davepickering

Health advice for students from NHS24

STUDENTS starting university and college this year are being advised to prepare ahead by Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare organisation, NHS24.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks is reminding students that there is a wealth of health advice and information available to them at the dedicated Freshers’ Health section at www.nhsinform.co.uk

He said: “Many students find themselves living away from home for the first time when they start university or college and I would urge them to plan ahead for their health.

“Freshers’ week is the ideal time for new students to register with a GP when getting to know their new area. A number of universities have a dedicated GP practice for their students and for those that do not, you can use NHS inform to search for local services.

“For those students who use regular repeat prescriptions, make sure you take enough with you to last until you register with a GP and it is also a good idea to have a first aid kit and supply of pain relief with you.

“Setting up home on your own for the first time is a daunting, yet exciting experience. By preparing ahead and thinking about your health, students can make sure they make the most of it.”

The Freshers’ Zone at NHS inform provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years, including safety advice, what to pack and where to go for health care.

From August 1 this year, young people under the age of 25 who are starting university for the first time, and have not previously received it in school, will be offered the MenACWY vaccine to protect against meningitis W.

For more information on the immunisation programme, and the signs and symptoms of meningitis, visit http://www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/vaccines-and-diseases/menw.aspx

News from Millennium Community Centre

All the latest from Muirhouse by JAMES McGINTY

Update on Ongoing projects:

Muirhouse Mini’s (above): The first sessions after the Summer Recess takes place in 2 sessions tomorrow 10.30-11.30 & 12.30-2.00pm. The committee have been working all week with Paula (Making it Work) to put a new programme for this group. See you all tomorrow. 50p per session (for snack + coffee & biscuits) Just come along. For information on this group click HERE.

IMP (Improving Muirhouse & Pennywell) are holding a meeting in the Centre Boardroom on Wednesday (26 August) from 2 -4pm.

Matthew Bakewell’s computer class run by MHA (for MHA tenants only) will restart on 7 September.

Saluting our Volunteers:

Last week our Centre manager Peter regained the reins after his 3 week holiday and his participation with the Summer Programme residential visits; we at the centre would like to give our thanks to the Volunteers who kept the Centre running smoothly despite having to deal with the increase in the kids (on their summer holidays).

Special mention must be made of our Chairperson (John Davidson) and Board secretary Eileen Carr for their dedicated approach not only during this period, but indeed all year. Welcome back Peter, and thank you John and Eileen and to our young volunteers who worked so hard in the cafe and the gardens.

And finally …

Many thanks to the ASDA Foundation (Granton) who donated £50 to Muirhouse Community Centre!

Canonmills campaigners fired up for final week

Actress Hayley Mills supports Canonmills campaign

The Save 1-6 Canonmills Bridge team kick off the final week of their campaign with a public meeting tonight.

The city council’s Planning Committee hearing is set for Wednesday, when a decision will be made on the proposed demolition of the building currently occupied by popular restaurant and organic produce store Earthy.

After weeks of campaigning and signature-gathering the team will conclude their efforts with a public meeting tonight at 7pm in Canonmills Baptist Church.

The meeting is an opportunity for the general public to hear those who will be speaking at Wednesday morning’s hearing and also offers the chance to air opinions and put questions to the team.

Speakers include campaign leader Jan Anderson, Marion Williams (Cockburn Association), urban designer Ross McEwan, Pam Barnes (Stockbridge & Inverleith Community Council) and Councillor Nick Gardner.

With the hardcopy petition at over 2000 signatures and the online campaign nearing 5000 the team was also thrilled to receive the backing of film and theatre star Hayley Mills.

Ms Mills said: “Good luck with your campaign to retain the heart of Canonmills. The loss would be a sad one for the local community and part of Edinburgh city.”

With those good wishes campaigners hope that council members will take notice and do the right thing by halting the demolition.

Lothian ladies live it up at the Fringe!

Meet Edinburgh’s senior Fringe reviewers!

Mary Ferrie (80) from Bathgate and Helen Orr (81) from Harthill took it in their stride when 50+ health and wellbeing website Living it Up asked them to join its crew to review the Fringe.

The pair – from West Lothian 50+ Network – got their glad rags on and joined Living it Up’s researcher and cameraman to do some schmoozing at the press launch, before reviewing three shows and grilling the performers to camera.

Mary and Helen first met in 1976 – when Helen was lecturing on nursery nursing – and they’ve been firm friends ever since.

Mary said: “When the Living it Up team contacted us about being guest reviewers, for their coverage of the Edinburgh Fringe, we jumped at the chance! Their website is for people like us who want to keep their independence, try new experiences and just have fun.

“The best act we reviewed was Victoria Wood and Me, by a lady called Mo Shapiro. It was excellent and we told her we thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Helen added: “The press launch was great fun too. We haven’t done anything like this before, so it was a good laugh. One of the acts said ‘laughter’s the best medicine’. That’s true; no matter what age you are.”

The budding reviewers were given chalk boards to mark each act they saw out of 10. They later sat down for face-to-face interviews behind the scenes with the actors, which were recorded byLiving it Up’s sound crew.

Click here to view the video

livingitup.org.uk is a digital service with health, care and wellbeing tools and information for people over the age of 50 in Scotland. It’s supported by NHS24 and the Scottish Government and covers Forth Valley, Highland, Lothian, Moray and Western Isles, including remote areas.

A spokesperson for Living it Up said: “Mary and Helen did us proud! It’s great for us to feature people like them, as they’re a true example of what older people can be and do, if they have tools and inspiration at their fingertips.”

She explained: “Our website has four strands: DISCOVER, SHINE, CONNECT and FLOURISH – all of which have different health and wellbeing themes and resources.

“For example, in our website’s FLOURISH section, we have experience guides. These are written by real people to shed light on living with specific conditions and to highlight coping mechanisms for life experiences.

“In our SHINE section, there’s inspiration to re-ignite an old hobby or skill, perhaps in a voluntary capacity. Our CONNECT part teaches people about the latest technology, with step-by-step-instructions. It also inspires some ‘upskilling’ by highlighting local classes for like-minded people. By clicking on our DISCOVER section, users can type in their local area and find activities and resources relevant to them within reach.”

A CHANCE TO WIN

Living it Up has been given tickets for the Fringe, thanks to festival host Gilded Balloon. To be in with a chance of winning, check out the competition on Facebook.

Now Doogie’s mixing with the luvvies!

Watch out for Doogie Goodstuff – festival reviewer with a social enterprise twist!

For those people not yet acquainted with Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network’s mascot Doogie Goodstuff – you will have a chance to meet him as he reviews shows from some of festivals exciting social enterprise venues across Edinburgh.

Doogie Goodstuff is now taking his message to out to festival goers to buy from the 200 social enterprises across the city, as it gets into full festival swing. And for a bit of fun Doogie has turned his hand to reviewing three festival shows at social enterprise venues in the city.

Doogie’s festival reviews have been arranged with the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Out of the Blue and the Just Festival who are members of Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network.

Land of the Dragon by PuppetSoup at the Scottish Storytelling Centre

I was thrilled to hear about the magical adventures of my fire-breathing Welsh cousins at Land of the Dragon in the Scottish Storytelling Centre. It was a thrilling tale, with stunning sets and puppetry, from Welsh social enterprise PuppetSoup. I was scared to get too near the red and white dragons in case they melted my fur while they were fighting but I did befriend the sheep who was a lot less frightening!

This is Not a Magic Show by Vincent Gambini, part of the Forest Fringe at Out of the Blue (pictured)

My eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw the astonishing tricks that Vincent Gambini performed with coins and cards. His patter and sideways look at magic made the show come alive. I felt a little sad that my fingers would always be too fluffy for prestidigitation but Vincent cheered me up by showing me how to make a playing card pop out of my mouth!

Afropella Night by Alabaster Box, part of the Just Festival at St John’s Church

The acoustics of St John’s Church brought out the wonderful voices and beats of Alabaster Box who had travelled from Ghana to take part in the Just Festival. I was a little blue that there wasn’t any room for me in the group, as they already have a baritone. My mood soon lifted when they encouraged me to come out into the central aisle of the church to show my monster moves as I danced along to the music. They also told me that my Ghanaian name is Kwame because I was born on a Saturday.

Linsay Chalmers, Network Coordinator at Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network said: “We welcome all the support we can get, so if festival goers meet Doogie Goodstuff please feel free to ask about our “Buy the Good Stuff” campaign and check out Doogie’s reviews on our website www.buythegoodstuff.co.uk “

Low pay: have your say

Have your say on minimum wage rates

The Government is making changes to the UK minimum wage rates and has asked the Low Pay Commission (LPC) to report and gather evidence on these new arrangements.

It has asked the LPC to report on the future level of the existing UK minimum wage rates, by February 2016. It has also asked the LPC to report on the future level of the new National Living Wage (NLW), which will be introduced in April 2016 and applies to workers aged 25 and over.

As part of evidence gathering a public consultation has been launched including a short survey which runs until 25 September 2015.

Tomorrow is Living Life Day

Emotional wellbeing is the focus of Scotland’s first ‘Living Life Day’, which takes place tomorrow (Tuesday 25 August).

With the theme ‘Make your day different’, Scots are being encouraged to take steps to improve their wellbeing, whether that’s through exercise, relaxation or time with family or friends.

National Living Life Day will also raise awareness of NHS Living Life, a free service providing over-the-phone therapy for anyone in Scotland experiencing mild to moderate stress or anxiety. It will be 7 years since the NHS Living Life service was launched, which offers free telephone appointments with a Self-help Coach or Therapist.

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator of NHS Living Life, said: “One in four people in Scotland will experience a diagnosable mental health problem each year. Living Life Day helps turn the spotlight on the importance of looking after your emotional wellbeing at an early stage. Services such as NHS Living Life are an empowering and practical way for anyone feeling stressed or anxious to get information, access resources and learn coping skills.”

Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, said: “I’m delighted to support Scotland’s first Living Life Day. It’s so important that we all start think about looking after our mental health in exactly the same way we think about caring for our physical health. Physical activity, relaxation and spending time with family and friends are all excellent ways to improve mental wellbeing and reduce the likelihood of problems developing. Living Life Day is a chance for people to think about how they might be able to devote more time to these things.

“NHS Living Life is a tremendous service that helps thousands of people every year. It’s there for anyone experiencing stress or anxiety, and gives them the chance to talk about their feelings and get some practical advice on how to cope. This service is one of the many steps the Scottish Government is taking to improve Scotland’s mental health, reducing the number of people who develop more serious illnesses.”

To find out more about NHS Living Life visit www.livinglife.scot, or phone 0800 328 9655 (lines are open Mon-Fri, 1pm-9pm). Follow @NHS24 to find out what’s happening across the country for #LLDay

Trinity’s Summer(?) Special

Did you notice (sorry, ‘detect’) that it’s been summer? (Maybe now!) Trinity Community Council (TCC) has been in recess but things just keep happening … (writes BILL RODGER)

TRINITY COMMUNITY GALA

29 & 30 AUGUST, 11am – 3.30pm

There’s a buzz going round Trinity. Neighbours are chatting and tweets are tweeting (try @TrinityGala). Signposts popping up in the strangest of places. Yes – it’s the Trinity Community Gala! Something for everyone over two days.

on Saturday 29th Wardie Church for ‘Open Doors’; local history and flower displays; Trinity Timeline; fun competitions; treasure hunt; quiz; kids can make their very own gardens or try out cold cooking.
on Sunday 30th Lomond Park has an open air service at 11am then from 12 it’s BBQ time with Porto & Fi; live music, local bands; kidz sports; bouncy castle; face painting; ‘Marathon’, bowls and tennis tasters; local produce, fun dog show and much more….

The Gala now enjoys the support of many local businesses and organisations keen to celebrate the spirit of our community – so do come and join the jamboree and some real GALA FUN!

Granton Harbour

Following concerns raised with us by Granton CC we had asked CEC for information about the piecemeal nature of this development and how some residents are alleged to be subject to exploitative facilities charges.

It seems that since then the developer’s demands have become more forceful and, with CEC holding a strong line, this has culminated in the developer withdrawing for further discussion with officials. Watch this space. Let us know if you have a view.

Also on the waterfront … cruise liners

You may have noticed the cruise liner Britannia docked at Newhaven in July with 5,000 passengers. While a welcome commercial boost, inevitably there was some disruption while passengers were ferried to and from the City Centre. What do you think? Is this an exciting new development or an emerging problem?

Closure of RBS Goldenacre

The branch closed its doors on 13 August. We protested not only about the impact on local business and vulnerable people but also about RBS’ failure to consult despite signing up to a protocol on this as recently as February.

When a meeting was eventually arranged, it was at short notice, without an agenda and not even held locally. It was evident that RBS had no intention of even delaying closure and the only concession conceded was to hold drop-in sessions to help customers wishing to try online banking or gain familiarity with ATMs.

Unbelievably, though, even this was undermined when RBS decided not to mail customers to let them know about this help.

If you are unhappy about the move we can only point to local alternatives Bank of Scotland or TSB at Goldenacre – or alternatively you might want to get up to £150 simply from switching to another bank.

Legislation introduced in 2013 now makes this very easy: see

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts

Starbank Park Green Flag

Keep Scotland Beautiful has awarded a Green Flag to Starbank Park recognising the magnificent efforts of the Friends and CEC staff in restoring the park to its place as a jewel in Trinity’s crown. It means that both Trinity’s parks now have a Green Flag.

Victoria Park Tennis and Basketball Courts

And on the Glorious Twelfth, Victoria Park’s renewed basketball and tennis courts were formally opened by Cllrs Lesley Hinds and Richard Lewis together with Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport (above). Our parks are really going from strength to strength!

127 Trinity Road

The application to build five houses was rejected by CEC on 12 August following a lot of local concern. TCC had expressed its concerns about overdevelopment and that was the reason CEC gave for rejection. It remains to be seen whether the developer will now modify the proposal, appeal or abandon the project.

Granton Walled Garden

There seems to be growing support and greater cooperation from developers for the preservation of this medieval garden. It gives hope that a nearby amenity will be saved from being built over.

Canonmills

City councillors voted for a hearing to be held on 26 August about the demolition of the “Earthy” building at Canonmills Bridge despite officials earlier recommending demolition. The decision means that objectors will be able to present the case for retention directly to the Development Committee.

Scotland Street tunnel

And in Scotland Street tunnel next month there will be a community exhibition of thoughts, paintings and photographs. Launch event is on 27 September.

South East Scotland City Region Plan (SESPLAN): Major Issues Report

The MIR is the first stage of preparing a new strategic plan for the 1.25m people (forecast to rise to 1.5m) living in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Borders and half of Fife. It is a consultation document and is the principle opportunity for everyone to give their views on how the region should develop over the next 20 years.

Consultation runs until 30 September. You can make your thoughts known at http://sesplan-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/mir/mir . Alternatively pass them on through TCC. Or do both!

Neighbourhood Watch Alerts

Want to know if there’s a break-in near you or if cars are being vandalised? Sign up for free emails or text messages through this link:

http://www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk/pages/3507/1/Sign_up_for_alerts.html for more information.

This is just a sample. Much more at our next meeting on Monday 14 September at 7 pm in Wardie Parish Church, Primrose Bank Road. Open to all. Come along and give us your thoughts. We need to know them!

Did you find this bulletin useful or informative? If so, why not show it to a neighbour? Anyone in Trinity can subscribe to the bulletin simply by emailing tcc-comms@outlook.com Or drop us a line and tell us what you think could be better.

Muirhouse Memories

Some pictures from the archives. Recognise anyone?

Letter: People Matter

Dear Editor

Information available through newspapers, television and radio have contributed to the disillusion beu#ing felt about politics. I believe it is confusion caused by the similarity of party programmes, in effect making people pay for the debts caused by banks and investors, also having many public services cut and cut again.

Without making changes in the system there is no guarantee this will not happen again. Confusion will lessen and a high level of unity could be had around an initial programme of taking back services from private investors: services that are absolutely essential to be run for the benefit of everyone.

The obvious ones on which we all depend include electricity, gas, water and sewerage and the rail network.

Real hope would be established that, at last, PEOPLE MATTER!

A. Delahoy, Silverknowes Gardens