Invites you to their Annual General Meeting
at Muirhouse Millennium Centre, 7 Muirhouse Medway EH4 4RW
On Thursday 13 November 2014, 3.30 – 5.30pm.
RSVP by Wednesday 4 November for catering purposes:
Telephone: 0131 315 3130
Email: resource@nwcarers.org.uk
Britain’s latest Ebola aid flight, carrying lifesaving medicines, landed in Freetown yesterday, International Development Secretary Justine Greening has confirmed.
This was the UK’s tenth aid flight and carried the first batch of medicines, including morphine and antibiotics, from the UK for the 92 bed treatment facility in Kerry Town, which is nearing completion.
The cargo also included a chiller van vital for transporting heat sensitive medicines in temperatures that can reach up to 40°C and five additional 4×4 vehicles needed to ensure that vital stocks can be transported to the 6 treatment centres the UK is building to help defeat Ebola.
Justine Greening said: “The UK has mounted a huge response to the Ebola outbreak, dispatching ten aid flights so far, carrying hundreds of tonnes of supplies for our treatment centres which will care for up to 8,800 patients over 6 months. I have just returned from Freetown where I saw first-hand the scale of the outbreak and the central role that the UK is playing in helping Sierra Leone defeat Ebola.”
Aid supplies delivered so far now include: 58 vehicles including ambulances; 75 water tanks; 3 incinerators for disposing of clothing and other materials; 12 generators; personal protection equipment; radio equipment; lighting sets; chlorine for sanitation; WC facilities; temporary warehouse tents; 14 air conditioning units and isolator equipment.
A new pilot scheme to reduce homelessness has been launched by the City of Edinburgh Council and voluntary sector partners .
Focusing on resolving and preventing homelessness, a range of specialist services will be delivered through a partnership with third sector organisations the Bethany Christian Trust, Edinburgh Cyrenian Trust, Foursquare and CHAI (Community Help and Advice Initiative). The partnership heralds the beginning of a new collaborative approach to supporting people in the Capital who are at risk of losing their homes.
The Council, providers and service users are working in partnership to rebalance housing support services and place more emphasis on prevention, through mentoring, befriending, group work and visits from housing support staff. This approach will help resolve some of the crises that lead to homelessness and also deliver initial savings of £400,000, with potential further savings in the future.
The Council’s Housing Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Taking early action is the best way to combat homelessness. It is vital that we act quickly so we can prevent more people from losing their homes and better protect their well-being.
“By working alongside our third sector partners, we can gain from their expertise and deliver the highest standard of support to those who need it across Edinburgh. This way we can tackle the root causes of homelessness and provide important advice on budgeting and tenancy issues, to build a better future for those at risk and help them to keep their homes.”
The pilot will provide:
People who are homeless and in temporary and insecure accommodation will also receive support to move into more sustainable accommodation, in both the public and private sectors.
Iain Gordon of SHAPE, the umbrella organisation representing the third sector partners, said: “Our hope is that this new way of working will help people who find themselves at risk of becoming homeless to be more secure in their homes, so that they can live active and productive lives.”
Armed Forces personnel joined members of the public taking part in “The Watch” – a vigil to launch The Royal British Legion’s annual appeal yesterday.
At the vigil in Central London members of the Armed Forces, Royal British Legion volunteers, members of the public and celebrities stood at the four corners of the Cenotaph from sunrise to sunset. The tribute, called “The Watch”, is inspired by the images of the repatriation of the Unknown Warrior in 1920 where Guards of the Watch kept a vigil by the coffin as a mark of respect.
The Watch started at just after 7.30am as the Last Post was sounded by Ben Beavis, a Bugler from the Grenadier Guards (below).
Taking part in the first vigil was singer Joss Stone, who recorded this year’s official Poppy Appeal single with Jeff Beck, former Royal Marine Commando and Legion beneficiary Pete Dunning, 18-year-old Cadet Sergeant Kamil Cesarz and the Legion’s Director of Fundraising, Charles Byrne.
Pete Dunning lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan in 2008, aged 23, when the armoured vehicle he was travelling in struck an improvised explosive device. The Royal British Legion has helped to make adaptations to his family home to aid his daily living.
The third watch, between 8.30am and 9am, was kept by current members of the Armed Forces, both Regular and Reservist, from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, the Army and the Royal Air Force. Among them was Corporal Donna White (above), an Army Reserve combat medic, who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and currently works as a police officer with the Metropolitan Police.
After keeping The Watch, Donna said: “t was a real honour to take part and I had a great morning that I won’t forget. Standing on watch at the Cenotaph gave me a unique opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices that men and women in the Services before me have made.”
Members of the Armed Forces also joined Royal British Legion volunteers at Downing Street to present the Prime Minister with his own poppy for the appeal. The vigil continued until sunset at 5.55pm.
Further information on this year’s Poppy Appeal can be found on the
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe Diwali …
The festival of lights is a time of celebration for Hindu, Jain and Sikh members of our communities. As the festival of lights, Diwali is a time of celebration often marked by special meals for family and friends and the lighting of candles and oil lamps, known as divas.
Taking a few simple precautions will significantly reduce the risk of fire within the home.
Candles and divas should always be placed out of the reach of children and away from things like curtains, furniture, clothing, and any other items that could easily catch fire.
By making sure they’re never left unattended or placed where they could be accidentally knocked over, people can help make sure their family remember this Diwali for all the right reasons.
More fires start in the kitchen than in any other room of the house, so it’s important to remember that fires start when our attention stops.
People should never walk away from a cooker while the grill or hob is on, as the few moments it takes to pick up a ringing phone or answer the door is all it could take for a potentially deadly fire to begin.
Where fires do start early warning is crucial if people are to get to safety. Working smoke alarms save lives.
The City of Edinburgh Council is calling on tougher laws to help crack down on the issue of dog fouling in the city.
A report to next week’s Transport and Environment Committee urges the Scottish Government to raise the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) currently handed out to dog fouling offenders, and calls for an increased maximum fine for dog owners taken to court.
The report also recommends a new approach to monitor perpetrators’ future behaviour, designed to bring about a long term change and reduce dog fouling in Edinburgh.
Measures would add to a series of campaigns held by the Council to tackle the issue, which is consistently identified by local residents as one of their top priorities.
Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “Dog fouling is an issue which continues to blight our streets, creating not only an eyesore but a potential health and safety risk.
“We are committed to tackling this, and it is important that we do everything in our power to deter irresponsible owners from committing the offence.
Inverleith’s annual community conference takes place on Thursday 30 October from 6 – 9pm in Broughton High School. The theme of this year’s event is ‘increasing walking and cycling in Inverleith‘ – and there’s still time to book your place …
Come join us on Thursday 30th October from 6-9pm at Broughton High School to find out about tips, advice and support available to help you get started, to share your thoughts on how we can get people in Inverleith walking and cycling more, and what the Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership can do to make this happen!
The evening will include marketplace where organisations and businesses will be on hand to showcase their work and services and offer tips and advice to take up or increase your walking and cycling. Then we will have a chance to share views, discuss issues and consider solutions to increasing physical activity in Inverleith. Teas, coffees and biscuits will be provided.
Email Anne Brown to book your place here
or book quickly and easily here through eventbrite
Email Elaine Lennon for more information.
Friday 31 October: Lockerbie, Lost Voices comes to North Edinburgh Arts
“They may have silenced us, but there will be others, at first a few, then hundreds, thousands, millions…” from Lockerbie – Lost Voices.
The Elements World Theatre, an Edinburgh-based new writing company, launches the Scotland tour of Lockerbie – Lost Voices, that premiered to great acclaim during the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe.
Written by Lee Gershuny, directed by Corinne Harris and designed by Scott Anderson, the play gives voice to six hypothetical passengers both before and after Pan Am 103 explodes over Lockerbie on 21 December 1988.
The play takes them out of the anonymity of a statistic and reveals their courage, love and humour in their very real family relationships just moments before they die. Their personal conflicts draw the audience into the intimate, thought provoking issues raised in the characters’ personal lives, making the actual explosion even more shocking.
In the final scenes, the dead passengers honour the lives they have lived while presiding over their own funeral and creating an opportunity for the audience to participate in a dramatic requiem for this deep collective wound.
Speaking from the neutrality of death, the characters also give voice to those whose published reports challenged the official version of the disaster, but were “lost” or ignored.
Coming to NEA on Friday 31 October, 7.30pm.
To buy tickets, call box office on 0131 315 2151 or email admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk
http://www.northedinburgharts.co.uk/events.php
Dads Rock, an Edinburgh-based charity which supports bonding time for dads and their children, is set to expand thanks to a Big Lottery Fund award of £287,096.
Dads Rock will now be able to provide additional support for 180 dads and male carers over the next three years through its Scotland network of free playgroups for dads and kids. The project will create new playgroups, both in the community and within a prison setting, as well as a new counselling service and more father and child social outings.
Thomas Lynch, a founder member and current Dads Rock Board Member, said: “This award from the Big Lottery Fund is amazing. It will allow us to support so many more families, and give stability to our current playgroups. It will also allow us to employ staff and expand our services, by running playgroups during the week as well as the weekend, offering free counselling, working with young dads, and taking Dads Rock into the Prison setting.”
Dads Rock was set up by volunteers three years ago and has gone from strength to strength. Hundreds of dads and their kids have spent quality time together at the charity’s sessions at The Prentice Centre in West Granton and at WHALE in Wester Hailes.
David Millar has been attending the organisation’s Wester Hailes playgroup with his one year old son Matthew since May 2014. David said: “It’s great to talk to other dads and get the benefit from their experiences. I’ve learned a lot of new hints and tips that have really helped with our family life at home. I go every Saturday and last week was the first time I took Matthew and our six week old twins, Mark and Jacob along with me. Groups like this are a great idea as there’s not a lot out there for fathers, especially those who are struggling for help. I look forward to going every week as it’s exciting, informative and I get to spend quality time with my boys.“
Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn, said: “As a charity set up and run by dads, Dads Rock knows exactly what support fathers need to be able to enjoy positive and rewarding relationships with their children. This funding will reach out to those men who might not otherwise have the confidence to attend a playgroup session or speak openly about their concerns as a parent. I’m delighted that this investment will enable their work to expand, helping many more fathers like David to develop their confidence and self esteem.”
Dads Rock is one of nine groups receiving funding, totalling £4,566 678, from the Big Lottery Fund’s Investing in Communities fund. The others are:
Scottish Autism
Award: £548,662
The ‘Get Set 4 Autism’ project will work in partnership with Autism Argyll to provide post-diagnostic support to families with children up to the age of 18 who have received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The Senior Centre Castlemilk
Award: £168,360
This project will work with vulnerable older people in Castlemilk to provide a series of social activities, learning opportunities, information and advice, assistance with appointments and help with shopping and household repairs.
Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association
Award: £356,469
This project will support 90 older people who live in a newly build flat development in Moredun, Edinburgh. The group will employ a full time Community Capacity Builder and part time staff to help people settle in and personalise their homes.
PEEK – Posibilities for Each & Every Kid Ltd
Award: £605,776
This project will extend the group’s current Play Ranger model throughout the north and east of Glasgow.
Home-Start Angus
Award: £297,427
The “Bumps and Beyond” project will improve links with antenatal services and health and childcare services leading to increased confidence, self esteem and understanding of parenting skills. Volunteers will be recruited and trained to deliver the home visiting service families who need help.
Annexe Communities
Award: £629,696
This project will support up to 900 isolated older people in North West Glasgow over five years with a range of social events and healthy activities.
The Royal National Institute for Blind People
Award: £516,235
This project will work in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeenshire to support blind and partially sighted young people, aged between 15-25 years, helping them to move into training, employment, or further and higher education.
Muir of Ord Hall & Facilities Company
Award: £1,156,957
This project will refurbish and extend the existing Old Tarradale School, to create a community hub which will improve the centre of the village and provide a quality facility for the 3,300 residents as well as visitors to the village.
A further 22 projects will share over £20,000 of grants from Big Lottery Fund Scotland’s Investing in Ideas programme. A full list of those grants is available here.
Website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Twitter: @BIGScotland #biglf
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BigLotteryFundScotland
Edinburgh College photography students named UK’s best
Edinburgh College has scooped all the top prizes at the British Institute of Professional Photography’s (BIPP) UK Student Awards, beating off competition from the country’s universities and colleges. Two current students and a recent graduate were named the country’s best student photographers, taking first place in the three categories.
BA Professional Photography student Kinga Kocimska won the BIPP National Student of the Year Award, recent BA graduate Jamie Mellor won the Student Open Award for students who are not BIPP members and fellow BA student Sandra Vijandi won the BIPP College Award.
Sandra was also the runner up for the Student of the Year Award and another student, Antonio Castro, came second in the Student Open. Three others were also highly commended in the categories.
Edinburgh College curriculum manager for broadcast media and photography Marjory Crooks said: “We’re delighted that the emerging photography students from Edinburgh College are winning such prestigious awards in the industry. Their future commissions and careers will be greatly enhanced by this as they’re already building fantastic profiles while they’re studying with us.”
Kinga’s winning entry in this year’s UK-wide competition consisted of five images from her second-year portfolio, ‘Deceptive Mind’, which showcased her surreal, witty approach to her photography as well as her technical skill (above).
Sandra took her win and runner-up position for her portfolios ‘Unexpected Journeys’ and ‘Glass Houses’, which demonstrated her flair for fashion photography, featuring stylised, heavily art-directed images (below).
Jamie won for his portfolio ‘Remnants’, featuring shots of eerie hinterland locations (below).
Each winner received a prize of £500.
Kinga said: “I did not expect such an amazing distinction and I’m very pleased that the time and effort I have invested in learning new skills have already started yielding such good results. I’m really grateful for the tuition and development opportunities I have received at Edinburgh College. This award has motivated me even more to continue improving my skills and working hard to gain more experience as a photographer. After all, the biggest challenge of making my way into the photographic industry is still ahead of me.”
These awards continue a winning streak for the college’s photography students that includes five years of multiple successes at the BIPP Scottish Region Image Awards, culminating in 30 awards this year including Student Photographer of the Year and Professional Photographer of the Year. Former student Lee Howell was also runner up in last year’s BIPP Student of the Year Award.
Photography lecturer Jon Lee added: “We’ve been overwhelmed in recent years with the talent of our students and I’m extremely pleased they’re continuing to do so well in these awards. The achievement is down to the hard work of our students and also our staff, who come from a range of commercial photography backgrounds. Many of our part-time staff also still work in the industry, which means our students gain that essential insight into developments in the professional word and ensures they’re prepared when they enter it.”
The college’s BA Professional Photography course currently has 24 students, the HND Professional Photography 1 has 38 and the HND Professional Photography 2 has 34.
