‘I’m fortunate to have a team brimming with talent and enthusiasm, making North Edinburgh a safer place to live, work and visit’ – Chief Inspector Richard Horan Continue reading Room for optimism? Reported crime down in North Edinburgh
Author: davepickering
Edinburgh reporter and photographer
Letters: Saving our public services
Dear Editor
Local authorities are elected to operate a wide variety of services in their areas, services that keep the community functioning. The trend now is to cut back on what is thought not to be necessary, to offload some to private contractors or to get the community itself to be the provider. Continue reading Letters: Saving our public services
Tax Credit cuts: an impending disaster?
“Tax Credits are a vital piece of support for many families who need to bridge the gap between low-paid work and the costs of raising a family.” – Julia Unwin, Joseph Rowntree Foundation Continue reading Tax Credit cuts: an impending disaster?
Edinburgh Tenants Federation celebrates 25 years
Holyrood reception marks ETF’s special year
Edinburgh Tenants Federation (ETF) celebrated their 25th Anniversary with a Parliamentary Reception hosted by MSP Sarah Boyack on Wednesday evening.
Edinburgh Tenants Federation, which has a membership of over 40 tenants and residents groups across the city, was congratulated on its 25th Anniversary by the MSP.
ETF members old and new joined in the celebrations along with representatives from the Tenants Information Service, Blackwood Homes and Care, the International Association for Community Development (IACD), Shakti Women’s Aid and Inverkeithing Community Initiative. MSPs Gordon MacDonald and Alison Johnstone also joined the celebrations.
The event featured contributions from Sarah Boyack MSP, Convenor Betty Stevenson and Vice Convenor Maud Wylie, who said that the success of ETF could not have been achieved without the determination and commitment of the tenant volunteers. Councillor Cammy Day talked of the work that Edinburgh City Council and ETF have collaborated on over the years, in particular the successful tenant-led inspections.
Sarah Boyack MSP said: “The work of the Federation over the years has been fantastic. It has been great to see the work that has been done supporting tenants with mental ill health and campaigning for fairer rents. I was very encouraged to hear that the Federation are already working with the Syrian community in helping the refugees coming to settle in to the city.”
ETF Convener Betty Stevenson said: “Thanks to Sarah for hosting this event for us; it was wonderful to see so many people supporting the work of the Federation. Thanks to all those who have been involved over the years, here’s to the next 25!”
Thursday was the final day of ETF’s Parliamentary Exhibition and Housing Minister Margaret Burgess (above) was among the MSPs and staff to view photos and news stories dating back to the 1980’s and the Federation’s formation in October 1990.
Millie books her tea at St Nicholas Court!
St Nicholas Court residents’ book is teatime reading
A book comprising a commemorative tea set designed by Port of Leith Housing Association’s (PoLHA) St Nicholas Court residents was launched this week by Edinburgh-based best-selling author Millie Gray. Continue reading Millie books her tea at St Nicholas Court!
Celebrate Maggies birthday today!
Happy 19th Birthday to you, Maggies Centre!
Madness: fire crews attacked while protecting communities
Wet weather plays a part in ‘quieter than usual’ 5 November
People who chose to attend organized Bonfire Night events helped to protect their communities by ensuring firefighters were able to quickly get to real emergencies on Guy Fawkes Night. No major incidents were reported in Edinburgh, but sadly crews in Larbert, Govanhill and New Cumnock were threatened and attacked while trying to keep the public safe. Continue reading Madness: fire crews attacked while protecting communities
Fare play to Spartans Connections!
Central Taxis to sponsor Spartans Connections
Taxi for Spartans! Edinburgh’s Central Taxis are to sponsor local community club Spartans Connections. The Connections squad are delighted with the sponsorship deal and the new partnership is a great result for the Ainslie Park footballers. Continue reading Fare play to Spartans Connections!
Keeping pets safe at fireworks time
This can be a terrifying time of year for our family pets. Here are some seasonal tips about keeping your family pet happy …
Wanted: Equalities Ambassadors
EaRN is now recruiting volunteers to provide a vital link between local decision makers and the people most affected by inequalities and discrimination.
Training and support will be given. We’re looking for people who are:
- Aware of equalities and rights issues
- Open minded and non-judgemental
- Willing to listen and learn
- Comfortable communicating on behalf of others
- Prepared to accurately report back on communications
The role will vary depending on the strengths and experience that each person brings to it – we are looking for lots of different people with different areas of interest.
Do you know anyone who might fit the bill? Perhaps you have a service user, client or customer that you think would make a great Equalities Ambassador – if so, please encourage them to get in touch with us for a chat and/or an application pack:
equalityandrights@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk or call 0131 561 8313.