September 2024 – Page 3 – The NEN

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre receives ECCAN GreenLight funding

Support for Climate Action and Innovation in Edinburgh’s Communities

The Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) is excited to announce the recipients of its annual GreenLight Seedgrant Fund, worth £100,000.

The overwhelming response to this year’s grant, with applications totalling £386,522 from 49 organisations, underscores a strong desire across the city to drive meaningful climate action.

This year’s awardees reflect a wide spectrum of grassroots campaigns and innovative, community-driven solutions aimed at tackling the climate crisis. These projects will contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for Edinburgh, building upon the creative and impactful work that is already happening in our communities.

The GreenLight Funding Awards were presented at ECCAN’s Autumn Assembly on Wednesday (25th September). This gathering brought together members, individuals, and policymakers from across Edinburgh.

The event was held in alignment with Scottish Government’s Climate Week, a celebration of the positive climate action being taken across the country, whilst inspiring further collective, transformative change.

Seed Grant Funding Across Key Categories

TWENTY-ONE recipients were selected for the GreenLight fund, with projects spanning several critical areas, including:

1. Mitigate climate change: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and damaging environmental impacts.

2. Biodiversity Protection: Initiatives that protect, enhance, or increase local biodiversity.

3. Climate Adaptation and Resilience: Projects helping communities adapt to and build resilience against the impacts of climate change.

4. Climate Awareness and Action: Raising awareness and inspiring action on climate-related issues.

5. Community Collaboration: Encouraging communities, organisations, and residents to work together in addressing the climate emergency.

A Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Mark Dowey, ECCAN Network Lead, said: “ECCAN is proud to support these exceptional individuals and organisations. The GreenLight Seedgrant Fund not only sustains the progress already being made in Edinburgh’s communities, but it also serves as a catalyst for others to join the collective fight against climate change.

“We were blown away by the ambition and energy of the 49 applications we received. It was incredibly challenging to narrow it down to 21 awardees, however we believe that the projects we’ve selected are set to make a real difference in Edinburgh.

“I am excited to see the impact these initiatives will have in the coming months, and I hope we can continue to build on this momentum as we continue to ambitiously tackle climate change.”

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS ARE:

Edible Estates
Earth in Common
The Edinburgh Tool Library
Porty Community Energy
BANZAI – Bruntsfield Area Net Zero Action Initiative
Bikes for Refugees (Scotland) SCIO
The Meaning Map Project
Rhyze Mushrooms Cooperative CIC
Drylaw and Telford Community Association
EALA Impacts CIC
Youth Vision
Broomhouse Community Growers Association
Bridgend Farmhouse
Edinburgh Building Retrofit & Improvement Collective (EdinBRIC)
The Green Team
Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust
Open Arms – ELREC
The Green Team
Edinburgh Tool Library
Cozy future QPC
Greening our streets (Meadows Community Garden)

STUC Black Workers’ Conference 2024: Usdaw calls for action to tackle sexual harassment, structural racism, inequality and poverty

Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of members, reps and officials attending the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) annual Black Workers’ Conference in Glasgow this weekend.

The union has submitted motions on tackling structural racism, inequality and poverty, along with addressing the combination of racism and sexual harassment Black women and girls experience.

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw general secretary says: “Black and minority ethnic people are disproportionately falling faster and further below the poverty line in the cost of living crisis in Scotland.

The labour market in Scotland – as elsewhere – remains stacked against Black workers. If you’re a Black worker in Scotland, you are more likely to be paid less and be in insecure work on the margins of the economy, and less likely to be covered by collective bargaining agreements and to not get the working hours you want.

“The data also shows that, in addition to inequality in the labour market, Black workers face higher housing costs and are less likely to be supported by social security. Black workers have less wealth, savings and income to absorb these additional costs.

“As a result, poverty levels for people in Black minority ethnic communities in Scotland are double the national average – and rising. A wide range of short- and longer-term measures need to be adopted to tackle structural racism and discrimination in Scotland’s economy and society.”

Usdaw is asking conference to call on the Scottish Government, as a minimum, to:

Stand by their commitment to reduce racial inequality, as set out in the Race Equality Framework for Scotland.
Bring far greater urgency to creating a labour market that offers equal opportunities for minority ethnic workers and offers a route out of poverty.
Collect appropriate, robust ethnicity data allowing a full understanding of the structural inequalities faced by minority ethnic communities in Scotland.

Paddy Lillis continues: “Black women’s experiences of sexual harassment differ significantly as the combination of racism and sexism creates a specific form of sexual harassment.

“Black women and girls report how racism leads to their bodies being oversexualised which contributes to the assumption that they will put up with unwanted sexual conduct. Racialised objectification of Black women contributes to a particular view of Black women’s bodies.

“Women and girls who wear modest or religious clothing report that their religion or perceived ethnicity is used to insult or degrade them. When Black women object, they encounter racist abuse and when they seek support, services are often inaccessible and under-utilised. Institutional racism and sexism also means that incidents are under-reported to employers, criminal justice agencies and police.”

Usdaw is seeking the STUC Black Workers Committee to:

Support the work Unions are doing to create separate spaces for Black women to come together to share their experiences and build networks of Black women.
Encourage Unions to centre Black women’s voices in their campaigns to tackle and end sexual harassment.

Notice of Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election published

Nominationshave opened for candidates to stand in the forthcoming Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election. The by-election is being held following the resignation of Councillor and former Transport and Environment Convener Scott Arthur.

On Thursday 14 November, Colinton/Fairmilehead residents will go to the polls to select a new councillor to represent the ward which also includes Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston and has a current electorate of 19,226.

A Formal Notice of Election was published on Friday explaining how to stand as a candidate, who is eligible to vote and how to make sure you are on the Electoral Register.

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by 4pm on Monday 14 October.

Chris Highcock, Depute Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period for Colinton / Fairmilehead. I would urge all citizens in the ward to make sure they are registered and have their details or preference of how they would like to vote up to date in plenty of time.

“Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 14 November. Details of where these are will be announced shortly.

People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election.

Find out more about elections in Edinburgh and how to register to vote on the Council website.

The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday 29 October 2024, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is Wednesday 30 October 2024, and for a proxy vote the deadline is Wednesday 6 November 2024.

Councils Withdraw Support for National Care Service Proposals

Council Leaders have withdrawn support for the Scottish Government’s revised National Care Service Bill.

The Bill is currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament.

Though continuing to back key areas of reform, including enhanced support for unpaid carers, care home visitation rights and efforts to improve the experience of the social work and social care workforce, Council Leaders have expressed concern that the amended Bill currently does not reflect a model which Local Government can support.

The decision of Local Government Leaders today comes as several organisations
have expressed doubt on the legislative approach adopted by Scottish Government, including those working across the care sector. Experts have also questioned the evidence for including, within the National Care Service, services which support children and young people.

Commenting, COSLA’s Health & Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly said: “Local Government cannot support the amended National Care Service Bill brought forward by Scottish Government.

“Local Government has been committed to working in partnership with the Scottish Government to develop proposals to deliver a National Care Service, but unfortunately the revised legislation does not effectively represent that partnership.

“Local Government is committed to continuing our engagement with key areas of reform which can deliver improved outcomes for people, unpaid carers and our workforce. We cannot, however, offer our support for the legislation brought forward at this stage”

“It is important that the views of people accessing, working in and planning front-line support services are listened to, both with regards to the NCS legislation and also the improvements needed to overcome the sustained financial and workforce pressures being experienced across Scotland.”

The National Care Service Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on June 20^th 2022, and allows for the transfer of a range of social care, social work and community health functions from local authorities to a new centralised body under the direction of Scottish Ministers.

On July 12 2023, Local Government and Scottish Government announced a shared accountability partnership for delivering the National Care Service in an alternative way, with enhanced national strategic direction through the creation of a national NCS Board, but with a continued role for local decision-making and Local Government.

Parliament’s Health Social Care and Sport Committee has sought views on the revised National Care Service Bill. Responses include those from UNISON, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, Social Work Scotland, The Promise Scotland. COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson wrote to Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on 17^th September 2024, accompanying COSLA’s full evidence submission on the draft, revised NCS Bill.

First Look: Gucci’s first standalone boutique in Edinburgh unveiled

MULTREES WALK WELCOMES GUCCI TO EDINBURGH

Gucci is expanding its presence in the UK with the opening of its first standalone boutique outside of London, in Edinburgh.

Situated in the Scottish capital’s luxury shopping destination Multrees Walk, the space spans over 367 square meters and carries a wide selection of product comprising of both men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, accessories, shoes and jewellery.

The store’s interior design places Gucci’s collections at the forefront, featuring an optical marble flooring inspired by designs in historic buildings, complemented by Gucci Rosso Ancora red, acid green and yellow carpeting, which define various areas within the store.

Clean lines and understated tones are complemented by an intuitive appreciation for Made in Italy values – quality, authenticity, and a distinct sense of style – which resonate with the meticulous choices of materials and furnishings, in harmony with Sabato De Sarno’s contemporary aesthetic.

With a wide assortment of leather accessories available, the space showcases a curated selection of signature handbag lines, including the Jackie 1961, the Horsebit 1955 and the Bamboo 1947 offered in various precious leather variations.

As part of Gucci’s commitment to implement and enhance eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient technologies in the House’s stores worldwide, the new boutique is designed using LEED guidelines and principles; monitor and promote energy efficiency.

Multrees Walk has also welcomed a number of global brands this year including TAG Heuer, Michael Kors and Mappin & Webb, with Omega due to open later this year elevating the luxury retail offering in the capital.

Double-take as Specsavers showcases the art of optometry

Scottish shoppers did a double take this week as a pop-up art exhibition turned out to be more than meets the eye.

The images – which, from a distance, could be mistaken for abstract art – turned out to be sophisticated scans of the inside of the eye.

Specsavers unveiled the display at Princes Square in Glasgow during National Eye Health Week, to demonstrate the importance of checking your eye health and to showcase the technology that is allowsing early detection of sight-threatening conditions.

The pictures were OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scans – advanced eye scans which can help to identify serious conditions, such as glaucoma, up to four years earlier than traditional methods.

Jennifer Stephenson, Chair of Specsavers Scotland, says: ‘We were inspired to showcase these images after a customer had his first OCT scan and made an off-the-cuff remark about it resembling an abstract artwork.

‘While it made us laugh, it also prompted us to put some images on public display to raise awareness of OCT, demonstrate the incredible technology we have at our disposal today and the ways in which it is helping us to make important diagnoses.’

OCT scans are separate to eye tests – they take just a few seconds and the 3D images produced show what’s going on beneath the surface of the eye. Opticians can examine all the layers inside the eye to get an even clearer idea of your eye health.

Each image on display in Glasgow showed a different eye condition, explained the tell-tale signs of those conditions in the scans, and gave information on symptoms and treatments.

The images were supplied by Birmingham Optical, an exclusive supplier of NIDEK OCT machines for the UK optical industry.

To find out more about OCT visit: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) Scan | Specsavers UK

LIBERTUS launches Positive Futures initiative to help address social isolation amongst over-50s

Edinburgh charity will host an interactive event to offer volunteer opportunities and promote the ‘Positive Futures’ initiative

Libertus has announced that it will host an Interactive event on the 24^th of October 2024 to officially launch its Positive Futures Services Project at the Canalside, Wester Hailes location.

At this informal event attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy some light refreshments, try some of the activities and speak with Libertus’ volunteers.

Libertus, an Edinburgh-based charity committed to supporting independent living since 1981, with Positive Futures groups designed to reduce social isolation among over-50s by supporting individuals to attend, develop and facilitate art classes, jewellery making, knitting, and crafts, to board games, chair-based Pilates, and gym groups.

In the past year, Positive Futures Volunteers have facilitated nearly 1,300 weekly groups and supported over 220 participants across Central, North West, and South East Edinburgh.

The Libertus Interactive Event will provide attendees with a glimpse into the services available at Canalside. Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, has expressed his support for the launch of the new initiative in South West Edinburgh, and will be present during the Interactive event to discuss Libertus services and its continued work in supporting individuals across Edinburgh.

Andrew Farr, General Manager at Libertus, said: “Since opening in 2021 we have identified a need in the local community for an initiative to help address social isolation particularly amongst the over 50s.

“We are delighted to invite people to explore our volunteering and activity opportunities at Libertus Canalside.”

Jennifer Fairgrieve, Chairperson of Libertus Board of Directors, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming attendees to our Interactive Event in October, and to hosting MP Ian Murray.

“In addition to highlighting the Positive Futures programme, the Interactive Event will also provide visitors with the chance to explore Libertus Day services for its older people and its mental health drop-ins for over 25s.”

Dan Fuller, Project Manager of Positive Futures, commented: “The Positive Futures program has supported individuals in the community to reduce social isolation amongst over 50s.

“By having a shared passion our service attendees are able to build strong bonds and networks. Positive Futures also helps individuals add an element of structure to their week.”

Alison Brown, a volunteer at Positive Futures, has seen firsthand how the services at Libertus have supported individuals in the local Edinburgh community. Alison commented: “My mum attended Libertus as a service user in the 90s, and the positive impact it had on her well-being inspired my husband to start volunteering in 2000.

“When he was no longer able to volunteer, he became a Day Service member in 2015. Following in their footsteps, I began volunteering at Libertus, which eventually led to me joining the board in March this year.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity for me to give back to an organisation that has supported my family for the past 30 years.”

By helping people stay active, connected, and engaged, Positive Futures is playing a vital role in reducing social isolation and improving well-being across Edinburgh.

The Interactive Day is free to attend and will take place between 11am to 2.30 pm on October 24^th. To sign up and find out more information please reach out to the Libertus team on: enquiries@libertus.org.uk

Bike marking sessions tomorrow

On Sunday 29th September, #Leith #NECPT officers will be carrying out BikeRegister bike marking at Canonmills Path, beside Tesco between 11am – 1pm and Shore, at Sandport Place between 2 – 4pm.

Please bring your bike along for free marking and registration.

#CommunityPolicing

Maiden / Mother / Whore

In collaboration with The University of Edinburgh, Queen Margaret University and Dancebase, Theiya Arts will bring an experiential arts-academia symposium to the city this October, followed by three November performances of new intersectional feminist performance work in Edinburgh and Glasgow

Dance Base, Edinburgh – 7th October 2024, 1- 4pm

Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh – 1st November 2024, 12 – 5.30pm

Southside Community Centre, Edinburgh – 9th November, 1 – 4pm

Venue TBC, ‘Focus on South Asian Arts’ event collab. The Work Room – 15th November (AM – time tbc)

Civic House, Glasgow – 15th November, 5.30 – 7pm

Theiyā Arts Dance Collective in collaboration with The Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society at The University of Edinburgh present a new interdisciplinary mixed media performance – Maiden | Mother | Whore – exploring the complex relationships between women, social structures, health and social policies, and institutions.

Maiden | Mother | Whore will be performed for the public in November: first in Edinburgh, at the Assembly Roxy (1 November) and the Southside Community Centre (9 November), before a final performance at Civic House in Glasgow (15 November).

Prior to the November performances, on Monday 7th October there will be an experiential symposium in collaboration with The Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society at The University of Edinburgh, Centre for Applied Social Sciences at the Queen Margaret University, and Dancebase, Edinburgh.

This symposium aims to offer a unique space for multi-disciplinary critical discourse, knowledge exchange, and relational introspections of arts and academia.

Drawing on women’s embodied experiences and narratives, Maiden | Mother | Whore is a thought-provoking mixed-media performance that delves into the tensions between individuals and collectives, agency and power, and patterns of oppression and resistance.

The work seeks to investigate the polarised roles and positioning of women and their impact on subjectivities, both collective and individual, through the lens of Transnational Intersectional Feminism.

The audience are invited to become part of the creation of the performance, contributing to and furthering the dialogue between academic and artistic communities, as the performance evolves in response to their engagement with the piece.

An interactive, multi-media show using projection, live music, spoken word, and South Asian classical-contemporary dance, Maiden | Mother | Whore urges all to consider the relationship between self and society and what it means to exist in a gendered body today.

Maiden | Mother | Whore emerged as a result of a creative partnership between Theiyā Arts Dance Collective and academics from the Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society and is supported by Creative Scotland and Dance Base, Edinburgh.