared an emotional story of him and his mother and what it meant to them when they saw PM Rishi Sunak lighting diyas in Downing Street. He also emphasized that he is proud of his Hindu identity and how Hinduism teaches universal acceptance.
Dr. Richa Sinha, elected chair for SHF, gave the opening remarks, taking the audience through the remarkable journey of the Hindu community over the past century. Dr. Richa also announced the flagship project of SHF, “Dharmocracy Works,” aimed at inspiring Hindus to contribute to the political spectrum for societal betterment.
Other initiatives include the “SHF Youth Group” and the “Hindu Parent Council,” guiding young individuals in making better life decisions and providing parents with a guidebook for participating in key decisions regarding their children’s education.
The Scottish Hindu Foundation proudly presented Mr. Narayan Sood with the esteemed ‘Guiding Star Jeevan Sewa Award,’ recognizing his six decades of remarkable contributions and steadfast dedication to serving the Hindu Community of Scotland.
In the notable journey of Mr. Sood’s life, several achievements stand out. His outstanding leadership as the President of Edinburgh Hindu Mandir And Cultural Centre for six years, tenure as the General Secretary of the Association of Indian Organisations for eight years, and his role as the General Secretary of the Scot Asian Action Committee for Welfare and Campaign exemplify his steadfast dedication to the enhancement of our society.
Simultaneously, Ms. Rajasiri Iyengar received the ‘Rising Star Yuva Award,’ acknowledging her outstanding commitment and budding leadership. Notably, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Hindu Society at the University of Dundee, creating a support network for Hindu students transitioning to Scotland.
The evening also featured an incredible dance performance by Ms. Spoorthi Kannepadi, showcasing the eight divine forms of Goddess Lakshmi, captivating the audience with mesmerising displays of beauty and grace.
The closing remark was made by Mr. Puneet Dwivedi, thanking all the guests, the events team of SHF, and the venue staff who worked tirelessly to make the event a success. SHF extends profound gratitude to supporters from Indian by Nature, Kumon Crostorphine, and Cidsin.
The event was attended by Christine Jardine (Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West), Sue Webber (MSP for Lothian Region), Mary Morgan (Cheif Executive NHS Scotland), Susan Murray (Councillor East Dunbartonshire), Jacinta Braker (CEMVO), Lorraine Glass (Respect Me) Brian Jones (Make a Point Scotland), Lara Cook (Scottish Government Faith and Belief Team), Matt Cormack (Scottish Pegan Federation), Shabir Beg (Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society), Carrie Varjavandi (Dundee and Tayside Interfaith), Joe Goldblatt (Edinburgh Interfaith Association), John Stuart (Anglican Communion, Scottish Episcopal Church), Beverly Bergman (The Royal Scottish Society of Arts), Dr. Srinivas Sriramula (University of Aberdeen), Prof. Pankaj (Edinburgh India Institute), Prerana Kaushik (Divine Healing Hut), Minakshi Pathak (Medhavi Learning Hub), Sujeet Singh (Rajasthan Association of Scotland), Sowbhagya Munishankar (Scottish Karnataka Sangh), Adarsh Khullar (Ekta Group), Cheryl Pyott (Scottish Ambulance Service) and many more.
Mr Amit Kumar Chaudhary, Vice Consul of India, also graced his presence for this occasion.
As we bid farewell to this year’s Diwali celebration, SHF looks forward to many more such events, fostering unity, diversity, and cultural exchange within the community.
About the Scottish Hindu Foundation (SHF)
The Scottish Hindu Foundation (SHF) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and preserve Hindu culture and heritage in Scotland.
SHF serves as a platform for Hindus to actively engage with the Scottish government and other stakeholders on crucial matters, such as the Hate Crime Bill, with potential impacts reaching every individual across various sectors of society.
Contact: info@scottishhindufoundation.com
Time is running out to secure a fully-funded place at Fettes College, with applications from students in Midlothian to be completed before mid-January.
Until this year, only two pupils from Edinburgh state primary schools were eligible for Kick-start, a transformational bursary scheme which will fund an entire Fettes College education, but this was extended to 11-year-olds from across Scotland in September.
To be eligible for this bursary, which is supported by a charitable trust, applicants must be 11 years old in September 2024, and receive free school meals or be in a low-income household.
Prospective candidates can access support with their applications from teachers at Fettes College, as well as their respective primary schools.
Ms Amanda Mair, a teacher in Fettes Prep School, has supported previous Kick-start students, their families, and their primary schools from the very beginning of the programme in 2018.
Amanda said: “It’s always such a pleasure to meet the bright and talented prospective candidates for the Kick-start bursary, and to be able to show them around our school, letting them know all about life at Fettes.
“I visit local schools to meet prospective pupils and their teachers, and have previously helped families fill in the registration forms, as I know it can sometimes feel like a daunting process.”
Following an entrance assessment, the two successful children will join Fettes’ Prep School for the first two years of their education, giving them the chance to familiarise themselves with the school environment across a stunning 100-acre campus before moving up to the Senior School.
The successful students will also have access to the latest technology, as well as an extensive range of sports, co-curricular activities, outdoor pursuits and trips.
As standard at Fettes, the successful students will also be matched with a buddy to ensure they receive a warm welcome to the school.
Old Fettesian (alumni) membership and access to the Fettes Careers Partnership is also included within the bursary, so the students have a connection to the school community for life.
A parent of a Fettes Kick-start student said: “The Kick-start bursary has enhanced all of our lives, with Fettes providing help at each stage of the process. Being part of the Fettes community and watching the skills and opportunities the children get is so rewarding.
“The Kick-start bursary won’t just provide until the child is 18 years old, as the lessons and skills they’ll learn will be with them for the rest of their lives. We are truly grateful for all that Fettes provides and all the support they give us. The Kick-start bursary is so amazing and has changed our family’s lives for the better.”
Mr Charlie Minogue, Headmaster of Fettes Colleges Preparatory School, said: “Our philanthropic mission hasn’t changed since Fettes was founded through the philanthropy of Sir William Fettes in 1870. We want to break down the barriers and help bright young pupils, regardless of their circumstances, gain access to a Fettes education so they can have an opportunity to make the most of their talents.
“This bursary is awarded to ambitious boys and girls who would not ordinarily be in a position to benefit from a Fettes education. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the exceptional education we provide at Fettes, which nurtures and discovers talents and inspires a lifelong love of learning. I’d encourage applications from students across Scotland.”
In addition to the support available from Fettes’ staff such as Ms Mair and headteachers, families can also benefit from support from staff at local FetLor Youth Club in Edinburgh.
FetLor’s Chief Executive Dr Richie Adams is keen to encourage families to contact him and his staff at FetLor Youth Club for hands-on support with their application.
Dr Richie Adams, Chief Executive of FetLor, said: “FetLor offers children and young people in the North of Edinburgh a safe place to develop their resilience, their confidence, achieve their potential, and enjoy a hot meal, even in times of challenge, hardship, and real need.
“Anything we can do to create opportunities to support these young people is something we embrace wholeheartedly. The Kick-start bursary should be grasped with both hands.”
Applications for the bursary will close on 15 January 2024.
More information about the Kick-start bursary and how to apply are available at https://www.fettes.com/kick-start-bursary.
Scotland’s largest trade union body has implored the Scottish Government to “step up for Scotland” as the STUC launches their 2023 tax report showing an extra £3.7 billion could be raised per year using Scotland’s existing powers.
The report: ‘Raising tax to deliver for Scotland’ demonstrates how changes to income and property taxes from April next year could raise an additional £1.1 billion for Scotland’s public services.
Longer term, the introduction of wealth taxes, replacing the council tax with a proportional property tax and introducing a super tax on private jets, amongst other measures, could raise an additional £2.6 billion per year for Scottish public finances.
The STUC claim the tax measures are progressive and would reduce both income and wealth inequality. The updated report follows a similar paper from the STUC last year, demonstrating the full powers of the Scottish Parliament to raise public revenue through progressive taxation. The report also contains detailed analysis of how the council tax could be replaced in a way that ensures low-income households don’t lose out.
The move comes as a direct response to Deputy First Minister Shona Robison’s warnings of public sector workforce cuts ahead of the Scottish budget this December.
If fully implemented the £3.7 billion raised could fund 82,000 public sector workers. STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer has implored government ministers to “rise to the challenge” of protecting public services and reducing inequality, as increased funding pressures on the Scottish Government continue as a result of the UK Government’s autumn statement.
Commenting, Ms Foyer said: “Our updated tax report makes clear that the Scottish Parliament has the power to make a real difference to our communities and raise over £3.7 billion of additional revenue for our public services.
“The Scottish Government must step up for Scotland. It’s clear that, with one foot out the electoral door, the Tories are hellbent on saddling any future UK Government with devastating public sector cuts.
“We can choose a different path. It’s within the powers of our parliament – through income, land and additional dwelling taxes – to raise an initial £1.1 billion from April next year. Coupled with longer-term wealth, property and aviation taxes, the Scottish Government can raise another £2.6 billion.
“At a time when workers are suffering the biggest drop in living standards since records began, and our public services need investment more than ever, it would be a chronic dereliction of duty for government ministers to sit back and let workers suffer Tory-inflicted austerity.
“They must rise to the challenge. For the sake of our workers, communities and public services, there is simply no other option.
GREENER HOMES ON GRANTON WATERFRONT
The Scottish Government has published their consultation paper on planned Heat in Buildings legislation which sets out a path for how best to deliver greener, warmer homes for Scotland.
The Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenant’s Rights, Patrick Harvie, recently visited Granton to see heat networks being set up for the new developments on the Waterfront.
The systems and homes being built in Granton are examples of what could be rolled out across Scotland – greener energy, lower bills and no fossil fuels.
Green Councillor for Forth Ward, Kayleigh O’Neill said: “This is another major milestone in the Granton Waterfront project. Over £1 billion has gone into helping a community become well connected and no longer reliant on fossil fuels. This is a massive step towards tacking climate change and transitioning the city, and country, to net-zero.”
Cllr. O’Neill added: “Over the next ten years we will also see more affordable housing being built and care taken towards our urban coastal green spaces. We have to be ambitious and put people and planet first in all future developments.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transition towards a greener economy. Granton Waterfront will set the standard for sustainable growth and show how we can live without fossil fuels.”
The consultation will run until 8 March 2024, then responses will be scrutinised and a final decision made on when to publish a Bill in the Scottish Parliament to pass in 2025.
You can take part in the consultation here:
Edinburgh Leisure’s Danceability is featured in the new ‘Keeping Edinburgh’ podcast which has recently launched for people across Edinburgh to help boost social connections across Scotland’s Capital.
Danceability, funded by Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP), is one of several activities on offer as part of Edinburgh Leisure’s Fit & Active Programme – supporting those with disabilities to access socially connected, wellbeing-boosting fitness activities.
Support to get Fit & Active can be accessed by making a referral to Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team. Everybody who is referred gets an access card that gives them reduced-cost access to activities such as the gym, swimming, or fitness classes for 1 year.
Edinburgh Leisure takes referrals from the Local Area Co-ordination Team supporting young adults, from support providers and social workers or people with a learning disability can also self-refer to request support.
Using their card, participants can attend any of Edinburgh Leisure’s gym, swim or fitness class sessions, as well as their specific Fit & Active activities for adults with learning disabilities that are available at Meadowbank Sports Centre and Leith Victoria Swim Centre.
Sara Kemp, Equalities Community Development Officer for Edinburgh Leisure, explains: “The funding from EHSCP is around supporting people to have more good days and physical activity is key to this.
“There is a lot of data out there that says that people with physical and learning difficulties were among the most affected by services closing and not restarting after the pandemic. They also experienced the most social isolation.
“If you think about lockdown, a lot of people who come to our classes rely on support workers to go out and meet other people so they can have fun in social situations – and all that was taken away.
“A lot of services didn’t restart after COVID-19 and that was due to a lack of funding for some of them, and at the beginning, due to restrictions on space. But Edinburgh Leisure has managed to restart Danceability and customers have started to come back after this period of potentially quite long isolation with the disabled community once again able to get out and socialise, and have a good time.”
The benefits of exercise are well documented. Beyond the physical benefits, keeping active can improve mental health, quality of life and overall well-being. The second episode, Keeping Edinburgh Active, explores how organisations are offering opportunities to improve accessibility for anyone to keep active, and how keeping active is helping build confidence amongst those facing emotional or physical struggles or other disadvantages.
The new ‘Keeping Edinburgh podcast’ launched in late November and is presented by Edinburgh-born singer-songwriter (and keyboardist to Callum Beattie) Gus Harrower. As well as a touring musician, Gus was approached for this project thanks to his ongoing work as an established Community Musician, working with major charities and organisations to empower and improve people’s well-being through music.
The initial six-episode pilot series is an investment by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, with the podcast designed and delivered in collaboration with partners across NHS Scotland and the third and independent sectors.
The series aims to highlight just some of the thousands of opportunities across the capital to support people’s well-being and launches at the start of the winter period – a time that sees increased pressure on health and social care services with research showing that those experiencing loneliness are more likely to visit their GP or A&E during this time.
Each half-hour episode provides an immersive audio journey into some of the many free-to-access social-prescribing experiences across the Capital, that are helping individuals and communities to have more good days. The first two episodes are available now to download via Apple and Spotify and feature experiences from several established Edinburgh organisations including Capital Theatres, Edinburgh Leisure, and Volunteer Edinburgh.
Dr Linda Irvine Fitzpatrick, Strategic Programme Manager at the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership is committed to addressing social isolation as it is the number one public health issue globally.
She says, “It’s an issue we all have to try and tackle. Part of that comes from increasing our individual and collective awareness of the breadth and range of opportunities out there that can offer people the opportunity to connect with one another and have more good days.”
“Whether it’s arts initiatives, community meals, physical exercise, mindfulness, or simply getting outdoors, there are many different options to benefit from. We want to showcase a ‘tip of the iceberg’ view of what’s out there, as well as help listeners, get a taste of what it’s like to be part of different groups and activities – experience what it’s like to be in the room or places alongside people already benefitting from these activities.
“We hope to build that shared knowledge as well as that confidence with listeners to take their own first steps by hearing directly from others who are benefitting from these wonderful programmes.”
Launching with an initial two episodes – Keeping People Connected (ep 1) and Keeping People Active (ep 2) – further episodes of the initial six-episode series will be released monthly covering initiatives and spaces across the arts, physical activities, community gardens, volunteering, and more.
The ‘fly on the wall’ audio experience aims to offer an engaging content experience for anyone. For avid podcast listeners, its content and style of storytelling is one that sits within multiple genres, with a strong slant towards society and culture, as well as the podcast’s health and well-being-boosting intentions.
Listen now: www.podfollow.com/keepingedinburgh
Find out more: www.edinburghhsc.scot/moregooddays
More information on Fit & Active: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/fit-and-active
To discuss a referral to Fit & Active get in touch by emailing:
Detectives are appealing for information following a disturbance on Alvanley Terrace in Bruntsfield.
Around 5.20pm on Saturday, 2 December, 2023 police were called to reports of an assault where a woman was threatened and pushed into her vehicle by a man.
The car, a black coloured Hyundai ix35, was parked on Alvanley Terrace, adjacent to Bruntsfield Links.
The man was startled by a witness and was seen to leave in the direction of Bruntsfield Place, where it is believed he got into a silver Peugeot and left in the direction of Morningside.
The man is described as white, late 30s, of average build, with dark brown hair which is long on the top and short at the back and sides. He has a sleeve tattoo and was wearing a light grey hooded top, blue jeans and white trainers.
Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper, from Edinburgh Division CID, said: “Although the woman wasn’t physically injured, she has been left shaken by the incident.
“Whilst there is no risk to the wider public, we are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or observed the suspect in the surrounding areas before or after the incident mentioned, to please get in touch.
“We would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were nearby to check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2768 of 2 December. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Having to pay for a funeral can cause extra strain for people at what can be a difficult time.
That’s why, during National Grief Awareness week, we want to highlight the services and benefits available from Social Security Scotland, which may help to ease financial worry and reduce paperwork for people.
Through our Bereavement Service specially trained experienced and compassionate expert client advisers provide help to people who need to update us about benefit payments after a death.
With just one phone call, people can report the death of a family member, friend or loved one directly to one of our advisers. At that point, our adviser will take the necessary information for all payments that need to be cancelled.
Our Bereavement Service is also connected to the UK-wide ‘Tell Us Once’ scheme, which lets most government departments and local authorities know when someone dies. The system allows us to automatically follow up with any actions without the need for people to send information separately. This helps take away some of the worry people have about more administrative tasks at this upsetting time.
Our client advisers are helping make a difference to our clients at a time when they may be feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed. A client adviser from our Bereavement Service, said: “Clients are grateful for being made aware of services like Tell Us Once which they can use to report the death once and all relevant departments will be notified.
“We make the caller aware of further assistance that may be available to them such as Funeral Support Payment or Bereavement care.
“Sometimes the caller may just want to talk about their experience of losing a loved one and we will lend a listening ear.”
Our client advisers can also signpost and help eligible people to apply for Funeral Support Payment, which helps pay towards funeral costs for people on low incomes getting certain benefits.
It can be paid either to parents and families or the funeral director who is helping to plan the funeral. In Scotland, local authorities cover the burial or cremation costs for a baby, child or young person aged 17 or under.
Since launching Funeral Support Payment in September 2019, we have approved over 32,600 applications, providing more than £37.8 million of support for people and families.
People can apply for Funeral Support Payment online, via a paper application form or by calling us free on 0800 182 2222 and asking to speak to the specially trained bereavement team.
To find out more information, people can visit mygov.scot/funeralsupportpayment
