Day: April 17, 2024

Luxury care home offering top-notch healthcare for residents

Frequent GP appointments and in-house healthcare on offer for residents at leading home

A LEADING Scottish care home has revealed its residents currently benefit from some of the best healthcare in the country within a care setting, thanks to world-class in-house facilities and frequent GP checkups.

With research from the British Medical Journal showing that frequent, primary healthcare decreases mortality and hospital visits; dementia care experts Cramond Residence has prioritised its resident’s care by ensuring all of them have access to GP visits twice a week.

The home boasts some of the most extensive care in Scotland, providing its residents with top-tier facilities through its wellness and physiotherapy suite, an in-house GP, a room dedicated to Allied Health Professionals, and a gym.

Ross Bijak, General Manager of Cramond Residence said: “Usually, those who stay with us are dealing with complex health issues and we want to ensure that we provide them with the very best healthcare possible.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to provide this to our residents, by offering frequent GP checkups we can ensure we are on top of any medical concerns and that our resident’s families can have peace of mind knowing that any issues are frequently monitored and managed.

“We believe we have one of the best care programmes in Scotland. We have a fantastic in-house nursing team and state-of-the-art facilities and this is further solidified by the frequent GP visits which our residents benefit from every Tuesday and Friday.”

Specialising in a comprehensive range of dementia care services, the home accommodates residents in both its communal living spaces and a dedicated section for those with advanced dementia needs.

The residence ensures optimal care through continuous assessment and a collaborative team of healthcare professionals, all within a setting designed to promote independence and well-being.

Ross added: “Our team keep the GPs updated about on any medical challenges that our residents face, and then after a thorough check-up, the GP’s insights help us update our records and fine-tune care plans to meet each resident’s unique needs.

“Everything we do happens right here in the comfort of the residence, so there’s hardly any disruption to the everyday lives of our residents. Plus, having the same friendly faces of doctors for check-ups brings a comforting sense of consistency and trust for both our residents and their loved ones.”

Since its opening in October 2018, after an investment of £8m, the Cramond Residence has championed the concept of small group living, emphasising social connections.

The residence offers a selection of activities designed for individuals with dementia, aiming to enhance their quality of life. Equipped with modern facilities and supported by a dedicated team, the home is committed to providing care, support, and respite for its residents.

For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.

To get in touch directly, please email enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Running for RNLI: Edinburgh man takes on ten race challenge

Edinburgh–based Kevin White, who works as a Compliance Officer for Scotmid, is taking on a ten-race challenge to raise money for the RNLI, Scotmid’s charity partner for 2024.

The 38-year-old grew up in the coastal area of South Queensferry, so has always recognised the vital role the RNLI plays in saving lives at sea. Having worked at Scotmid for 23 years, supporting numerous good causes through group fundraising events, this will be his first individual fundraising challenge for a charity partner.

Kevin has already completed – and enjoyed – the Supernova Kelpies in March and is most looking forward to the Scottish Half Marathon in August.

Kevin White, Scotmid Compliance Officer, said: “I am incredibly proud to be supporting such an important charity for communities around the UK.

“My father and grandfather were keen runners, but I only took up running during lockdown, so this challenge is a great opportunity to follow in their footsteps. I am loving the challenge but not sure if my legs will agree by the end of the year!”

Kirsty Connell, Membership & Community Manager (East) at Scotmid, said: “We are immensely proud of Kevin and his achievements in this challenge so far.

“Through our partnership with the RNLI, we hope to raise enough funds to purchase a new Atlantic 85 Lifeboat. It’s great to see our colleagues contributing through individual and team challenges. Good luck Kevin!”

Through the partnership, Scotmid is fundraising to purchase an Atlantic 85 lifeboat for the RNLI which will serve in the reserve fleet for when lifeboats across the UK are undergoing maintenance. The Atlantic 85 is one of the fastest in the RNLI’s fleet. The boat has the capacity to carry four crew members as well as core medical and rescue equipment.

To support Kevin’s 10 race challenge, visit: 

https://www.justgiving.com/page/scotmidkevinwhite2024

The SI: Rebrand for MGA Academy

The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television (The SI) is today unveiled as the new name of Scotland’s leading arts education institution, and only CMDT-accredited school in Scotland, formerly known as the MGA Academy of Performing Arts.

The renaming comes from the institute’s new ownership from major Irish production studio, Silver Rock Studios. Leading with an official rebrand and relocation, its new commercial model aims to reflect the institute’s existing position as a leader in the global performing arts landscape, as well as its new global footprint.

The institute has transitioned to a larger campus in Livingston, with brand new state-of-the-art facilities and resources, which will be open to international students for the first time.

The new model incorporates world class training from some of the biggest names in the industry, alongside high-end sponsorships for industry-standard tech and equipment, which will solidify its offering of world-leading arts education for both local and global talent.

The school is now also able to guarantee students credits on their CV through Silver Rock Studios, and new partnerships with global companies will remove many of the financial barriers to high quality performing arts training for home-grown talent.

The restructure enables the academy to expand its foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate courses across the performing arts, and increase intake of both full-time and part-time students, with the capacity to triple the previous student enrolment.

The Scottish Institute will offer the highest quality of training from world-leading educators and faculty, reflecting its culture of nurturing inclusivity, equality and learning. As part of its new industry-leading facilities, the institute has opened the Howden Park Theatre, an innovative and fully equipped performance space with a 300-seater auditorium and rehearsal rooms to facilitate all student performances.

Having built a strong reputation as one of the foremost centres for performing arts education in the country, The Scottish Institute has secured funding from West Lothian Council, Creative Scotland, and Scottish Government Funding enabling it to expand and strengthen it’s offering to student.

The Scottish Institute will open the doors to its new campus with an official launch event on 25th of April 2024, featuring a selection of student performances and an all-star guest list.

As a leading vocational performing arts school, the launch of the new campus and title marks a transformative time for The Scottish Institute, demonstrating its commitment to exceptional, high-quality teaching and its dedication to paving the path for students’ successful entry into the performing arts, film and television industries.

President and CEO of The Scottish Institute, Andy Egan says: “It is an honour to introduce The Scottish Institute and open our brand-new campus to our wonderful students, staff and visitors.

“The institute is built on the academy’s reputation and our roots in Edinburgh. This pivotal expansion further marks our commitment to fostering an environment where creativity, learning, and profession development take centre stage.

“We are delighted to open our new campus to international students this year, and introduce our faculty of experienced and talented professors to new students.

“As we invite our students to our new, state-of-the-art Livingston campus we aspire to nurture a hub that champions creativity, entrepreneurship, and learning to inspire the next generation of talent.”

MSPs join residents to demand a new Winchburgh Train Station

Foysol Choudhury MSP has joined Winchburgh residents outside the Scottish Parliament to deliver a petition addressed to Minister Jim Fairlie, calling on the Scottish Government to name a date for a new train station for Winchburgh.

Winchburgh is an expanding West Lothian community, with Winchburgh Developments Ltd delivering thousands of new homes and some new schools. However, a train station has not been delivered, as a new railway station was not a condition of planning permission.

As a result, homeowners in Winchburgh have been left without commuter links to Glasgow and Edinburgh, leading to a campaign to get the station built.

Foysol Choudhury, Labour MSP for Lothian, has been pursuing the issue on behalf of constituents for almost 2 years and has addressed the issue in the Scottish Parliament with Ministers, as well as making enquiries with other stakeholders such as the Council, local councillors and the Developers.

Yesterday the Labour Lothians list MSP joined the residents of Winchburgh outside the Scottish Parliament to call for action from the Scottish Government and deliver the petition addressed to Minister Jim Fairlie.

Following the rally outside Holyrood, Mr Choudhury said: “Winchburgh community have campaigned for many years for a much-needed train station and I have been raising this for almost 2 years at the Scottish Parliament.

“I was pleased to join the community today in delivering a petition for the Minister-it is time for the Scottish Government to take action, enough is enough.

“The Scottish Government needs to stop passing the buck and take responsibility for ensuring this much-needed and long-awaited station can finally be delivered.

“We must all work together to secure a station for the people of Winchburgh, who were sold homes on a belief it would be a commuter town.

“Instead, the Scottish Government do not seem to be taking these collaborative efforts to solve this important issue of clean and sustainable transport links for Winchburgh seriously.

“I am glad that other stakeholders, including MSPs, local councillors, the local community and the developers Winchburgh Developments Ltd, are instead taking this seriously where the Scottish Government are not.

“I am hopeful this petition and the clear strength of feeling from the community will lead to action from the Scottish Government – let’s get Winchburgh train station sorted!”

Mr Choudhury says he remains committed to continuing to pursue a new Winchburgh train station on behalf of all his constituents and will work with all relevant stakeholders possible to secure the station for his constituents.

Foysol Choudhury MSP’s video on the matter here: 

https://youtu.be/TeSkQ5ZuaSY?feature=shared

What’s On at North Edinburgh Community Festival next month?

SATURDAY 11th MAY 12 – 5.30pm at WEST PILTON PARK

What can you expect from the festival this year?

80 stalls from local organisations, charities and groups hosting interactive activities such as glitter tattoos, hair braiding, craft workshops, facepainting, games, help, advice, storytime.

Edinburgh festivals – Edinburgh Science festival with their cargo tricycles and science demonstrations.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society – street performers.

Edinburgh Book Festival – free books and talks.

Colla Castellera – building human towers.

Edinburgh Equi Centre returns with their horses.

Obstacle course from North Edinburgh Childcare, and activities from Royal Air Force, Army and Scottish Fire Services.

Art and craft workshops with North Edinburgh Arts, National Galleries of Scotland, video games and scavenger hunt with Tinderbox Collective.

We have Granton Giants Dodgeball, Super strikers and Blast Boxing.

And things to buy include, tie dye clothing, pocket money toys, wax melts, cupcakes, dog accessories etc.

As for food we have RRT handing out free burgers again but we also have cupcakes and cookies, Indian food, hotdogs plus several other stalls to purchase food from.

We have 2 Music Stages this year – the park stage filled with community music and performances and the North by North West stage inside the WPNC for up and coming young musicians.

The parade will kick start the festival, starting at North Edinburgh Childcare and heading along Ferry Road Drive, round the park and into the park. Everyone welcome to join in the parade – theme is Superheroes!

There is so much going on at the festival, with something for everyone. I hope that you will all come along and enjoy the day.

The festival is free to attend. Many of the activities/food/items will be free but there will also be some that require payment.

Please feel free to share this and spread the word.

#northedinfest

Edinburgh International Book Festival reveals first author events for 2024

The Edinburgh International Book Festival has announced its first author events for 2024, with a brand-new series called The Front List, taking place at the city’s iconic McEwan Hall throughout August, in a new partnership with Edinburgh Fringe producer, Underbelly.

The Front List will showcase an exciting programme of writers with nine events in the beloved Edinburgh venue, just a short walk from the wider Book Festival site at Edinburgh Futures Institute.  

The Front List programme will open on 10 August with modern legends of stage and screen, Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson, sharing some hilarious tales about their classic comedy characters from Victor and Barry’s Kelvinside Compendium.  

On 12 August James O’Brien will appear fresh from his popular LBC radio show to discuss the current state of the UK and his book How They Broke Britian, while cult favourite author of Heartstopper – now a smash-hit Netflix series – Alice Oseman takes the stage on 13 August.

On 14 August, every millennial’s parasocial best friend, Dolly Alderton, will discuss her work, including her achingly funny second novel Good Material, and on 17 August the iconic, Booker Prize-winning Salman Rushdie appears live from his home in New York to offer a searing insight into his unforgettable new memoir Knife. 

YA favourite Sarah Crossan will appear at a special event for secondary school students as part of the Baillie Gifford Schools Programme on 21 August, while on 22 August prolific historical novelist Philippa Gregory explores her epic new take on feminist history in her enlightening new non-fiction title, Normal Women.

The programme will close with two exclusive pre-release events with authors talking about their new titles in public for the first time: Richard Osman – whose Thursday Murder Club series claimed a staggering 3 slots on The Sunday Times’ top 10 bestselling books of 2023 – discusses We Solve Murders, the first in his brand-new mystery series, on 24 August; and on 25 August the conversation-changing author and mental health activist Matt Haig, whose most recent book The Midnight Library has sold 9 million copies and counting, returns to the Festival to discuss his upcoming novel The Life Impossible.

Chairs for these events include Jackie Kay, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Wren James, Mishal Husain, and Chitra Ramaswamy, with more to be confirmed.

Tickets for The Front List events will go on sale to the public at 10am on Thu 25 April, with tickets available to book at https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on and https://underbelly.co.uk/.

Most events in this series will be streamed live and made available on-demand for digital audiences, and all events will be BSL interpreted and captioned.

Edinburgh International Book Festival Director, Jenny Niven said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be presenting such a stellar line-up in a venue that will enable us to welcome more people than ever before, in partnership with our friends at Underbelly. 

“These are just the first of our 2024 events, with a further incredible 500-plus still to be announced.

“Our Front List line up gives a taste of what’s to come ranging from history to mystery, hope to romance, politics to comedy – and featuring some of the best interviewers in the business, including Mishal Husain and our very own Jackie Kay. This marks the first release of events as we open an exciting new chapter for the Book Festival – we can’t wait to welcome audiences this August.”

Underbelly Co-Director, Charlie Wood said: “This is such a great partnership to be part of, bringing together two of Edinburgh’s summer festivals in a crown jewel of the city, allowing a wider audience to see these amazing writers discuss their work in a venue with a fabulous and long history of speakers.

“We’re delighted that the Book Festival will be part of our wider and soon to be announced McEwan Hall programme.”

The 2024 Edinburgh International Book Festival runs from 10 – 25 August, and takes place for the first time at the new Edinburgh Futures Institute on Lauriston Place.

The full public programme will be announced on Tuesday 4 June.  

For more information on Edinburgh International Book Festival visit: 

https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/ 

Community Engagement Opportunity: Drylaw Park Drop-In Event

YOU are invited to our second follow up engagement session on Saturday 20th April at the Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre from 1:30-3:00pm. 

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre – DNC – The place to be! (drylawnc.org.uk)

We are very pleased and grateful to the team at the Neighbourhood Centre as we will be joining their Future Family Fun Day taking place on the same day.  We will be there to share some of the draft designs and ideas for the park and we’d love to hear your feedback.

As a reminder, we have been working with the City of Edinburgh council to develop concept designs for enhancements across Drylaw Park. These include improvements to park connectivity, accessibility and safety, infrastructure to address surface water issues, nature enhancements and improvements to play provision.  

The concept designs take these themes into account and have considered a variety of previous feedback from the community and other key stakeholders.

The Drylaw Park forms part of the Climate Ready Craigleith project which sits under the cities overarching Climate Ready Edinburgh strategy and there is more information on the developing storymap here: 

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/6c5e4815a3f54ce5be4d6f99b0dff213

Lets hope for some April sunshine and look forward to seeing you on the 20th April!

Feelgood Edinburgh? Aye, right! say North Edinburgh parents

Survey findings reveal Edinburgh’s ‘bounce-back to better health’

Record levels of residents are feeling positive and say they’re satisfied with life in Edinburgh, according to a new survey produced for the city council.

According to the city’s 17th annual Edinburgh by Numbers – a statistical snapshot of the Capital collated by the Council – feelings of ‘worthwhile’ are the highest they have been for a decade.

Echoing the findings of an Edinburgh Partnership survey last year, which revealed 93% of residents are happy with life in the Capital, improved levels of resident happiness and life satisfaction have been recorded by Edinburgh by Numbers despite a small increase in anxiety levels.

Alongside personal wellness scores, the health of Edinburgh’s environment and economy is also on the up – with the data confirming Scotland’s Capital has the highest percentage of residents who consider the climate emergency to be ‘urgent’.

It comes as greenhouse emissions drop by 37.9% in Edinburgh as part of concerted efforts towards net zero by 2030, with more than half of city journeys under two miles now being made by walking or cycling, according to the findings. Public transport satisfaction rates have also hit 86%, which is significantly above the Scottish average. 

Pointing to the resilience and growth of the Capital’s economy, Edinburgh by Numbers data suggests job opportunities in the city remain some of the best in the UK and that unemployment rates have more than halved from 6.3% to 2.6% in less than 10 years.

In continued signs of Edinburgh’s post-covid rebound, Edinburgh’s economy is listed in the data as the UK’s most productive economy outside of London, at 32.7% higher regional GVA per person than Glasgow.

Visitor numbers are also starting to return to pre-covid levels with a noticeable increase in visits from October to December, making Edinburgh second in the UK for overnight visits after London.

This complements the aims of Edinburgh’s sustainable tourism management plan which involves  targeted Forever Edinburgh activity to promote the spread of tourism across the seasons.

The data suggests there are over 170,000 students across all education levels but overall, Edinburgh’s population is aging. And while poverty levels are lower than national averages, tackling poverty and reducing inequality remains a key Council priority and a slight increase in relative poverty has been recorded following the cost-of-living crisis.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This year’s Edinburgh by Numbers paints a feel-good picture of a successful, growing Capital city where people really enjoy living and working.

“It’s great to see so much evidence of people living well, feeling happy and caring about climate change here in Edinburgh. The data points to good news for business, for jobs and for tourism and I think it’s fair to say that Edinburgh’s economic – and environmental – outlook is healthy.

“There has been a joint effort in recent years to work together as one city on everything from poverty to climate change, supporting the Festivals and our parks, ensuring Edinburgh remains a special, welcoming and unique place to live.

“Of course, with this good news comes the other side of the same coin: the pressure of complex population changes on our core services and on the people who live and work here.

“The recovery of tourism provides a welcome boost to our economy, but this means greater use and upkeep of facilities and isn’t always accessible for everyone. Likewise, a thriving economy does not mean that every resident is able to benefit equally, and we face a growing housing emergency and pressure supporting our people and our planet.

“That’s why we’re set on becoming the first city to introduce a visitor levy when the legislation comes into force. It’s also why the Council budget we set in February prioritises poverty, climate, and key services for residents. I’m pleased to see the Edinburgh by Numbers findings demonstrate just how vital this is.

“We’ve still got work to do, but we’ll continue to do everything in our power to reach our ambitious goals to eradicate poverty and become net-zero by 2030. We need the city with us though, and the success depends on everyone’s participation and will be the result of collective efforts.”

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Lothian Buses, said: “It’s really encouraging to read that satisfaction with public transport in Edinburgh sits at an average of 86%, which is significantly above the Scottish average of 58%.

“Our teams work incredibly hard to deliver sustainable, affordable, and reliable bus services for all, so it’s particularly heartening to read that overall satisfaction is so high.

“We are continuing to grow our network following a strong performance throughout 2023 which saw Lothian deliver for more than 110 million customers  – an increase of 17% on the previous year.”

FEELGOOD EDINBURGH? LIKE F***!

AN INVITATION FROM NORTH EDINBURGH PARENTS ACTION GROUP

On behalf of the North Edinburgh Parents’ Action Group 

You are invited to their launch of their photographic exhibition and publication with local stories and medical experts discussing the impact of poor housing on mental health and wellbeing.

Home Sweet Home?

10am to 12.30pm on Wednesday 1 May

Refreshments and lunch included at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

11 Pilton Drive North Edinburgh EH5 1NF

Edinburgh_by_Numbers_2023_v2Download

Circle’s annual fundraiser The DARED Challenge is back!

Circle, a local Edinburgh-based charity dedicated to supporting children and families, is thrilled to announce the return of its annual The DARED (Do A Run Every Day) Challenge.

Back for another exhilarating year, The DARED Challenge promises to ignite a month-long celebration of fitness, community, and charitable giving throughout June.

Since its launch, The DARED Challenge has captured the hearts of over 600 runners, raising an impressive £87,000 for local children and families in Scotland. This year, Circle aims to reach new heights in fundraising, gathering passionate participants from Edinburgh and beyond to join in making a significant impact on the lives of local children and families.

“The DARED Challenge is more than just a run; it’s a testament to the power of community and compassion,” says Kirsty Henderson, Events Officer at Circle.

“We’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact of this event on both our participants and the families we support.

“It’s a chance to challenge yourself, meet and connect with new people, and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.”

The concept of The DARED Challenge is simple yet impactful: participants pledge to run every day in June, at a time that suits them. Whether it’s before work, after work, or during lunch breaks, runners have the flexibility to choose when and how they complete their daily run.

Physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on our mood. A study from the Mental Health Foundation asked people to rate their mood immediately after periods of physical activity (e.g. going for walk or run).

Researchers found that the participants felt more content, more awake and calmer after being physically active compared to after periods of inactivity. 

…This can be you too!

Participants can opt for one of three exciting challenges: the 1-mile run, the 5K run, or the DARED To Be Different Challenge.

No matter your fitness level, there’s a challenge suitable for everyone. Plus, participants have the option to raise funds for Circle’s children and families or make a one-off donation entry fee, both including a welcome pack, runner’s t-shirt, water bottle, and other exciting offers.

Also, you don’t need to run alone, you can also sign up as a team – so why not DARE your friends, family, or work colleagues to join you!

“DARED really is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a journey of personal growth,” adds Kirsty. “Every penny raised, and every mile run directly supports local children and families in our communities facing difficult times.”

Ready to join? Sign up for The DARED Challenge now at:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-dared-challenge-2024-tickets-862920266747

Violence and threatening behaviour ‘skyrocketing’ in Edinburgh schools

A dramatic increase in the number of violent and threatening incidents in Edinburgh’s schools has been revealed by figures from the city council.

In the 2014-15 academic year, there were 111 violent or threatening behaviour incidents across Edinburgh’s primaries and secondary schools. In the 2022-23 academic year this had skyrocketed to 618.

These figures come after the Scottish Government’s latest Research Report into school behaviour showed that almost 2/3rds of Scottish teachers have experienced verbal abuse and 59% have encountered physical aggression.

The number of incidents is higher in Edinburgh’s primary schools, which saw a leap from 242 for the academic year 2021/22 to 487 in 22/23.

High schools have seen a similarly dramatic jump but from a lower base, seeing an increase from 44 incidents in 21/22 to 131 in 22/23.

Commenting on these figures, Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack said: “The dramatic increase in violent and threatening behaviour in schools is extremely distressing.

“No teacher deserves to face violence or abuse in their classroom.

“The Council and school staff are doing a great job with the resources they have, but its clear more is needed to tackle this issue.

“Investing in pupil support will help us to tackle many of the root issues that cause disruption. We must also ensure that schools equip teachers with the necessary support if they are facing violent behaviour.

“Violence and threatening behaviour are not part of a teacher’s job, and it must be the Education Secretary’s top priority to tackle it.”

The data, acquired by FOI from City of Edinburgh Council is below:

Academic YearPrimary SchoolsSecondary SchoolsTotal number
01/08/2014 to 30/06/20151047111
01/08/2015 to 30/06/20161127119
01/08/2016 to 30/06/20171997206
01/08/2017 to 30/06/201817815193
01/08/2018 to 30/06/201929237329
01/08/2019 to 30/06/2020172441
01/08/2020 to 30/06/20211294133
01/08/2021 to 30/06/202224244286
01/08/2022 to 30/06/2023487131618

The Scottish Government Behaviour in Schools Research Report can be found here:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/behaviour-scottish-schools-research-report-2023