James McGinty with all the latest news from Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre …

Stepping Stones Take Great Strides

After the Introductions and approval of the minutes of the of the last AGM the scene was set for the Trustees Report in which many accolades were given to the retired Marilyn Keilloh who managed the project for 27 years,and a huge thank you for Morag Wilson who has taken up the challenging position.

Fiona Gray (Chairperson) then said she was happy to announce moving into a new , shared premises, beginning in010_0250September 2016 and to be completed by May 2017. Fiona finished off by thanking all involved on behalf of the Trustees.

Next on the Agenda was the Managers Report by Morag Wilson. Morag started by by acknowledging Marilyn’s contribution to the project She stated that the services continued to flourish and that they had secured 5 years funding from the Big Lottery, this along with a further 3 years funding from the Health Improvement Fund and a new funding from Young Start enabling a more secure future to the Development Workers role. A new element was in the name of new PEEP groups ( Family Groups to tackle Isolation)in which they hope they achieve S.Q.A accreditation.

A  PowerPoint presentation was then shown with input from three Staff members.
Financial Report from treasurer Roy Craig: Roy stated that the project had increased its income by 61% and use this to fund additional roles:
Programme Development Worker
Seasonal group Worker
Early Years Parenting Practitioner

Roy stated a thank you to Edinburgh Council, who continue to be their main source of funding, and the many other funders who play such a large part in Stepping Stones.

Morag thanked all for attending and invited everyone to a delicious buffet.

Crafting for people with disabilities

Crafting for people with disabilities
Mondays 10.00am – 12.00 noon

A new activity has now begun at the Centre in the form of arts & Crafts for people with disabilities. This was the brainchild of Eileen Carr who runs the Arts & Crafts on Friday afternoons.

This activity started with 14 participants (7 one – to –one carer support and 7 crafters) This group have also been integrated into the Friday Group. Some of the group are with the Craighall Group, but many more are arriving in taxis to attend both the Zumba and the Crafting.

All are welcome to join this enthusiastic group. Eileen’s general rules apply, ie: If you don’t feel up to crafting, you can just come along for a chat!

Sessions will be split into 2 main sessions with a break fore tea and biscuits and the remainder of the time for tidying up.

James McGinty