The Spartans Community Football Academy made an ”eggstra’ special effort to ensure that no local kids go without an egg this Easter – and the result of their community appeal was more than 300 Easter eggs!
The Academy distributed the donated Easter Eggs to a number of community groups and organisations across North Edinburgh yesterday, and they would like to thank everyone who supported the appeal.
Cracking result!
(NOTE TO SELF: make that the last of the Easter yolks jokes)
PEOPLE across Scotland are being offered a final reminder to plan ahead as part of this year’s Be Ready for Easter campaign.
With coughs and colds still common during Easter, NHS Scotland wants Scots to take a few simple steps to look after their health this month.
By knowing when their GP surgery is open, re-stocking their medicine cabinet and making sure they order any repeat prescriptions they need for themselves and those they look after ahead of Easter, people can ensure they make the most of the holiday weekend.
NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks, said: “With many GP surgeries across Scotland closed for up to four days over the Easter holiday weekend, it’s vital to plan ahead and ensure you and your family stay well this spring.
“We are advising people to keep remedies for common ailments available, to make sure they have enough medication to see them through the holidays and to know when they can get an appointment at their GP surgery.”
The four key steps that Be Ready for Easter recommends this spring are:
Restock your medicine cabinet if needed
Common ailments such as colds can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine such as pain relief, cough mixture and cold remedies. Parents are also reminded to restock their medicine cabinet with child-friendly remedies.
Use your local pharmacy
Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you need over-the-counter remedies or have run out of any prescribed medication. First aid treatments for minor accidents such as plasters and antiseptic creams can also be obtained from the pharmacy.
Make sure you have enough repeat prescription
If you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you have enough medicine to last over the holiday period.
Know when your GP surgery will be open
Your local doctor’s surgery may be closed for four days during the Easter weekend, from 18th April to 21st April.
General advice and information on how to stay healthy this Easter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.
Brighter outlook for job seekers as unemployment falls again
There have been more indications that economic recovery is gathering pace with the publication of the latest figures by the Office of National Statistics yesterday.
Unemployment has dropped below 7% for the first time since the recession and employment has seen the biggest annual jump in a generation, the latest figures show.
Unemployment fell by 77,000 in the last 3 months, taking the unemployment rate to 6.9% for the first time since 2009.
In the largest annual rise in nearly 25 years, the number of people of people in a job rose by 691,000 – more than double the population of Newcastle – bringing the record number of people in work to 30.39 million.
Wages also rose on the year by 1.7%, against yesterday’s announcement that March’s inflation had dropped to 1.6%, and job vacancies rose again, up 108,000 over the past year bringing the number of vacancies in the UK economy to 611,000.
Minister for Employment Esther McVey said: “More young people are in work, more women are in work, wages are going up, and more and more businesses are hiring – and it’s a credit to them that Britain is working again.
“But there is still more to do – which is why I’d go even further and call on more employers to work with us to tap into the talent pool the UK offers.”
In Scotland, employment levels are at their highest since records began with 2,575,000 people over 16 now employed. The employment level is now 13,000 above its pre-recession peak of 2,562,000 in 2008.
National Statistics also published yesterday by the Scottish Government showed Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.2 per cent over the fourth quarter of 2013 and increased by 1.6 per cent during 2013, the fastest annual growth since 2007.
The highest employment level record has been met by an increase in employment of 68,000 over the year, driven by an increase of 46,000 in the female employment level. The female rate of employment in Scotland is now 1.8 percentage points above the UK.
Scotland has again outperformed the UK across all headline labour market indicators, with a lower unemployment rate, higher employment rate and lower economic inactivity rate: details not missed by First Minister Alex Salmond.
Although the Scottish unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage points over the quarter, over the year it fell by 0.8 percentage points and now stands at 6.5 per cent compared to 6.9 per cent in the UK as a whole.
For the 17th consecutive month the claimant count decreased in Scotland with the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance falling by 2,400 over the month to March.
Welcoming the latest labour market figures, First Minister Alex Salmond said: “Today’s historic jobs figures show the Scottish Government’s policy of investing in infrastructure to boost the economy is making significant progress with employment levels at a record high. To put it in perspective, there are 285,000 more people in employment today than there were when the Scottish Parliament was established in 1999.
“Scotland is outperforming the UK across employment, unemployment and inactivity rates which goes to show even with the limited powers over the economy at our disposal we are improving our country’s economic health.
“Everyone aged between 16 and 19 is guaranteed an offer of a place in training or education through Opportunities for All and just this week we revealed we will create thousands of additional Modern Apprenticeship places, bringing our total target for MA’s to 30,000 every year by 2020 – double the level we inherited in 2007.
“This commitment to equipping our young people with the skills that they need will be further strengthened with the appointment of Angela Constance as Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Female Employment.”
Craigroyston Community High School’s new term kicks off on 22 April and with activities ranging from learning to play the pennywhistle to pottery or genealogy there’s something for everyone!
See below for further information – it’s never too late to learn new skills!
mmmm
The long-running saga of the Groathill Road North roundabout is over. Contractors MW Groundworks laid the last turf and put the finishing touches to the roundabout earlier this week.
“It’s good news”, said Alex Dale, chair of Drylaw Telford Community Council. “We were delighted when the city council agreed to ‘re-adopt’ the roundabout and it’s good to see the work now completed. I think the landscaping team have done a fine job and the roundabout’s looking really great.”
Community councillors spent have spent many hours discussing the controversial roundabout upgrade over the last two years, so Alex is pleased that there’s a happy ending at last.
“It will be a relief to drop the roundabout from community council agendas – it’s been a regular discussion item for such a long time and it will be good to cross it off the list and move on to new issues.”
Inverleith House is hosting an Open Weekend on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May from 10am to 5pm.
Events include talks by exhibition staff, performance, live music and special offers on limited edition exhibition catalogues and posters.
Events are free but booking is essential, so to reserve your place email
ihouse@rbge.ac.uk
Police are seeking help to find a group of young men following a racist attack on a driver in Trinity on Friday. The assault, which happened at 5.10pm in Cargil Terrace, left the 38-year-old victim with a serious facial injury.
The victim, who is originally from Zimbabwe, was first abused by the group, who were in another vehicle, and then attacked. The men are all described as being white, late teens to mid 20s and wearing jeans and casual clothing.
Police said the man had been driving his car on Granton Road when the men began shouting racist remarks from the other vehicle.
Both vehicles then travelled in the same direction into Cargil Terrace, where the altercation ended with the victim being assaulted in the street.
Det Sgt Mike Leask said: “The victim was first subjected to verbal abuse before being attacked and sustaining serious facial injuries.
“I would like to thank the witnesses that have assisted police with our inquiries and would urge any additional members of the public who witnessed the assault to contact police immediately and help us trace those responsible. In addition, anyone with any further information relevant to this investigation is also asked to get in touch.”
One man has appeared in Court and another has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal as part of the ongoing Operation Monarda initiative to tackle the scourge of bogus workmen.
A 23 year old man has been arrested, charged and appeared in court for over 40 bogus workmen offences after targeting a number of residents in Edinburgh.
In total, 14 homeowners in the Currie, Balerno and other areas in the west of the Capital were visited and over-charged for substandard work, which was carried out on their properties.
The man was identified as part of Operation Monarda – a new partnership initiative to tackle doorstep crime across Scotland.
After being detained on Tuesday, he appeared at court the following day in connection with 44 crimes and has been remanded in custody.
Police also seized a number of the man’s assets and have applied for a six-figure sum of cash to be forfeited under Proceeds of Crime legislation.
Another man, aged 47, has also been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to these offences.
Police Scotland, Trading Standards and other partner agencies are assuring the public they are committed to identifying those responsible for doorstep crime and bringing them to justice.
Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Divisional Commander of Edinburgh City Division said:
“Doorstep crime can affect anyone within our local communities, but we are aware that in particular the over 60’s can be targeted due to a perceived vulnerability.
“Those who commit such crimes, like bogus callers and rogue traders, are extremely convincing in how they approach and interact with potential victims. Anyone can be convinced by the lies these criminals create.
“If you are aware of any suspicious activity taking place at the home of a neighbour, friend or family member then please contact police immediately.”
A spokesperson from Trading Standards Scotland said: “Doorstep crime remains the number one priority for Trading Standards services in Scotland and we are committed to working with our partners to tackle this unscrupulous crime.
“Unfortunately, doorstep crime still remains vastly under reported and we strongly encourage victims, potential victims and their families and friends to report any suspicions they have immediately.”
Please report any suspicious activity to Police on 101, or your local Trading Standards department. If the person refuses to leave your door, or you feel threatened or scared – call 999 and ask for the Police.
STAFF at Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare services are reminding people to help themselves look after their health this Easter.
The dedicated staff at NHS 24’s contact centre in South Queensferry – like many other people within the health and emergency services throughout Scotland – will be working for the national telehealth service over Easter to ensure that out-of-hours care is available to those who need it when their doctors’ surgeries are closed.
The comprehensive health advice line – which includes nurse advisors, dental health, pharmacy and mental health advisors among its specialist staff –is preparing to receive thousands of calls from patients across Scotland this Easter.
Julie Hunter will be one of the nurses working at NHS 24’s South Queensferry contact centre over the Easter holiday weekend. The mother-of-two from Grangemouth combines her job at NHS 24 with bank shifts on a Cardiology ward at the Forth Valley Royal Hospital. She said: “As a nurse, I always make sure I have over-the-counter medicines at home to treat the children when they are unwell. In fact, I am always the one my neighbours call on because I am a nurse and because they know my medicine cabinet has been re-stocked for the Easter period.”
NHS 24 is working closely with all Scottish Health Boards as part of a national NHS Scotland campaign encouraging Scots, particularly parents and older people, to be prepared for Easter and advises how they can look after themselves if they catch a cough or cold.
Professor George Crooks, Medical Director at NHS 24, adds: “Easter is one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS in Scotland and we expect to be busy taking calls from patients in need at our centre in South Queensferry during the holiday break,” he said.
“For many of our callers over Easter, we will be offering self-care advice – so making sure you are prepared in advance should help many people enjoy the break.
“By taking just a few minutes to ensure that you have enough regular or repeat medication to see you through, it may prevent you and your family from becoming ill and ruining your holiday.
“We would also remind people that they have a huge range of health information available at their fingertips at www.nhsinform.co.uk “
Deal gives students greater influence in decision-making at Edinburgh College
Edinburgh College Students’ Association (ECSA) will break new ground for the further education sector in Scotland with the best funding package of its kind, under a new agreement with the college.
ECSA – which was recently named the College Students’ Association of the Year at the National Union of Students (NUS) Awards 2014 – has signed a partnership agreement with the college that will ensure it has more influence on decision making and strengthen its ability to develop and meet students’ needs.
The college is providing a new funding package for ECSA, which is the biggest for a Scottish college students’ association and will allow the association to grow sustainably. The funding will ensure ECSA’s long-term employment of a permanent manager, a professional full-time position that provides continuity and support for the elected fixed-term sabbatical officers. ECSA is the first college students’ association in Scotland to employ a permanent manager.
ECSA president Kelly Parry said: “This agreement with the college gives us the opportunity to make sure we get the best for our students. We’ve already grown in size and influence over the last two years and I am proud of everyone who has contributed to getting the organisation where it is today. The college has shown great faith in ECSA, even when we’ve held opposing views, and our partnership approach is something that I hope will be adopted across the sector.”
“We’re absolutely delighted to win the NUS award. It’s the result of the hard work of so many people – students, student officers and staff – and it’s proof that college student associations can not only work but, given the right support, thrive.”
Under the new agreement, ECSA will have a stronger voice at all decision-making levels of the college. It already has a prominent role in key college decisions and is, for example, already being consulted formally about the development of the college’s regional outcome agreement. This sets out the targets the college aims to deliver in return for its funding from the Scottish Funding Council. The college has also just appointed a second student member to its Board of Management, increasing students’ influence at the highest decision-making level.
Edinburgh College chair Ian McKay (pictured above) said: “We’re immensely proud of ECSA and this new agreement demonstrates not just our faith in them but our wish to learn from them. They’ve proven to be tireless and effective advocates for our students and we’re supporting them to continue growing and developing their distinctive voice. The Board and college management need to have a robust, healthy relationship with our students’ association where views can be aired frankly on both sides. ECSA’s willingness to confer and consult with us – and strength of character to disagree with us – is both a tribute to their maturity and expertise and the bedrock for a healthy and honest future relationship.
“We’re thrilled that ECSA won the NUS award as we work very closely with the team and know how much they do behind the scenes to benefit our students. This is very much deserved.”
Cabinet secretary for education and lifelong learning Michael Russell MSP said: “I am delighted to welcome Edinburgh College’s steps to give students a powerful voice and enhance their influence over key decisions. A central aim of our college reforms was to put students at the centre, a promise we underpinned with legislation to increase their representation on boards and requiring institutions to have students associations.
“This announcement represents yet another step forward in strengthening the voice of students and I believe the college can only benefit from listening closely to the people who matter most.”
The agreement comes following ECSA’s award as the NUS College Students’ Association of the Year, which it picked up at the 2014 annual NUS Scotland Conference. The NUS Awards judges gave the honour to ECSA for its work over the last year, which includes vice president for women Katy Nixon’s efforts leading to a win at the NUS Scotland Women’s Awards as Inspirational Woman of the Year (a category that president Kelly Parry was also nominated in), and a win at the same awards in the Achievement of the Year for being the first college in the country to appoint a full-time women’s officer.
ECSA has worked closely with the college to help develop education provision, engaged students through a range of events and campaigns, provided opportunities through volunteering placements, and introduced new societies and sports clubs at the college to cater for students’ interests.
Although the college funds ECSA and works closely with it, it does not influence its ability to act as an independent voice for students and respects its right to disagree with the college and help find positive, common ground.
