Pulled up hood, pulled down sleeves
lowered light , falling leaves
Seasonal change and time apace
Head to the centre for a friendly face
Corstorphine Community Centre: Autumn Programme
Day: September 17, 2024
Edinburgh students can get a hangover cure burger for 99p this Freshers Week
- Deliveroo today reveals the ultimate Fresher’s Week grub – The Boost Burger – to help fuel students through their first week of university.
- Burger launches as data shows half (50%)of uni students worry about not having enough energy to tackle their first week, and almost half(49%) say a burger is their go-to dish when feeling run-down.
- Inspired by a student staple, dissolvable vitamin C tablets, the tasty innovation has been created in partnership with registered nutritionist Jenna Hope (RNutr)* and features nutrient-packed
- Students in London, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh can get their hands on the burger from 17th-23rd September for just 99p when they sign up to Deliveroo Students.
- Love Island star and University of Liverpool grad Chloe Burrows delivered the first batch to hungry uni students.
Deliveroo Students has created a new food innovation to fuel hungry freshers like never before. Introducing the Boost Burger**,a lean beef burger loaded with kimchi, cheddar cheese, gochujang cabbage and carrot slaw, and curly spring onions packed in a bright orange sweet potato bun, specially designed to help uni students get through their first week.
Gearing up to burn the candle at both ends, with late nights spent socialising followed by early-morning lectures, freshers are prone to feeling run down as they start the new year. The Boost Burger aims to fuel the half (50%) of uni students who are worried about not having enough energy for Freshers Week.
It also comes at the perfect time with two in five (41%) uni students admitting that a takeaway is their go-to way to cheer themselves up when feeling run down, with half (49%) usually craving a burger.
When it comes to picking a takeaway, four in five (80%) uni students consider the price when picking what to order, and around half (48%) think about the quality, making the Boost Burger the affordable comfort food for freshers concerned about starting the year on the right foot.
The burger’s ingredients will excite the three-quarters (75%) of uni students who say they enjoy trying out the latest food trends they’ve discovered on social media channels.
The eye-catching nutrient-packed burger, available to students for just 99p, is inspired by the ultimate student-saviour – dissolvable vitamin C tablets – something almost two-thirds (65%) of uni students plan to take to help them get through the start of uni – and has been created in collaboration with registered nutritionist Jenna Hope (RNutr).
Jenna Hope helped develop the recipe, which incorporates healthy and nutritional ingredients, selected with busy uni students in mind.
A protein and iron-rich beef patty is sandwiched between a homemade ‘effervescent orange’ coloured bun, infused with whole food-based ingredients such as sweet potato, turmeric, and pumpkin. The creation is packed with nutritional ingredients including protein to support energy requirements.
It also contains vegetables and spices like chia seeds picked for texture and nutty flavour, red and white cabbage, spring onion, and pumpkin powder for an added crunch, earthy and sweet taste, whilst fermented ingredients such as kimchi and Korean gochujang give this Freshers Week must-have a satisfying ‘swicy’ flavour.
Love Island legend and ex-University of Liverpool grad Chloe Burrows kicked off festivities this week by hand-delivering the first batch of Boost Burgers to hungry uni students in London during their Freshers Week, who got a takeaway fix and fuel boost in one.
Arabella Jenkins from Deliveroo said: “What better way to kick off Freshers than to announce that our university student club, Deliveroo Students, is back with a bang, bringing bigger and better member deals to students than ever. To celebrate, we’re dropping a 99p ‘Boost Burger’ packed full of nutrients to help fuel student members across the UK – the ultimate saver meal for uni students in more ways than one!
“We hope this is great news for freshers as our research reveals around a third (31%)of uni students don’t have time to cook meals during Freshers Week, with over a quarter (28%) admitting they don’t eat enough fruit and veg in the first week of uni, while a further quarter (29%) say they tend to feel tired after week one.”
Chloe Burrows said: “I WISH I had the Boost Burger when I was at university. It’ll come as no surprise that I was the queen of burning the candle at both ends, so it would’ve really come in handy during my time at the University of Liverpool.
“I had so much fun delivering the first batch of burgers to Freshers with Deliveroo – there’s nothing like a juicy burger to please tired uni students, so I personally think I really saved the day!”
Dropping in London (17th September), Bristol (19th September), Manchester (21st September), and Edinburgh (23rd September), uni students can get their hands on the Boost Burger for just 99p (vs the non-student price of £9.90), saving them an incredible 90% when they sign up to become members of Deliveroo Students.
Members of Deliveroo Students can also get free delivery on orders over £15* and access to exclusive Freshers Week restaurant offers, alongside 10% off Wingstop, 20% off Co-op select student favourites, and 15% off National Express all year long.
The limited-edition ‘Boost Burger’ is available via Deliveroo in London (17th September), Bristol (19th September), Manchester (21st September), and Edinburgh (23rd September)—for just 99p for Deliveroo Student Members—while limited stocks last. Subject to geographical location and availability.
Search ‘Boost Burger’ to order now in the app here or online.
University of Edinburgh Community Grants Scheme is open
Community Grants up to £5000!
The autumn round of our grant scheme is now open! Change local lives with a grant of up to £5,000.
The scheme is open from Monday 16 September until Sunday 13 October 2024.
These grants help the development of projects, community activities and sustainable local action through funding and collaboration.
We support local people’s vision for a better Edinburgh.
Caregiver recovers from major surgery with support from her team
Thanks to colleagues who looked after me following my hip replacement
AN EXPERIENCED care home nurse with more than 43 years of service is back at work post-hip replacement – after a being cared for by her own colleagues.
Eileen Crawford, 64, who currently works as the Charge Nurse at luxury care home Cramond Residence underwent the treatment earlier this year after years of arthritic pain.
Upon hearing about her need for surgery, her colleagues and managers immediately offered to help her with her post-operative care, including a stay at the home.
Following the operation, they provided her with a week-inclusive stay, including intensive physiotherapy and wound care, before Eileen continued her recuperation at her home in Edinburgh.
Eileen, who has worked at Cramond Residence for three years said: “I’m incredibly grateful that during my recovery process, I was being treated by my friends and colleagues at Cramond Residence.
“As soon as the team learned about my surgery, they instantly offered me support including transport to and from the hospital as well as post-operative physiotherapy care.
“I’ve seen many patients previously go through these procedures; I was quite anxious about my recovery. However, knowing that I would be receiving this care instantly put my mind at ease, as I knew from working with my colleagues just how professional they are in providing care.”
Eileen was discharged from the Spire Hospital two days after the procedure and transferred to Cramond, where she received five days of intensive physiotherapy and wound care.
The team went above and beyond by offering a tailored plan, ensuring Eileen’s recovery was comfortable and well-supported by familiar staff.
She returned home with improved mobility, and following a period of recuperation has successfully returned to work.
Eileen added: “Cramond Residence made what could have been a daunting recovery process so much easier. Their support allowed me to get back on my feet and return to work much sooner than I expected.
“The care I received was exceptional. From the moment they picked me up from the hospital, I felt completely supported and in good hands, I really can’t thank them enough.”
Ross Bijak, General Manager at Cramond Residence, said: “Eileen does a great job looking after the community here. I’m so glad we were able to pay that back and support her when she needed it.
“It’s brilliant to have her back and to know the team here played a role in her swift recovery.”
Cramond Residence combines luxury accommodation with the highest quality of care, offering a unique small-group living experience within its purpose-built, five-star facility.
With a resident-to-staff ratio designed to ensure personalized attention, the residence provides a range of specialized services, including dementia care, to meet the diverse needs of its residents.
Opened in October 2018 at a cost of £8 million, Cramond Residence continues to deliver outstanding clinical standards in a setting designed for comfort and community.
For more information about Cramond Residence, visit:
Top university for student mentoring launches innovative fresh take
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has launched another pioneering mentorship project with a novel twist that will better prepare students for the world of work.
To build upon the success of its inaugural QMU Employer Mentoring Programme, QMU has developed the Rotational Leadership Mentoring Programme (ROME) – the first of its kind in the education sector. This has been designed to give students the opportunity to understand the various industries and career paths available to them by pairing them with four expert mentors.
In this new rotational set-up, students from 2nd year and above can meet with each of their four mentors to focus on a key skill required for that specific role or industry. This means that students can concentrate on key areas with different specialists, such as analytical skills, critical thinking, decision making, team building, and other leadership skills.
Mentors already enrolled for the upcoming year include professionals working across all sectors, including those in the NHS, The Scottish Government, the IHG Hotel group and Dakota Hotels. QMU’s own Principal, Sir Paul Grice, has also been named as a mentor for this year.
Juan Garcia, Employability and Development Advisor at QMU, who is the brainchild behind the innovative mentoring programme, explained: “The idea of rotating mentors is completely new to the higher education sector, and something I was keen to drive forward to ensure our students have the best chance to develop their employability skills and learn from different industry experts.
“What also makes this so unique is that most mentorship programmes aren’t available to students until their 4th year. We wanted to make this available to our students from as early as their 2nd year to give them the best head start. It is vital that we continue to adapt and develop our career programmes to keep up with the ever-changing needs of our students, so they feel really well equipped to step into the world of work.
“We want students and graduates to have the confidence, skillset and knowledge to hit the ground running. Input from good mentors can help to give students excellent industry insights that will give them the edge, allowing them to stand out in the crowd. They can also help direct them into key areas and open doors to other work opportunities.”
Graeme Cleland, Business Development Manager at law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn and one of this year’s mentors, said: “It’s fantastic to see QMU developing new ways to extend the proven benefits of mentoring programmes to even more students.
“This programme will allow mentees to progress faster by drawing on the experience and contacts from their mentor, learn how to navigate entering their chosen field, and understand what skills they should focus on developing.
“Mentors involved also benefit too. As well as lending a helping hand to those aspiring to build a career, they also learn a lot from mentees about what the next generation of colleagues are looking for in the workplace, which can be taken back into their business.”
QMU’s mentoring schemes are distinctive from other university mentoring schemes in that they are particularly student driven and internationally recognised. The University aims to deliver what students really need and want, as well as ensure students develop the skills that employers are looking for.
The award-winning and accredited QMU Employer Mentoring Programme, which was established in 2013, was created with the aim of increasing student confidence and developing excellent industry links and job opportunities. Since its inception, the programme has provided over 500 students with expert mentorship from across a huge variety of sectors and professions.
Adrian Crichton, a graduate of QMU who took part in the mentorship programme when he was a student, is now returning to be a mentor in the rotational project. Adrian, who graduated from QMU in 2019 with a BA (Hons) in PR, Marketing and Events, is now the Director of Business Planning and Strategy within the Global Strategy and Enablement team at American Express.
The pilot Rotational Leadership Mentoring Programme will be open to QMU students for two weeks from the 16th September 2024.
Find out more on our website – https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/services-for-students/careers-and-employability/careers-and-employability/employer-mentoring/
National Trust for Scotland flies the flag for House of Binns anniversary
- Conservation charity works with boatbuilder to replace historic flagpole on Binns Tower
- Tower built as a result of wager on most frivolous use of £100
- Flag raised to celebrate 80th anniversary of House of Binns acquisition
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of its acquisition of the House of the Binns in 1944, Scotland’s largest conservation charity is hoisting a flag on the prominent Binns Tower – for the first time in almost a decade.
The raising of the flag has been made possible by a newly-completed project by the National Trust for Scotland to replace the broken flagpole on top of the famous Binns folly, which was purportedly built as the result of a wager on the most frivolous way to spend £100.
To maintain a historical connection with the old mast, said to have been a ship’s mast from a nearby breakers’ yard, the Trust commissioned the new flagpole from Fairlie Boat Builders on Scotland’s west coast, fabricated using traditional techniques.
The Trust also carried out vital conservation on the Tower itself, ensuring it can be seen and enjoyed for generations to come. The Trust worked with Conservation Surveyors Adams Napier Partnership to develop a package of work, including high level harling repairs, maintenance to the roof structure, lime washing, and other repairs.
They were carried out by G Brown Stonemasons over a period of 10 weeks. The conservation works were made possible by the Historic Environment Scotland Partnership Fund Grant, an ongoing partnership that enables the charity to not only carry out vital work but to support the continuation of traditional crafts and skills.
Leading the building conservation project was Maintenance Surveyor at the National Trust for Scotland, Megan Gardner, who said: “It sounds a simple thing to replace a flagpole, but in this case it really wasn’t.
“The whole process has been an interesting one, throwing up some unusual challenges along the way, particularly the location of the Tower at the highest point of Binns Hill.
“Being in such an exposed location, it gets a lot of wear from the weather, so it was important to find the right solution for the construction of the new flagpole that was appropriate to the structure and its location and heritage.
“Due to the Binns Tower’s prominent position and background, we felt that the traditional techniques used in the flagpole and its construction from a ship’s mast were a significant part of the building and its story.
“We looked at how masts were traditionally constructed and are delighted that we have been able to include these traditional shipbuilding elements in the new flagpole. It’s a great example of how we’re delivering our strategic objective to be a learning organisation by championing skills to support traditional conservation and innovation.”
There were also practical challenges in carrying out the work. The height of the Tower required significant access equipment, and scaffolding had to be carried up the hill manually because the amount of rainfall during the spring and early summer made it impossible for vehicles to get over the fields.
For internal work, space inside the Tower is extremely limited and the top is only accessible via two ladders and a narrow hatch onto the roof.
Stuart Maxwell, Edinburgh & East Regional Director at the National Trust for Scotland, added: “The Tower is such a prominent point in the countryside around the Binns, and we’re very pleased to once again raise the flag there.
“It’s a splendid way to mark the 80th anniversary of the Dalyell family signing over the deeds of the Binns estate to our conservation charity. We’re grateful for the generosity of our members and supporters in our work to protect, care for, and share Scotland’s special places, and for the assistance of the Historic Environment Scotland Partnership Fund Grant, which has made this project possible.”
The Binns Tower – also known as Dalyell’s Folly – was rumoured to have come about as the result of an after-dinner wager in 1825 as to who could spend £100 in the most pointless but amusing way. The story goes that Sir James won the bet with his suggestion of a folly overlooking his neighbour’s estate, and the Tower was completed in 1829.
From 1919 to 1935, the Tower was topped by a windmill rather than a flag, which was used to generate electricity.
The Historic Environment Scotland Partnership Fund Grant of £1,062,000 over 2023-26, enables the National Trust for Scotland to conduct vital conservation work across its built heritage properties, to use technology to better understand its built structures, and to invest in further training and skills development.
Creative Scotland announces Open Fund is to reopen
Creative Scotland is pleased to announce the Open Fund for Individuals will reopen for applications at 2pm on Tuesday 8 October, following confirmation of release of the necessary budget from the Scottish Government.
By the time the fund closed on Friday 30 August, Creative Scotland received an additional 819 applications totalling £11.9 million in requested funding. As the fund prepares to reopen, we will be in touch with all applicants who submitted before the closure to advise them of their options.
Updates to the Open Fund for Individuals
The Open Fund for Individuals has been under increasing pressure. Since 2019, applications have more than doubled – from 628 to 1,395 in 2022/23, with funding requests increasing by £7.8 million to £21.2 million.
Notably, there has been a 42% increase in requested funding in the past year alone. However, during this same period, Creative Scotland’s budgets have remained at the same level, making this growth unsustainable.
To help address this, Creative Scotland is revising the Open Fund for Individuals to better meet the growing demand.
Updates will include the maximum award amount reducing from £100,000 to £50,000 and decision timescales extending by two weeks.
The updated guidance will be published on Tuesday 8 October.
Youth Music Initiative (YMI)
The YMI’s Access to Music Making and Strengthening Youth Music Funds will also be open for applications at 2pm on Thursday 10 October following confirmation of the funding from the Scottish Government.
Guidance for both funds and application questions will be available from this Thursday – 19 September.
Iain Munro, CEO of Creative Scotland said: “We recognise the time and effort that goes into applying for funding and know how vital these funds are for the sector.
“We understand how challenging recent events have been and sincerely thank everyone for their continued efforts in highlighting the value of culture and creativity.”
Edinburgh boxers march for children’s charity
Eleven Edinburgh boxers have punched above their weight by raising nearly £3,000 for a local children’s charity.
The mixed gender group from Lochend Boxing Club, aged 26 to 60, completed a hike up the Lairig Ghru, the best-known hill pass in Scotland, in just over nine hours.
The 19-mile walk climbs to an altitude of 835 metres and crosses through the central Cairngorms, one of the wildest areas in the country.
Following the club’s hike up Ben Nevis last year, Saturday’s mammoth fundraising effort was led by local mum Ciara O’Connor, whose son attends The Yard.
The Yard works with children and young people aged 0-25 with Additional Support Needs through adventure play sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee and Kirkcaldy.
The service offers creative and inclusive play experiences in a well-supported environment, alongside wraparound support for the whole family, with a varied programme of drop-in, respite and transition youth clubs, early years, specialist sessions with schools, family play sessions, plus inclusive play and disability training.
Ciara said: “I’ve been boxing since I moved to Edinburgh just over 10 years ago and, from my very first visit, found Lochend Boxing Club so supportive and welcoming. It’s a club for everyone, enjoyed by people of all fitness levels and from all walks of life.
“They work around their members, adjusting training where required and making it work for you. I even boxed when I was pregnant and formed many great friendships through the club.
“The Yard, in some ways, is the same. It’s such a welcoming, non-judgemental space and has made a huge difference to my son and our family, so we wanted to give back as a club.
“The training has been a huge commitment, with some very early morning training walks in all weather across the Pentlands, various Munros and the West Highland Way. However, everyone has rallied around and supported us.
“Their response is a testament to the values of the club, that constant support and encouragement. I’m very grateful to everyone who donated and know the money will make a huge difference to The Yard, and the many other families who have come to rely on their kindness.”
Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer of The Yard, added, “We love nothing more than receiving positive feedback from our families, so when they choose to support our charity through fundraising, it’s really special, and we’re exceptionally grateful.
“The Yard is all about community, support and enjoying life’s adventures and Ciara and her fellow boxers encapsulate these values. Thanks again for supporting us, Lochend Boxing Club!”
To donate to Ciara and the club’s campaign, please visit:
Read and Mend’s back at Granton:hub
FORTNIGHTLY from 6th OCTOBER 7.30 – 9pm
We are back for stories and crafting!
Share a tale and listen while you stitch or knit.
Fortnightly dates from 6th October from 19:30 – 21:00.
For information and to bok your space, email wildflowers@grantonhub.org.
BBC Children in Need’s schools fundraising campaign is back!
SCHOOLS CAN BE IN WITH THE CHANCE TO WIN A VISIT FROM BBC GLADIATOR STAR, STEEL
BBC Children in Need has announced this year’s schools fundraising campaign encouraging schools across the country to challenge themselves and fundraise for the charity, whilst launching a competition to win a school visit from Gladiator star, Steel plus another surprise Gladiator guest.
To be in with a chance of winning Primary schools across the nation simply have to order a free fundraising pack to be automatically entered into the competition.
Schools can order fundraising packs at bbc.co.uk/pudsey now, with those who order before 18th October being entered into the ballot for the Gladiators School Visit.
Primary schools fundraising this year will also be able to join a live-streamed event on BBC Children in Need Appeal Day where they can challenge themselves, get involved and interact directly with the Gladiators, to raise money which will help to make life lighter for children.
Last year schools across the UK, raised nearly £4m which helped to support 30,000 children and young people who are facing challenges in their lives. This year, schools across the UK are being asked to throw their support behind the appeal, and encourage parents, pupils and families to challenge themselves to help make life lighter for children and young people.
Across Scotland, BBC Children in Need currently fund 152 projects to the amount of £8.4m, to provide a positive environment for where children and young people can build self-esteem and support their overall mental and physical wellbeing.
BBC Gladiator star, Steel, said: “School fundraisers ready! I am thrilled to have teamed up with BBC Children in Need this year to get schools across the UK ready to take on fundraising challenges.
“This is an amazing opportunity to inspire the next generation to get active, improve their wellbeing while raising money for Pudsey. Everything that we raise together will help BBC Children in Need be there for children and young people when they need it most.”
Commenting on the schools fundraising launch, BBC Children in Need’s Chief Executive, Simon Antrobus said: “It’s wonderful to see children supporting children with schools across the nation coming together, and getting behind BBC Children in Need’s 2024 Appeal.
“These are tough times for the children and young people we support with many facing many challenges including poverty and menta health.
“At BBC Children in Need we want children to thrive and be the best they can be, to learn new skills and have access to opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise experience but, currently, we are only able to help 1 in 8 of the organisations who ask us for funding.
“The much needed support from pupils, schools and teachers is crucial in providing projects and local charities with the funding they need to benefit children in local communities. I want to say a massive thank you to schools, pupils and teachers who continue to fundraise to help change young lives.”
There are lots of ways that nurseries, preschools and schools can take part and raise funds:
- For the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), fundraising kits will be available order for free from the BBC Children in Need website. This year we’re asking nurseries and pre-schools across the UK to join Pudsey and his newest friend, Peppa Pig, by hosting their very own fundraising party for BBC Children in Need. The BBC Children in Need website has everything nurseries need to get involved from party hats, to bunting, to Peppa and Pudsey crafts, and a special new dance they can learn – the Piggle Wiggle. Nurseries and pre-schools that sign up for a fundraising kit also have the chance to win a Peppa and Pudsey visit.
- BBC Children in Need is also announcing its brand-new partnership with Busy Bees to help raise vital funds this year and give all children the best start in life. More than 350 Busy Bees centres will be getting involved in fundraising efforts to help support other young children, causes and community projects throughout the country.
- Chris McCandless, Busy Bees Europe CEO, said: “A partnership with BBC Children in Need makes perfect sense for us as we both share the ambition to give children the best start in life – improving opportunities and supporting mental wellbeing to lay the foundations for future success. We’ve committed to fundraise for the charity this year with the support of our colleagues, parents and children to kick off the partnership. We’re proud to get behind the charity and support the important work it’s doing for vulnerable young people across the UK.”
- This year we’re asking Primary Schools to get involved with Challenge Yourself – pupils can come to school dressed up as their favourite superhero or favourite fancy dress outfit, take part in a baking challenge, a running challenge, or even think of a special challenge themselves. Primary Schools can join the special Gladiator themed live-streamed challenge on the morning of BBC Children in Need’s Appeal Day. Primary schools that sign up for a fundraising kit can win a Gladiators visit.
- Secondary schools across the UK are being asked to join in with Challenge Yourself. Schools, classes, forms and teachers can take part by taking on a sponsored challenge like running, dancing, class football matches, and non-uniform days. The BBC Children in Need website has everything they need know including a special student zone with selected content for students who want to get involved in fundraising. Secondary Schools that sign up for a fundraising kit will have the chance to win £1,000 amazon voucher.
BBC Children in Need funding brings the right people and places into children’s lives when they need help or support. And right now, across the UK, children are facing greater challenges than ever, with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression rising, high levels of poverty leading to inequality & lack of opportunity and many simply carrying a load that’s too heavy to manage alone.
Money raised during the 2024 appeal will help BBC Children in Need to continue working in communities across the four nations, funding amazing people in family centres, community spaces, youth clubs and refuges; homeless shelters, hospices and helplines.
This year, BBC Children in Need is asking the public to make life lighter for children all across the UK. Head to bbc.co.uk/Pudsey to find out more and donate.
Challenge Yourself to make life lighter for children and to sign up for a free supporter kit, full of fun-filled fundraising ideas, inspiration, tools, advice and educational resources, please visit: www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/schools.