Leap into Leith’s Health and Fitness Festival!

Leith’s first health & fitness festival takes place at Victoria Park tomorrow, hosted by local carity Looking After Our Elderly. It aims to bring back community spirit and unite all generations of the community with the aim of getting healthy, active and having fun.

Demonstrations & entertainment highlights:

Tai Chi, 10.00, Thistle Foundation, Lambs House Circle

The Thistle Foundation are a Scottish Charity that supports people with disabilities and health conditions to lead full lives. Thistle Gym is a bit different. With a friendly and relaxed environment, Thistle Gym helps members to improve their health and fitness levels, regardless of their disability or health condition.

5k fun run, 11.00, demonstration drive

Fitness Soul, Booiaka, 11.00, Lambs House Circle

Booiaka is an intense cardio dance workout that feels like a fun night spent dancing with friends at a party or a favorite club, to music you love. It incorporates elements of many different dance styles, such as Latin, Brazilian, Jamaican, hip-hop and Reggaeton – but the emphasis is on having fun, releasing your spirit and feeling the beat.

Canongate Cadjers (ceilidh band), 13.00, Lambs House Circle

Space hopper race for adults, 14.00 – 15.00

Organised by Tracy Griffen, of Griffen fitness, competitors will race in heats and go on to a final hop off! Hop at your own risk!

Hula Honeys demos, 10.00 –16.00, demonstration drive

Kim Sibbald, personal trainer and hula hoop teacher based in Edinburgh, is on a mission to spread the love and share the joys of hooping. Hula Honeys hooping classes are fun, friendly and addictive. Don’t worry if you have never been able to hoop before, the hoops provided make the skill much easier to pick up. The great thing about hooping is you are training your mind as well as your body. It is progressive and you can always learn new skills. But remember the focus is on having fun!

Kuk Sool Won workshop, 12.00– 15.00, demonstration drive

A comprehensive, modern, traditional Korean Martial Art. Kuk Sool Won™ is a systematic study of all of the traditional fighting arts, which together comprise the martial arts history of Korea. As a martial arts system, Kuk Sool Won™ is exteremely well-organized; and seeks to integrate and explore the entire spectrum of established Asian fighting arts and body conditioning techniques, as well as mental development and traditional weapons training. The following list includes some, but by no means all, of the elements of Kuk Sool Won™. For a history of Kuk Sool Won™ click HERE

Links Fitness Bootcamp 12.30– 14.00, demonstration drive

Women’s only bootcamp classes held at Leith Links on Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings. Bootcamp is suitable for all levels of fitness with classes including sandbags, medicine balls, bodyweight circuits, cardio drills, fun games, battling ropes, boxing. Varying activities keeps the classes interesting and challenging.

SwishandHips, bellydancing demos by Elspeth, 12.30, entertainment area & 13.00 demonstration drive

Belly dancing is the name given to many different styles of dance which originated in the Middle East, but which dancers all over the world have taken to their hearts and made their own.

Belly dance is known in arabic as Raks Sharki, and comes in many different forms – oriental style, cabaret style, American Tribal style, tribal fusion, and many other sub-strata. Elspeth studies and dances in the Egyptian Oriental Style, as performed by dancers in Cairo today.

Strictly Fitsteps demos, 12.30 – 16.00, demonstration drive & 15.30 main stage

FitSteps^® came to life in 2013 as the result of a collaboration between two of the UK’s most famous ballroom dancers and Britain’s most successful swimmer! During the long, arduous dance training sessions that are an integral part of Britain’s most decided to mix the graceful steps of Ballroom and the up tempo steps of the Latin dances together to create a really fun, energetic and effective way to stay fit and keep trim that would appeal to everyone, even if they couldn’t dance. The programme is based around twelve of the most popular Latin and Ballroom dances and the first class that we’ve launched has elements of six of these dances – Jive, Cha Cha, Samba, Tango, Waltz and Quickstep.

Edinburgh Lau Gar Self Defence demos, 14.30 – 17.00, demonstration drive

Lau Gar is the most popular form of Kung Fu in the UK and was brought here by Master Jeremy Yau in 1961. Lau Gar Kung Fu is derived from the form of boxing that was practised in Kuei Ling Temple, situated on Bac Pye Saan (the Bac Pye mountain), in Hong Kong in Western China. It was first learned by a monk fleeing from Kuei Ling Temple by the Master, “Three Eyed Lau”, a tiger hunter, who is honoured as the founder of Lau Gar Kung Fu.

Metamadness, 13.00, main stage

The MetaMadness class is an all over body work out based on the sport of boxing.

Fire Safety demos, 11.15, 12.30, 13.45, 15.00, Lambs House Circle

Chip Pan Fire and Fire extinguisher demos

It promises to be quite a day – don’t miss it!

West Pilton BBQ today

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a free family BBQ today from midday – lots of fun activities for the whole family.

All welcome – call 551 3194 for more info.

CAS urges fight back against unscrupulous lenders

The Citizens Advice service has launched a month-long campaign encouraging payday loan customers to fight back against unscrupulous lenders.

Three in four payday borrowers who got advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service had been treated unfairly by their lender and could have grounds for an official complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, says the national charity.

Citizens Advice’s in-depth analysis of 665 payday loan cases reported to its consumer service between 1 January and 30 June 2013, finds that at least 76% could have grounds for an official complaint to the Financial Ombudsman, including:

1 in 5 were possible cases of fraud – where a person was chased for a loan they hadn’t taken out.
More than a third involved issues with continuous payment authorities including money that was not authorised to be taken.
12% involved harassment whereby lenders pester people with phone calls and text messages rather than accept affordable repayment offers.
1 in 10 were about lenders’ unfair treatment of people in financial difficulties.

Latest figures from Citizens Advice Scotland’s (CAS) on-going payday loans survey show that lenders are frequently acting in breach of the Good Practice Charter, put in place last November. Scottish CAB advisers dealt with over 1,200 cases related to Payday Loans from April to June this year, and clients are frequently reporting breaches – see case studies below.

Citizens Advice Scotland and Citizens Advice England and Wales launched a month-long campaign across the UK on Monday, urging payday loan customers not to let predatory lenders get away with treating them unfairly.

Consumers who are finding it difficult to raise their payday loan problem with their lender can contact the Financial Ombudsman who will help them through the complaint process. There were 160 complaints made to the Financial Ombudsman between April and June this year about payday loans, with 72% upheld in favour of the consumer.

If a complaint is upheld by the Financial Ombudsman – and the consumer has lost out as a result – the lender can be ordered to put things right. Consumers could get a refund on loan repayments, interest or default charges or compensation for any inconvenience caused.

Citizens Advice Scotland Chief Executive Margaret Lynch said:

“Across Scotland our bureaux are seeing clients whose payday loan debts have spiraled out of control. We’re seeing hardship and misery caused across the country. Our clients feel powerless but they’re not. This campaign is all about showing them that it is possible to fight back. We want to show people who have taken out payday loans how to identify when their lender has treated them unfairly, and how to do something about it. Citizens advice bureaux can help you negotiate a fair repayment plan and complain to the Financial Ombudsman service. It might even be that the Ombudsman feels you’re entitled to a refund for an unauthorised payment or compensation for unfair treatment.’

As part of the campaign Citizens Advice has launched a new online animation to help people get on top of their payday loan problems. It explains that payday lenders aren’t allowed to take money from your bank account without you knowing, nor should they put pressure on to borrow more money or contact you at all hours of the day. Citizens Advice Scotland is also taking to Twitter with the hashtag #paydaywatch as bureaux from across the country tweet about payday loan cases they are helping with.

Advice tips if you’re struggling to repay a payday loan:

Your payday lender should accept a repayment offer which is reasonable.
Don’t be pressurised to extend your loan – it will cost you more
It’s not ok for your lender to ring you during the night or more than once a day chasing you for money, or to contact your employer.
You should be able to get in contact with your payday lender.
If you are having these problems you can do something about it
- Make a complaint by filling in our simple checklist at www.adviceguide.org.uk
- Get advice from adviceguide.org.uk, from the Citizens Advice consumer service (08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for Welsh language line) or your local bureau
- Make a complaint about a payday loan direct to the Financial Ombudsman Service consumer helpline on 0300 123 9 123 or 0800 023 4567 or via email complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Advice tips if you are in financial difficulty and considering a payday loan:

Get help with your money troubles. Your local bureau can provide debt advice and help you sort out your finances. By making a few changes you may be able to avoid taking out a short-term loan.
It is important to consider all the other options available to you before taking out a payday loan as they are expensive and could make your money problems worse.
Pay day loans can be a costly way to deal with short term financial problems and are not suitable for long term money troubles.
A loan from a credit union is more affordable – check if there’s a credit union in your area.
If you have a bank account, you may be able to agree an overdraft. But be careful of going overdrawn without permission and make sure you understand any fees and charges.
If you are thinking about taking out a payday loan to pay off other debts, don’t. Instead, speak to the companies you owe money to and agree a repayment plan. You can get help with debts from www.adviceguide.org.uk or your local citizens advice bureau.

Dads Rock to hold September fundraiser

Check out our poster for our 1st Fundraiser! we’d love to see you all there, the ‘Dads Rockers’ are our very own dads together on stage for the 1st time! We’ll have our Raffle and Tombola.

Don’t delay! Get in touch to buy your tickets today! email: dads.rock@yahoo.co.uk

Prime Minister sends warm wishes to Muslims for Eid

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“I send my warmest wishes to Muslims in the UK and overseas as they celebrate the festival of Eid-al-Fitr. After a month of longer summer days fasting, praying and putting aside many of the things that we can take for granted, Muslims will come together with friends and family to celebrate this joyous occasion. I wish you all Eid Mubarak.”

The Prime Minister yesterday visited the Jamia Mosque in Manchester as Muslims in the UK prepare for Eid 2013. He met senior members of the mosque, as well as members of the local community who use it.

Mr Cameron wished ‘Eid Mubarak’ to them and the wider UK Muslim community, heard views on a range of issues and discussed the challenges and opportunities ahead.

It was also an opportunity to recognise the positive response by the overwhelming majority of the Muslim community to the tragic death of Drummer Lee Rigby.

Do you hear the people sing? People’s Festival offers arts alternative

Scunnered by the corporate commercialism of the Festival? Sick of being bled dry by the bloated beast that the Fringe has become? There is an antidote …

‘The Edinburgh Peoples Festival are determined to ensure that the world’s greatest arts festival is open to all citizens of the city. Our festival promises that, unlike the others, our program will remain within the financial reach of everyone, our shows will take place throughout the city (not just in EH1) and throughout the year and we will act primarily, although not exclusively, as a showcase for local talent.

We are committed to presenting the widest possible variety of high quality artistic productions and we aim to stimulate and challenge as well as entertain.’

Tickets are still available for tonight’s walking tour, a chance to dicover Edinburgh’s radical past, at 6.30pm and tomorrow’s showcase ‘The Stars Come Out to Gorgie’ – back at the BMC Club for a ninth year at 7.30pm.

See Edinburgh People’s Festival website for more details:

www.edinburghpeoplesfestival.org

Police appeal after Leith assault

A thirty year old man was treated in hospital after being followed from a Leith bar and attacked by a group of men last week. The man was subjected to a ‘serious assault’ in Arthur Street on Thursday at around 9pm and police are urging witnesses to come forward.

The victim had been drinking with friends in the Harp and Castle on Leith Walk but before leaving the bar he was involved in a “minor altercation” with three men, who are believed to be Polish.

It is thought that the assailants followed him from the bar into Arthur street where, follwoing a confrontation, two of the men attacked the local man before the third intervened. The three men then returned to Leith Walk.

The victim was able to make his way home and was later treated for his injuries at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

All three men are described as white and around 5ft 7in to 5ft 8in tall.

The first man is thought to be in his early to mid 30s, with dark brown hair and was wearing a baseball cap, light blue jeans, white trainers and a yellow and black stripy shirt.

The second is believed to be in his early 20s with short blond hair and was wearing a grey Nike tracksuit, white trainers and a black Adidas baseball cap.

The third man is thought to be in his late 30s with short, dark hair and was wearing a dark suit and smart shoes.

Anyone with any information relating to this incident should get in contact with Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Increase in University acceptances

Two per cent more Scots have a place confirmed on exam results day.

22,770 Scots were accepted to Scottish universities on exam results day this year, an increase of two per cent. Figures released by the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) show 550 more Scots have a place at a Scottish university for 2013-14 than at the same time last year.

Welcoming the increase, Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance said: “We’ve already delivered access to university based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay backed up with increased university places. It is great news that some 22,770 Scots are already accepted to a Scottish University to study for a degree on exam results day.

“These students will also be among the first to benefit from the best package of support in the UK when they take up their places. While the additional places we have provided to widen access will ensure more young people from deprived areas are taking their place on our universities campuses next year.

“Of course, some young people will be disappointed today but help is at hand. We guarantee every 16-19 year old the offer of a place in education or training and I’d encourage anyone who is still considering their next steps to call the SDS helpline on 0808 100 8000 for advice.”

Get knitting – hats the way to do it!

An innocent pastime – get knitting!

Knitters in Edinburgh are invited to help older people by knitting wee woolly hats to adorn innocent smoothie bottles. The be-hatted smoothies will be available in stores from November, and for each sold innocent drinks will give 25p to Age Scotland.

The Charity will use funds raised to develop services including theAge Scotland Helpline and local support for older people’s clubs and groups.

To register for the Big Knit and to get free basic and creative knitting patterns call 0845 833 9315 or visit www.agescotland.org.uk.

Hats can be sent to Age Scotland, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh, EH9 1PR, up until 27 September.

Age Scotland fundraiser Alison Payne says: “This year in celebration of 10 years of the Big Knit challenge we’re offering a £50 book token prize for the most creative hat. We’re thrilled that one of Scotland’s most exciting new playwrights, Sylvia Dow, has agreed to judge our entries.”

Sylvia Dow, who wrote her first play at the age of 73, says: “’ I’m delighted to lend my support to the continued success of the Big Knit, which is a great way of raising funds to help older people while flexing your creative muscles.”

James Peach, innocent drinks, said: “It’s a fantastic way to get creative, knit a little hat to adorn a smoothie bottle and raise money for Age Scotland to help older people. We’re massively grateful to everyone who joins in and helps make this year’s campaign a huge success.”

Dunedin Canmore supports Fresh Start hit squads

Edinburgh-based social landlord Dunedin Canmore Housing has renewed funding for a vital ‘Hit Squad’ service that helps people who were previously homeless to decorate their new home. The social housing landlord has linked up with Pilton-based resettlement charity Fresh Start to help fund the initiative.

Dunedin Canmore has donated £500 for each flat, which will allow the tenants to paint and carpet two rooms in their home with help from a Fresh Start Hit Squad – a team of volunteers who support the charity’s work.

Hit Squads not only provide help to decorate and give client’s long term skills – but they also help combat vulnerability and isolation through positive social contact.

Graeme Russell, Housing Services Director, Dunedin Canmore Housing said: “We’ve been in partnership with Fresh Start for the past 18 months on this project and it has proven to be a great success. Last year, every tenant involved said they felt more settled in their flat after having a visit from the Hit Squad. We’re therefore delighted to support the project once again this year.”

Keith Robertson, Managing Director, Fresh Start, said: “The support from Dunedin Canmore has been invaluable in helping people make a home for themselves. When you have been homeless moving into a home can be daunting, particularly as very often you’ll be moving into a shell. There is a lot of new responsibility. Our Hit Squads help people to really feel they are making the house their own. And having support from others to settle in is very important too.”

Denise Cranston, 24, who is training to be a football coach, received support from the Hit Squad in March this year when she moved in to her new flat in Edinburgh after living in a homeless hostel.

Denise said: “It was quite daunting moving in to my new flat and looking at all the things I needed to do it. The Hit Squad helped me to paint my flat and they also gave me a cooker. This made the flat feel more like a home and they helped me to feel more settled. I’m really happy in the flat – I absolutely love it.”