Do you live or work in or around Corstorphine and could spare an hour or two a week to help tackle loneliness in your area?
We’re looking for lovely locals to become a friendship volunteer to a local older person who’s feeling alone.
To find out more about how you can change someone’s life for the better and make a difference on your doorstep, send us a DM or visit, vintagevibes.org.uk.
Do good. Feel good! 
PCHP BOSWALL PARKWAY – MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER from 12 – 1pm
Community Police Drop-In Event 
Hello neighbours! 
We’re excited to host a Community Police Drop-In event happening Next Monday! 
Date: Monday 23rd of September
Time: 12-1 pm
Location: Pilton Community Health Project, 73 Boswall Parkway, EH5 2PW
This is a fantastic opportunity to meet our local police officers, ask questions, share concerns, and learn more about how we can work together to keep our community safe. 
Whether you have specific issues to discuss or just want to say hello, everyone is welcome! Let’s build a stronger, safer community together. 
Feel free to bring your family and friends. Light refreshments will be provided. 
See you there! 
Miles Briggs MSP has visited local opticians McGraths Opticians in Edinburgh, ahead of National Eye Health Week.
He is backing the awareness week’s key message that going for regular eye examinations, which are free for everyone in Scotland, remains as important as ever in protecting your sight.
Miles Briggs, Conservative MSP for Lothian, says: “Meeting today with McGraph’s Opticians in Edinburgh, I heard directly about how important regular eye tests are for public health.
“National Eye Health Week is an opportunity to highlight how essential having a regular eye exam is.
“I encourage everyone to make sure they get an eye test, which is free in Scotland, at least every two years.”
National sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, and Optometry Scotland, the representative body for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Scotland are promoting this year’s National Eye Health Week which takes place from 23 to 29 September 2024 to highlight the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all.
Positively, recent research from Public Health Scotland indicates that there has been an increase in eye examination uptake this year compared to last. There was a 6.7% increase across NHS Lothian for NHS funded eye examinations.
RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams says: “Having a regular eye test is important for people’s wider health – they can pick up early signs of sight threatening conditions as well as many other underlying health conditions.
“We are encouraged by a recent increase in the uptakes of eye tests, however we need to make sure everyone feels comfortable getting one.
“We’re here to support anyone experiencing changes in their vision and is worried about what this could mean. Along with other charities, we can provide the advice and support so you can make an informed decision about your healthcare. No one should go through an eye condition diagnosis without support.”
Optometry Scotland’s Executive Committee adds, “‘We are proud to collaborate with RNIB Scotland during National Eye Health Week.
“As part of our commitment to improving public health in Scotland, we want to encourage everyone to make use of NHS-funded eye examinations. These vital checks are not just about vision correction but are essential for the early detection of eye conditions and overall wellbeing.
“We are also grateful to work alongside RNIB Scotland in organising MSP visits, further highlighting the importance of eye health across the nation. By ensuring the public knows about the accessibility of these services, we can help safeguard the eye health of communities across Scotland.’
ICONS is an 18+ historical erotica exhibition centred around mythology, cultism and the human body. Inspired by the life of Sir William Peck, the exhibit will take place in his genuine historical cult meeting house that entertained the golden dawn religion.
Hosted by Ethyn Haynes, an Edinburgh based artist inspired by historical technique, will showcase not only his artwork but also the work of Rachel Cornwall and Bronwen Winter Phoenix.
The pieces will be up for sale along with signed prints and other goodies.
The exhibition runs from Saturday the 28th until Sunday the 29th, 11am till 4pm.
Leading renewable energy firm ScottishPower has announced a major expansion to its support for women’s and girls’ football with the sponsorship of all Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) cup competitions.
The four separate trophy competitions are open to over 75 senior female teams from right across the country that all play out with the ScottishPower Scottish Women’s Premier league.
The exclusive sponsorship announcement was made at Riverside Park in Dundee, where the first ever Scottish Women’s Cup final was played in 1970, and cements ScottishPower’s position as the most prolific sponsor of the women’s game in Scotland.
That inaugural match saw Stewarton beat Aberdeen Prima Donnas 4-2 with Scottish football legend and Stewarton-born striker Rose Reilly, who attended today’s launch, playing a major role.
The announcement also comes just weeks after the 50-year anniversary of the Scottish Football Association lifting its ban on women’s football and officially recognising the Scottish Women’s Football Association.
The notable deal will see the four SWF competitions become:
ScottishPower is already the exclusive Principal Partner for Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) and the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL), sponsor of the Scottish Youth Challenge Cups at all three age groups and the first ever title sponsor of the Scottish Women’s Highlands and Islands League.
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, said: “I’m delighted to announce the expansion of our support for women’s football in Scotland. As a business that serves communities right across Scotland, we are dedicated to energising the game from its grassroots whether in the far north, central belt or very south of the country.
“With over 75 clubs and hundreds of women competing for all four of these prestigious trophies, we’re thrilled to be playing our part in supporting SWF as they ensure that grassroots football for women in Scotland continues to thrive.”
Commenting, Aileen Campbell, CEO, Scottish Women’s Football said: “It’s absolutely wonderful to have our Principal Partner ScottishPower expand into our senior cup competitions. This is the first time in our history that all senior cups have had a title sponsor which underlines the growth in the women’s game.
“We’ve already seen the great value this partnership has given the Highlands and Islands League and the Youth Challenge Cup. Expanding support as title sponsors for our senior cups is a clear indication of ScottishPower’s commitment and recognition that women’s football is growing at all levels, giving support to women right across Scotland as they go for cup glory.”
Despite early success in her footballing career in Scotland, Rose Reilly was barred from playing the game in her native country. She later joined AC Milan in Italy. During her time at the club, Rose won eight Serie A titles, four Italian Cups and twice won the Golden Boot.
Speaking at the launch event in Dundee, Rose said: “When I won the cup with Stewarton, there was no support from authorities for women’s football, but we did it anyway. It was unofficial.
“We’ve come a long way since then, and it’s great to see companies like ScottishPower recognising the women’s game and adding to its value like this. I can’t wait to watch the cup finals.”
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has recently issued a Safety Alert, highlighting the potential risks that water beads pose to children and vulnerable adults. RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) fully supports this important alert and encourages everyone to take necessary precautions when using or handling water beads.
Water beads, often marketed as jelly balls, sensory beads, or water crystals, are small beads that can expand up to 400 times their original size when exposed to liquid.
Though popular for use in toys, decorations, and sensory play, they can present serious dangers, particularly for young children under 5 and vulnerable individuals, such as those with special educational needs or disabilities.
The main concern with water beads is their ability to expand when swallowed. Once inside the body, they can block the gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe complications that may require surgical intervention. The risk of choking is also significant, as small children often explore by putting objects in their mouths. Reports have linked water beads to injuries in the UK, and there have even been fatal cases overseas.
Another alarming aspect of water beads is their difficulty to detect if ingested. They are not visible on X-rays, meaning early symptoms may go unnoticed. It is crucial to be aware of signs of ingestion or choking and to seek immediate medical attention if a bead is swallowed. Symptoms can include vomiting, stomach pain, or changes in behaviour, which may appear hours or even days later.
RoSPA urges parents, caregivers, educators, and businesses to take the following steps to minimise the risks posed by water beads:
RoSPA encourages all caregivers, educators, and businesses to remain alert to the risks of water beads and to take action where needed. The OPSS has already taken steps to remove unsafe products from the market, but everyone plays a role in ensuring these risks are minimised in homes, schools, and beyond.
RoSPA encourages all caregivers, educators, and businesses to remain alert to the risks of water beads and to take action where needed. The OPSS has already taken steps to remove unsafe products from the market, but everyone plays a role in ensuring these risks are minimised in homes, schools, and beyond.
Phil Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, emphasises the importance of awareness: “Water beads may seem harmless, but they pose a real and often hidden danger to young children and vulnerable adults.
“We strongly urge parents and caregivers to follow the OPSS guidance and take immediate action to prevent unnecessary injuries or worse.”
For more information and to read the full OPSS Safety Alert, visit the official GOV.UK website.
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Do something amazing to mark #WorldCleanUpDay – well the day after (!) – on 22nd September – we’re hosting a clean up of Hailes Quarry Park to raise funds for another e-cargo bike.
Get involved, be the change.
https://greenteam.org.uk/sponsored-litter-pick-for-world-clean-up-day/
Staff and patients at Duddingston Dental Practice are proudly continuing their support of renowned local charity LifeCare Edinburgh.
The dental team are actively getting involved with a huge number of activities to help raise vital funds for the charity which has provided care for older people in Edinburgh for over 80 years.
Duddingston Dental chose LifeCare as their charity partner in 2023 and the team have done an amazing job rolling up their sleeves and jumping into a variety of challenges including the Forth Bridge Abseil and most recently, they entered a team of five in the Kiltwalk.
LifeCare offer a range of compassionate and considered services for older people to enable them to continue to live independently. The charity supports people living with dementia, those who are frail, who are isolated and those who are struggling with other health issues.
Over 75% of the charity’s clients live alone and services include registered outreach and day clubs, help at home, meals on wheels, wellbeing support for unpaid carers, Vintage Vibes companionship and a Saturday Social warm space. Collectively these services support over 900 older people a year and all the charity’s services are either subsidised or provided for free for those struggling on a low income.
The Cottage on Milton Road East, nearby to the Duddingston Practice, is home to one of LifeCare’s day clubs for people living with dementia. The team have been volunteering their time at the Cottage on a regular basis with cleaning, painting, supporting clients in their recent sponsored walk
Amy Robertson, Fundraising Coordinator at LifeCare said “We are so grateful to the brilliant team at Duddingston Dental Practice.
“They’ve raised over £1,704 for LifeCare already but they have also done so much more than that. They’ve engaged with our clients, got to know our staff and raised awareness of our services amongst their patients. We are absolutely delighted to be working alongside them and can’t wait to see where this partnership goes.
“Local older people rely on our support to help them keep physically and mentally well, and in the current climate our accessible services have never been needed more. We are always eager to chat with businesses keen to get involved – to both raise funds and to support our services through volunteering.
“We are actively encouraging anyone interested to get in touch by giving us a call or dropping in to our centre on Cheyne Street. We always look forward to meeting new kind-hearted local people, please do get in touch for a chat!”
LifeCare Edinburgh is a registered charity and relies on the support of its funders. For more information visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk
Manufacturing wind turbines in Leith Docks? Big new plans!
Drop in, learn more, ask questions & give your views.
26th September between 3pm and 7pm, Leith Community Centre, Newkirkgate
FM: Scotland will target investment from UK Energy initiatives
First Minister John Swinney says the Scottish Government will focus on maximising investment from newly created UK Government energy initiatives, including Great British Energy, the National Wealth Fund and the Clean Power 2030 Mission, in projects in Scotland.
The pledge came as the First Minister co-chaired his first meeting of the Scottish Energy Advisory Board, the key expert body which advises the Scottish Government on energy. The First Minister was joined by the Chair of Great British Energy Juergen Maier, the Head of Clean Power 2030 Unit Chris Stark and representatives of Scotland’s energy sector to plan the way ahead for Scotland.
Speaking at the meeting – which was the first engagement event between the Scottish Government and Great British Energy – the First Minister said it is vital Scotland is seen as an attractive proposition for GB energy and pledged his government’s support to make sure investment opportunities are secured.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Clean, green energy represents a massive opportunity for Scotland. Not only does it help tackle climate change but it can be a huge stimulus of jobs and prosperity for Scotland for decades to come.
“We welcome the creation of Great British Energy and Clean Power 2030 and now it is up to Scotland to maximise the investment and opportunities that will come to projects in Scotland from these initiatives.
“Having the heads of both Clean Power 2030 and Great British Energy in Scotland today, meeting with the leaders of Scotland’s energy sector, is the next step in doing exactly that. It means we can make sure Scotland is ready to grab the chance for jobs and green growth they represent. It is a chance we will grasp with both hands.
“Scotland has already made great strides towards a clean, fair and secure energy system and we are continuing to accelerate our enormous renewables potential and work to ensure the maximum possible economic and social benefit from the opportunities created.”
