We’re exited to announce that the 2023-24 Edinburgh Women’s Aid Impact Report is now live!
Read about our impact, along with the past year of events, campaigns and milestones:
Celebrating 50 years: Edinburgh Women’s Aid publishes Impact Report
Month: October 2024
Aloha fun had at care home’s charity event
Residents treated to vibrant party with delicious food and top prizes
PENSIONERS at Scotland’s most luxurious care home were treated to a Hawaiian-themed charity party, packed with entertainment, delicious food, and prizes.
Building on the success of last year’s party, the Cramond Residence’s Lifestyle Team created another fun-filled day for residents and their families to enjoy, with all proceeds going to Age Scotland with this year seeing £551 raised.
The annual party has become a firm favourite with residents and their families with each year offering a unique theme for all to enjoy.
Elaine Vallance, Head of the Lifestyle Team at Cramond Residence, said: “This is an event we’ve been running for a few years now and it’s always an exciting time for staff and residents at the home and every year we are looking to see how we can improve upon the last.
“This year we decided we wanted to host a Hawaiian-themed party, and it was incredibly rewarding to see that this was a hit with the residents.
“The Fete is a great opportunity for residents and their families to come together, enjoy good food and music in a safe and relaxed environment.”
Residents enjoyed a day full of Hawaiian BBQ food, live music, various shows, balloon modelling, a raffle, and a tombola.
Elaine said: “We’ve got an exceptional team here who work very hard to create a range of activities and events for the residents to ensure that we are constantly bringing them activities that bring them joy.
“I’d like to thank everyone who was involved with this year’s Fete both in my team and those who attended, it was another incredible day at Cramond Residence and we’re already looking forward to seeing how we can make this even better next year.”
The Hawaiian BBQ menu included BBQ chicken tenders, beef and veggie burgers with BBQ sauce, Hawaiian chicken with mango and avocado slaw, Lomi Lomi (smoked salmon), Hawaiian pizza, and grilled pineapple slices with a selection of salads and dressings.
The raffle offered exciting prizes including a £250 Virgin experience voucher, a £75 John Lewis voucher, and afternoon tea for two at Harvey Nichols.
Cramond Residence prioritises the residents’ needs and offers a tailored activity programme that combines a luxury hotel ambiance with the comfort of home living.
The residence was purpose-built for £8m and opened in October 2018, adopting a small-group living philosophy with a major emphasis on socialisation.
Cramond Residence offers a wide variety of dementia care services within the general home environment or in a specialist area carefully designed for those at a more advanced stage.
The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give those living with dementia a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support and relief.
To find out more about Cramond Residence, please visit:
Saturday: Morgan Njobo at Muirhouse Library
Edinburgh Multicultural Festival goes on tour! This fall we will be visiting libraries in the Edinburgh North neighbourhoods with our featured artists.
This Saturday, 26 October, Muirhouse Library will be hosting Morgan Njobo who will bring a South African flavour to your day with his signature signing and drumming performance and workshop.
Morgan Njobo, Edinburgh Multicultural Festival director, is a versatile artist, a singer, composer, musician, choreographer, dancer, director and producer known for traditional and modern African and World Music performances and productions. Morgan has worked with many communities across Edinburgh hosting vocal, music and dance workshops across the city.
This event is free but ticketed, so make sure you register with us ahead of the event at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edmcf/t-vvaxqkg
Council tenants urged to share views on how their rent should be spent
The City of Edinburgh Council is asking tenants to give their feedback on how it invests in Council homes, neighbourhoods, and services.
With just six weeks to go until this year’s consultation closes on Friday 29 November, tenants across the capital are being reminded to share their views on how they’d like their rent to be spent.
In February this year, councillors agreed to increase rent by 7% every year, for five years, starting in April 2024. The longer-term strategy gives tenants more certainty about the rent they pay and helps the Council better plan spending to improve homes and services.
The Council also introduced the Tenant Hardship Fund which offers financial assistance for tenants struggling to make rent payments. This year, the fund was increased to a maximum award of two fortnightly rent charges per tenant per year.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher said: “We’re determined to provide a better service to our tenants, improve their homes, and build more places for people to live because everyone deserves a suitable and affordable place to call home.
“That’s why we want to make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to share their views on how we spend and invest in their homes, neighbourhoods, and services. I’d urge every tenant to visit our website and share their priorities for how they’d like their rent to be spent.
“I also want tenants and residents’ groups to know that they can come to us if they’re worried about being able to pay their rent or have already missed payments.”
Find out more and share your views here at the consultation hub.
Tenants who are struggling to pay rent can speak to their housing officer or contact tenanthardshipfund@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Nearly half of adults in Scotland don’t consider planning for their digital legacy in their Wills, new poll reveals
A concerning number of adults in Scotland risk leaving grieving loved ones without access to cherished memories and vital information by neglecting to plan for their digital legacy, a new survey by Will Aid shows.
The national Will-writing campaign has revealed 44% of respondents in Scotland overlooked the critical need to include digital assets in estate planning – meaning friends and family may face significant challenges in the event of their death, including the loss of treasured photographs, and difficulties in managing financial affairs.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, our online lives leave behind an important, but often overlooked, legacy.
The rise of digital banking, cloud storage, and the prevalence of social media means that a person’s online presence and assets can be just as valuable – if not more so – than their physical belongings. Yet, many individuals fail to consider this when preparing their Will, so sorting out the deceased’s estate becomes a more complicated task than it needs to be, adding stress to an already difficult time.
Michael Cressey, from Hadfield Bull and Bull Solicitors, said: “In an age where so much of our lives are online, ensuring loved ones have access to your digital accounts after you die is crucial.
“Many people do not realise how much valuable information is stored in their email and online profiles – from financial records to cherished photographs. Failing to leave clear instructions and passwords can cause significant emotional and logistical hardship for those left behind.
“Leaving instructions for digital assets in a safe way not only ensures access to important assets but can also help loved ones manage practical matters such as closing accounts, settling bills, and even notifying institutions of the death. There are ways that you can update your online accounts with Apple iPhone by using the ‘legacy’ function in your phone settings, which will help you plan for the future.”
The annual Will Aid campaign sees solicitors across the UK volunteering their time to write Wills throughout November, making it an ideal opportunity for people to get their wishes professionally drafted in a legal document, which will help to protect their loved ones in the future.
Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid Campaign Director, said: “By planning ahead, individuals can help ensure their online legacy is managed according to their wishes, and spare their loved ones from additional stress.
“This year’s Will Aid campaign is the ideal time to talk to a solicitor, and ensure their wishes are clearly documented, giving them peace of mind that their loved ones will be spared additional upset and stress in the event of their death.”
Will Aid is a partnership between the legal profession and seven of the UK’s best-loved charities.
The initiative, which has been running for more than 30 years, sees participating solicitors waive their fee for writing basic Wills every November.
Instead, they invite clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid – a suggested £100 for a single basic Will and £180 for a pair of basic ‘mirror’ Wills.
Appointments are available now, and you can sign up by visiting www.willaid.org.uk
Donations to the campaign are shared by Will Aid’s partner charities, which operate both here in the UK and around the world.
For more information on Will Aid and how to get involved visit www.willaid.org.uk
Police launch Operation Moonbeam
Specially trained Public Order Officers will again be deployed during Bonfire Night to protect local policing teams from attack.
As part of Police Scotland’s Operation Moonbeam, existing resources across Scotland can be supplemented with public order officers whenever they respond to fireworks offences taking place.
Since Operation Moonbeam was first launched in 2018, the number of criminal incidents involving fireworks has decreased. However, last year officers responding to reports of disorder and antisocial behaviour in certain parts of the country were subjected to unprecedented levels of aggression and violence.
In total, 62 officers sustained a range of injuries after being struck by, or in proximity of, a firework that was thrown towards them.
This year’s Operation Moonbeam was launched at a joint event in Glasgow Green, alongside Crimestoppers and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who both launched their own initiatives aimed at deterring the criminal and reckless use of fireworks.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “What we saw last year was an unacceptable level of hostility and violence, which was primarily directed at police officers and, for the most, was instigated by adults linked to organised crime, who provided young people with fireworks and other weapons and encouraged them to attack officers.
“This horrific behaviour jeopardised the safety and wellbeing of those who were trying to keep communities safe. Significant investigation was undertaken in the weeks and months that followed and numerous people were charged in connection with these incidents.
“I want to make it clear that those responsible for endangering the lives of police officers, other emergency service workers, or members of the public will be identified, and they will be brought to justice. In the event you avoid being caught on the night, you can expect a visit from us once we have conducted our inquiries.
“I would ask the public to work alongside us in helping make Bonfire Night a safe and enjoyable occasion and to report any criminality you witness, or any suspicions you may have that others are seeking to do harm within our communities.”
New report reveals Amazon’s £3.5 billion investment in Scotland
The latest edition of the Amazon Economic Impact Report is released today, and the figures show that since 2010, Amazon has invested more than £3.5 billion in Scotland. The figures are taken from the latest Amazon Economic Impact Hub, which details the investments made by Amazon across the UK since 2010.
The 2024 Amazon UK Economic Impact Hub features data on the number of jobs Amazon has created regionally and the level of the company’s economic activity supported by its investments. The figures also show the number of local, independent SMEs supported by Amazon and the export sales achieved by businesses who sell products on Amazon.
The 2024 Amazon Economic Impact Report reveals:
- Since 2010, Amazon has invested around £2.6 billion in Eastern Scotland and over £3.5 billion in Scotland.
- This investment led to the production of goods and services that contributed over an estimated £3 billion to Scotland’s GDP since 2010.
- To date, Amazon has created around 3,000 full and part-time jobs in Scotland.
- More than 130 people in Scotland have completed Amazon’s employability skills training programme since 2010.
- More than 200 apprentices in Scotland have qualified from the Amazon Apprenticeship programme since 2010.
- In Scotland, there are around 4,000 small and medium-sized businesses selling on Amazon as independent selling partners.
- Small businesses from Scotland selling on Amazon recorded over £160 million of export sales in 2023. Small businesses in Eastern Scotland selling on Amazon recorded over £85 million of export sales in 2023.
- The Big House Multibank in Fife, co-founded by Amazon and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2022, has donated over 2 million surplus goods to families in need across Scotland
Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “We’re passionate about supporting the regional economy and the wider Scottish community through investments, job creation, charity donations and volunteering.
“Amazon continues to make a positive impact, including upskilling our employees and helping small businesses in our community reach new heights.
“While we continue to invest in the regional economy, we’re also stepping up our support of community organisations in Dunfermline.
“In 2024, our team has supported a wide range of organisations including Scot Baby Box Appeal, Lochgelly High School and CHAS through employee volunteering, product donations and financial support.
“We’re excited to continue supporting good causes over the coming months while we deliver for customers, sellers and communities.”
More details about Amazon’s economic impact in the UK can be found here – https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/company-news/amazon-economic-impact-uk-tax-contributions-investments
Man faces court following crime spree across Lothians and Borders
A 26-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an extensive investigation into a series of housebreakings and thefts across the Lothians and Borders.
The incidents took place in Tranent, Prestonpans, Galashiels, Selkirk, Livingston, Gorebridge and Stow, between Friday, 6 September and Thursday, 10 October, 2024.
The man has been charged in connection with a number of offences, including 13 housebreakings, four attempted housebreakings and five vehicle thefts.
He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Tuesday, 22 October, 2024. Further enquiries remain ongoing.
Detective Inspector Debbie Duncan said: “Crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the victims, causing them to question the safety and security of their own homes, and I would like to commend the work of the officers investigating this crime series.
“I would also like to thank the various local communities for their assistance with our enquiries to date and reassure the public that any reports of criminality will be investigated thoroughly by Police Scotland.”
Councillor Awards 2024 shortlist announced
FOUR CAPITAL CITY COUNCILLORS IN THE RUNNING FOR AWARDS
44 local councillors from across England, Wales and Scotland have been shortlisted for the 2024 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards, showcasing the vital contributions of councillors for the 15th year running in England and Wales and 7th year in Scotland.
Four City of Edinburgh councillors have made the shortlist this year.
Competition was extremely tight with more than 350 nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend.
The capital councillors shortlisted are Cammy DAY (Leader of the Year), Norman WORK (Lifetime Legend) Ben PARKER (Young Councillor of the Year) and Finlay McFARLANE (Innovator of the Year).
The full England & Wales shortlist is available here and Scotland shortlist can be found here.
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: “The judging panel was blown away by the number of extremely high quality nominations this year, with councillors up and down the country going the extra mile for residents.
“The shortlist for the 2024 Cllr Awards contains the most devoted elected representatives in England, Wales and Scotland.
With councils operating under enormous pressure, these Awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors achieve in the places we live. Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”
Winners in England & Wales will be announced at the Guildhall in London on Wednesday 20 November while winners in Scotland will be revealed at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on Thursday 14 November.
The Cllr Awards judging panels comprise senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors.
This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.
Scotland rugby coach Gregor Townsend launches Poppy Appeal 2024
Rugby legend kicks off the appeal with tour of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh
Scotland rugby coach Gregor Townsend officially launched the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2024 today and said it was a “real privilege” to be involved.
The former Gala RFC player visited Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory at the Poppyscotland site in Edinburgh for a tour of the historical premises and took the opportunity to chat with staff about the importance of the charity.
Rugby legend Gregor, whose playing career spanned two decades for both club and country and included spells at Brive, Montpellier and Border Reivers to name a few, was highly impressed with Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and the intricate work that goes into making the iconic Scottish poppies, wreaths and other symbols of Remembrance.
The former Scotland and British Lions star was also impressed to learn that Lady’s Haig Poppy Factory only employs disabled ex-service personnel, breaking down barriers for veterans who otherwise may struggle to find employment.
The charity also attracts dozens of volunteers of all ages, including those from the cadets and corps, who are all there to contribute to making a difference to the lives of both current and former members of the Armed Forces.
Gregor said: “It’s a real privilege to be here. Seeing veterans working, contributing like they did before. They enjoy what they do, knowing it is for a greater cause.
“On behalf of Scottish Rugby, we have a strong link with Poppyscotland and Remembrance. We wear poppies on our jerseys and the players really appreciate that link with history, especially playing our games throughout the month of November.
“Every year Poppyscotland supports hundreds of veterans and their families, helping them live life fully after service.
“Show them you care, wear a poppy. Your donation can change lives for our Armed Forces community.”
Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland, Gordon Michie, said: “Wearing your poppy shows serving personnel, veterans, and their families, that their service and sacrifice means something to you, that it is appreciated and recognised. Importantly, it also shows that such service will never be forgotten.
“All funds raised will go to support our life-changing work, providing advice and welfare support to the Armed Forces community in Scotland.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies already being distributed around the country.
The money raised from the Appeal has enabled Poppyscotland to help countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.
People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.