TUESDAY 10th OCTOBER at WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
5 – 8pm (Drop-In)
Create Community Wealth: End of project celebration
Category: North Edinburgh Arts
New hours for Community Shed
Community Shed opening hours update
Due to staffing changes our free drop-in wood-making session times haves slightly changed to ** Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am to 2.30pm **
We’re still making and mending, using recycled wood, at the NEA Community Shed, but for the rest of the year we are based at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre (67b Groathill Road North, Edinburgh, EH4 2SA).
If you want to learn more about wood-making, up-cycle your home furniture or make something new out of recycled wood, come and join us!
For more information, please email garden@northedinburgharts.co.uk
Further investment in cancer support services
£9 million extension of partnership to help patients
A partnership to support cancer patients and their families to deal with the financial, emotional and physical health effects of the disease is to be extended with a further investment of £9 million.
The programme looks to ensure that everyone affected by cancer in Scotland has access to a specialist key support worker. This means clinicians have more time to offer direct medical and clinical support to patients.
Over the next three years, it is anticipated there will be a gradual increase in access to the service, with a minimum of 14,000 new cancer diagnoses accessing it each year.
The Scottish Government has been working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to improve the service offered to those affected by cancer through the Transforming Cancer Care Programme (TCC). This partnership – the first of its kind in the UK – began under the 2016 Cancer Strategy and has seen £18 million invested to date.
The Scottish Government has agreed to continue the partnership and provide an additional three years of funding for the Improving the Cancer Journey services. Each partner will invest an additional £4.5 million.
Making the announcement ahead of a visit to NHS Forth Valley to celebrate the NHS 75th anniversary, First Minister Humza Yousaf said: ““Our recently published Cancer Strategy and Action Plan places an emphasis on person-centred care for all and supporting the mental health of cancer patients and their families.
“We have committed to launch the final Improving the Cancer Journey service, in partnership with Macmillan, over the next three years. We will also commit to spreading this successful model to all areas in Scotland over the coming year.
“This will see an additional £9 million of joint investment and ensure that everyone diagnosed with cancer in Scotland has access to a key support worker. It will be of great benefit to patients while also easing pressure on the NHS by freeing up clinicians.”
Janice Preston, Head of Partnerships at Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, said: “The Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) Services are available for anyone affected by cancer.
“By the end of 2024, everyone in Scotland who needs support will have the chance to talk to an ICJ practitioner who will help individuals to identify their needs and access expert support, from benefits advice to emotional support – whatever they might need.
“This is a unique service for people affected by cancer that helps to reduce pressure on the NHS and is making a really positive difference to people living with cancer and their families. Since 2014, these vital, non-medical services have already helped over 18,500 people and this money will mean they can keep on transforming cancer support across Scotland.
“We are excited that, through our partnership with the Scottish Government, another £9 million is being made available to ensure people can continue to get this help for another three years.”
The roll out of the Improving the Cancer Journey model to every Health & Social Care Partnership follows 4 key principles:
o 100% of adults diagnosed with cancer, within agreed criteria, will be invited or referred to an ICJ service to speak to a specialist practitioner.
o An ICJ practitioner with the service user will complete a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) and generate a care plan to meet the needs identified.
o Local community assets will be identified and utilised to support the service user in meeting their needs.
o The service user will be followed up by the ICJ practitioner in the community to monitor progress with agreed actions.
North Edinburgh Arts secures £250,000 Community Ownership funding
LOCAL ARTS ORGANISATION REACHES 80% OF FUNDING TARGET
North Edinburgh Arts has been awarded £250,000 from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund to support the Millan Hub project.
The announcement marks a significant step forward in NEA’s capital development journey, bringing the organisation closer to achieving their fundraising target: they have now reached 80% of their total goal.
Communites across the UK will benefit from over £50 million in funding to support community ownership of local assets.
North Edinburgh Arts was one of eight successful applicants in Scotland at this stage of the process. Another Edinburgh applicant was Portobello’s campaign to renovate their Town Hall. They receive £90,000.
This £250,000 awarded to NEA will be added to funds already secured for the ambitious build from Foundation Scotland, The Garfield Weston Trust, The William Syson Trust, The Robertson Trust, The Binks Foundation, and the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.
Reaching four fifths of the target gives a real boost to NEA’s Board, team, participants, visitors, and volunteers alike.
A NEA spokesperson said: “We are grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from our local residents, with over 96% backing our mission to keep NEA at the heart of a creative, connected, inspired, and inspiring community.
“Your unwavering belief in our vision has been the driving force behind this achievement. Thank you for your ongoing support!”
NEA is a well-loved and well-used venue but we had outgrown our building. To meet the needs of current and future generatons of North Edinburgh residents it needed to be redeveloped.
As part of the new MacMillan Hub the NEA capital programme will:
Increase the footprint of NEA by 380m2, adding two foors of studio and work/ space
Extend the café to look/ into MacMillan Square, and ofer enhanced community facilites
Provide bespok/e work/shop space for the ommunity Shed
Reduce the carbon footprint through beter insulaton, lightng and environmental design and constructon
Be a fully owned community asset.
With the build scheduled for completion early in 2024 NEA has set up a welcome cabin in front of the site to ensure local residents can find out more about the build, join up as NEA members (htps://northedinburgharts.co.uk//membership/) and share their aspiratons for the space.
The refurbished, redesigned and expanded venue will be a welcome space for all, ofering local residents high quality culture, arts, enterprise and meetng spaces. In additon, our venue will link, on site, to the city council’s new Library, new Learning and Skills Hub, new Early Years Centre and social housing.
Lesley Hinds, Chair of North Edinburgh Arts said: ‘North Edinburgh Arts is delighted to receive funding from Community Ownership Fund.
This funding from the Westminster Government shows the confidence they have in NEA and its future in the expanded facilities at MacMillan Hub.’
For more information, visit northedinburgharts.co.uk/development/
WHAT HAPPENED HERE: Films screening at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre
RECALLING THE EXPERIENCES OF DURHAM WOMEN DURING THE MINERS STRIKE
NORTH Edinburgh Arts are excited to be working with Transgressive North to host two screening events at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre as part of The Folk Film Gathering!
On Monday 12th June at 6pm we have the pleasure of hosting the Amber Collective for the Scottish premiere of their dynamic tribute to the women of East Durham, who kept their communities afloat during the Mining Strike of the 1980s.
A powerful story of resilience, solidarity and survivorship – Amber Collective’s remarkable film (screened here along with the Scottish premiere of their latest short film) is a moving testament to enduring community.
The film willl be followed by a discussion with the filmmakers.
Book your FREE spot here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/…/amber-collective-screening…
A double-screening event of the Amber Collective’s 2021 feature doc WHAT HAPPENED HERE, alongside their 2022 film STILL HERE.
Monday, June 12 · 6 – 8:30pm. Amber’s remarkable film (screened here along with the Scottish premiere of the Collective’s latest short film) is a moving testament to enduring community.
The film willl be followed by a discussion with the filmmakers.
Book now:
https://www.eventbrite.com/…/amber-collective-screening…
Granton Voices: Granton Primary School films at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre
#GrantonVoices partnership with North Edinburgh Arts.
SATURDAY 7th JUNE 1 – 3pm at WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
A special afternoon of films made by the children of Granton Primary over half a decade: a remarkable body of work exploring the impacts of racism, homophobia, and experiences of immigration, as well as what happens when you sleep in past the school bell.
Join us for a special afternoon of films made by the children of Granton Primary School over half a decade: a remarkable body of work exploring the impacts of racism, homophobia, and experiences of immigration, as well as what happens when you sleep in past the school bell!
Moving, poignant, hilarious and full of life, witness Granton through the eyes of some of Edinburgh’s most exciting young filmmakers.
#GrantonVoices
Community Shed re-opens … in Drylaw
The North Edinburgh Arts Community Shed has finally reopened its doors after a 3 month hiatus. The Shed will now operate from Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre until the new North Edinburgh Arts building opens early next year.
The shedders created their new home by converting what was previously Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre’s minibus garage into a fantastic new workspace.
North Edinburgh Arts chairperson Lesley Hinds said: “The Shed is a welcoming, safe space where people living in North Edinburgh can come to make or mend stuff using recycled wood. We aim to be a fun space where our members can meet new people, learn new skills, and feel supported to realize their creative ambitions.
“We believe that when we work together we can achieve almost anything. Our limitation is our imagination!”
Community Shed Manager Rik Hodgson explained: “We are delighted to be finally reopening and to be getting back to the bread and butter of what we do – which is making and mending in Muir … ehhh, Drylaw!
“I don’t think any of us were particularly excited about operating for a year in this garage – just two months ago it was full of rubbish, was dark, dingy, damp, dreary, and tiny.
“It was hard to envisage us operating out of it, having luxuriated in the space at the old Co-op (on Pennywell Road), we moved from a Tardis into a phonebox!
“Each day of the build involved dragging large sheets of plasterboard, sterling board, MDF in and out of the garage and the shipping container prior to being able to do anything constructive. And then at the end of the day, the items we hadn’t used had to be put back.
“Most of this board has been used to line the garage and the shipping container to give us insulation and something to hang our tools on and put up our work benches.
“All the wood used in the build was recycled and, apart from a few tools we have bought nothing for this build.
“I would like to express my massive thanks to both the staff but in particular our truly awesome volunteers who, without their help, this build would never have happened.
“I would like to personally thank Alex, Andy, Bob, Bob, Dee, and Stuart who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our new temporary home is as welcoming as it is. Other volunteers have come along and been supportive but these six in particular have been coming almost daily to help us transform this garage into a workshop.
“Can I ask you to put your hands together and clap these six people for their work. I have put them forward for the team volunteering award 2023 and no mistake they deserve to win it! Hopefully the judges will look at the photos of the before and after of this transformation and recognise their enormous endeavours.”
Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre (DNC) is also excited to announce a partnership with Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) to provide the following activities:
Sustainable Cooking:
Looking to spice up your kitchen skills? Come join our sustainable cooking sessions to learn new techniques and create delicious meals while making the most out of your ingredients. You can save money while eating well. The sessions will be held on May 8th and 22nd from 5pm to 8pm at DNC. To book your spot, email shana@elrec.org.uk.
Cycling Club:
Want to join a cycling club? Here’s your chance! DNC and ELREC are hosting a cycling club every other Thursday at DNC. It’s completely free! You can email cfc@elrec.org.uk to book your place. Here’s what you can expect:
Cycle Rides: Join us for our weekly flat cycle path rides. Everyone is welcome, including children under adult supervision. Bring your own bike, helmet, water, packed lunch, sunscreen, and waterproofs. To learn more about dates and times, email cfc@elrec.org.uk. Bikes and equipment are also available on request.
Drop-In Bike Repair: From 2pm to 4pm, join our drop-in bike repair service and learn how to fix your bike. Our experienced mechanics will guide you, whether you need to fix a flat tire or overhaul your entire bike.
Electric Bike Library: Lastly, check out our e-bike library and loan one of our top-of-the-line e-bikes for just £10 per week! Explore the city with ease and comfort, while reducing your carbon footprint. To request an e-bike, email cfc@elrec.org.uk (first come, first served).
North Edinburgh Arts recruiting two Link Up development workers
Please see details attached for two new posts we are recruiting, Link Up community development workers, 12hpw and 35 hpw fixed term to March 2026.
I would be grateful if you could share these widely amongst your networks, freelance colleagues, and participants to ensure as wide a constituency as possible is aware of the roles.
With thanks in advance
ROOTED in COMMUNITY
ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS FROM NORTH EDINBURGH AND WESTER HAILES
29th – 30th April 2023, 11am – 6pm (daily)
Opening event: Friday 28th April, 6pm – 9pm
Venue: Granton Hub (Madelvic House, Granton Park Avenue, Edinburgh EH5 1HS)
Join us for ’Rooted in Community: Artistic Expressions from North Edinburgh and Wester Hailes’, an exhibition showcasing the work of local artists as part of Create Community Wealth – a collaborative community wealth building project, delivered in partnership between WHALE Arts, North Edinburgh Arts, SCOREscotland and Passion4Fusion.
The project aims to support local people living in North Edinburgh and Wester Hailes to explore their creative and enterprising ideas, to tackle social exclusion and improve wellbeing and local economic prospects through creativity.
The exhibition, ‘Rooted in Community’, is a celebration of community and diversity, highlighting the unique experiences and diverse cultures of people living in North Edinburgh and Wester Hailes.
Through their work, the artists explore themes such as community, identity, grief and mental health, inviting us to reflect on our own experiences and engage with the world around us.
From colourful paintings to representative photography, sculpture, portraits and pencil drawings, we invite you to take a journey through the works on display, each one telling a different story about life in North Edinburgh and Wester Hailes.
Through their art, these talented individuals demonstrate the power of community and the importance of self-expression.
For many of the artists featured, this is their first exhibition, and the Create Community Wealth team are delighted to support them in showcasing their work publicly.
The exhibition is a testament to the importance and power of community, providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent and connect with a wider audience.
As we come together to celebrate the creativity and diversity of our community, we hope that this exhibition will inspire us to continue to support and uplift one another, as we work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.
We hope you’ll be able to come along!
A First for Scotland: Floating solar panels to launch this year
Array currently tested before deployment this year
Scotland’s first array of floating solar panels will be installed this year as part of a move to generate renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.
First Minister Humza Yousaf toured the manufacturing facility of Nova Innovation in Leith yesterday where the panels are being tested before their launch.
The company installed the world’s first offshore tidal turbine array in Shetland in 2016 and subsequently received £6.4 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank in September 2021 to boost production of innovative renewable energy generators.
It has since established project sites in Canada, France and Indonesia. Its floating solar panels build on its expertise in tidal energy and an official launch of the installation will take place later this year with a multi-megawatt international order already in the pipeline.
The First Minister said: “These panels give a fascinating glimpse into the opportunities for Scotland’s future energy system and are the first step towards harnessing our significant potential for floating solar.
“The investment by the Scottish National Investment Bank in Nova Innovation helped expand its manufacturing base here in Leith and aligned strongly with the Scottish Government’s priority of supporting innovative technology that will help us achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045.
“Scotland is already one of the most advanced hubs in Europe for the testing and demonstration of marine energy technology and I look forward to seeing where the panels will be launched in the near future.”
Chief Executive of Nova Innovation Simon Forrest said: “With record-high energy prices and growing concerns over security of supply, there is an immediate need for Scotland to focus on homegrown energy from our abundant natural resources.
“Scotland is at the heart of the tidal energy revolution and Nova continues to lead the sector with proven technology and unrivalled reliability. With the addition of floating solar to our portfolio, we are ideally placed to help drive the race to Net Zero.
“We were honoured to welcome the First Minister to discuss the economic benefits, job creation opportunities and the part Scotland can play in the global supply for renewable energy.”