North Edinburgh News – Page 3332 – The NEN

Got time? Want a job?

The North Edinburgh News is looking for someone to help us put the paper on a secure financial footing. We would like to hear from anyone who is interested in a short-term contract to identify and contact potential advertisers and sponsors in the north Edinburgh area, who would be willing to advertise in the paper and thereby provide us with an income stream.

Previous experience is not essential, but would be useful. The main requirement is for someone who is enthusiastic, conscientious, well-organised, committed to supporting the voluntary sector and able to work on a freelance basis without close direction.

For further information, contact Martin Hinds at mhinds@blueyonder.co.uk or phone 07590 406 019

Boys’ Brigade is tops for training

The Boys’ Brigade receives credit for its top training course

King George VI Youth Leadership Training (KGVI), The Boys’ Brigade’s premier training course, is among a number of Community Learning and Development programmes (CLD) to be credit rated onto the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. The KGVI course has been rated at level seven, with 13 credit points.

Credit points are used in Scotland to give learning outcomes a currency and allow learners and employers to compare different qualifications. The number of points is based on the amount of time that an average learner should expect to take to achieve the outcome. It is also possible to transfer credit points to other programmes, such as university and college courses.

Alan Hunter, Training and Development Officer at The Boys’ Brigade said: “It is a great boost to receive this level of recognition, for a programme which has so much impact on the 17-22 year olds participating. The credit points represent significant value to those moving into further education.”

In 2012, a record 35 BB members took part in the KGVI course, which began in the 1950s in memory of King George VI. As part of the two year course, the future leaders, all aged between 17 and 21, attend two residential weeks at The Boys’ Brigade HQ at Carronvale, where they are mentored and visited by course staff members. The course includes training in child protection issues, leadership and drill as well as physical training.

Liam Boath ,21, is a current KGVI candidate and a fourth year student at Abertay University and is hoping to move on to Teacher Training. He said: “KGVI being credit rated is excellent because, it will help show to future employers, or universities, that we can learn new skills and apply them to our lives, not only to help ourselves progress, but to help those around us to be the best they can be, just like the KGVI course encourages us to be.”

Mitchell Kinnen, 17, is a sixth year pupil at Calderside Academy and is hoping to start University after the summer. He said: “Part 1 of KGVI helped me overcome a big confidence issue, which I have had since Primary School. It has helped me decide on my further education options and being able to get credit points for my uni application, is totally awesome. KGVI is an amazing experience and I have enjoyed every minute of it.”

Alison Chambers, former member of KGVI staff and Faculty Head at Moffat Academy said: “SCQF is being used more and more to measure achievement in schools, colleges and universities and now KGVI, what an achievement! Having the course on the SCQF scale allows cadets to use this as a focus point in personal statements, CV’s and job interviews. When asked about their rich KGVI experience they will now be able to say that the course is at the same level of Advanced Higher in schools or HNC in colleges. The experience of the KGVI course is very different to the experience of working towards an Advanced Higher or HNC but when it comes to a broad leveller, KGVI is up there at level 7!”

The Boys’ Brigade was founded by by Sir William Alexander Smith in Glasgow on 4 October 1883. From this one Company the BB has grown in to a worldwide movement and has worked with millions of children and young people. In Scotland, around 20,000 young people aged 5 to 18 take part in one of its 450 groups every week.

Council’s new property repair service begins next week

Owners of shared properties looking to organise repairs will be able to get help from a new Council service from Tuesday 2 April. The Shared Repairs Service will provide advice and information to owners through the process of organising repairs from finding a contractor to arranging payment. It will also signpost owners to other repair support services such as property factoring, property management agencies and mediation, and the use of legislative powers like the Tenement Management Scheme.

The Council will retain its statutory notice powers and will maintain the current 24/7 emergency service for urgent repairs.

An extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders last year identified that there is still demand for the Council to provide a project management service for more significant shared repairs. Options for this will be explored over the coming months, with a report expected to Council in about 3 months

Councillor Alasdair Rankin, Finance and Budget Convener (pictured below), said: “Maintaining the safety of Edinburgh’s properties is a concern for us all. Our aim is to find the right balance, based on the outcomes of the consultation exercise, with the Council taking a lead role in emergencies and providing support for non-urgent cases.”

From April advice and information will be available through the Council’s website, neighbourhood offices and libraries, getting in touch with the Council’s contact centre and by meeting with officers. The topics covered will include building inspections, working with neighbours, mediation, finding a contractor and arranging payment.

Cllr Rankin added: “This new service will be focused on our customers. Staff are receiving comprehensive training so that they can ensure property owners get the information and advice they need. We also know that there is demand from the public for the Council to have a bigger role in this area and we will be looking at potential options.”

The Property Conservation Service, which used statutory notices for emergency and non-emergency repairs, will cease operating from April 2013. However, work will continue to resolve outstanding complaints and to settle outstanding bills.

The new service was considered at a recent Council meeting, with councillors agreeing to a further report in the summer on options to expand the service.

Meet the Funders event in April

Meet The Funders 18 April

Is your community group looking for funding? Daft question, really – things have never been tougher for the voluntary sector. There are still some funding opportunities out there, however, and next month at the Assembly Rooms there’s a chance to meet potential sponsors.

The city council-organised Neighbourhood Partnership ‘Meet the Funders’ event takes place on Thursday 18 April from 1 – 4pm at the Assembly Rooms on George Street. An impressive group of funding providers will be exhibiting on the day, so if you’re a group looking for support this is an opportunity not to be missed. It’s completely informal and you can drop in any time – put the date in your diary now!

Money advice for free in West Pilton

Looking for free independent money advice? Then West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre is the place to be on Friday 12 April, when you can meet advisors from the Money Advice Service between 10am – 2pm.

This is an appointment-only service, so to book yours call 0131 551 3194 now!

Free Money Health Check Money Advice Poster

Bingo! Citadel play brings the ‘house’ down!

PORT OF LEITH RESIDENTS ENJOY CITADEL ARTS GROUP PERFORMANCE

Sheltered housing residents at Port of Leith’s Jameson Place and St Nicholas Court complex were entertained to an unusual play presented by Citadel Arts Group recently. ‘Bingo!’ written by retired engineer Alan Mountford, not only included a real game of the popular activity, but demonstrated how people can get quite possessive about the seat where they usually sit – especially when they are playing bingo.

The cast of Caroline MacKellar (Betty), Sharon Erskine (newcomer, Morag) and Mark Kydd (careworker and amateur bingo caller) treated the audience to afternoon of fun and entertainment.

Liz Hare, Artistic Director at Citadel Arts Group, said: “Citadel Arts Group gives older writers the chance to see their work professionally performed in a variety of settings including libraries, pubs, theatres, schools and centres for elderly people. We regularly perform for Port of Leith Housing Association residents who thoroughly enjoy our performances, but I think this was their favourite as they also got the chance to play bingo!”

Elaine Edwards, Scheme Co-ordinator at the Port of Leith Housing Association’s Jameson Place Sheltered Housing Complex, said: “Our residents had a great time. Many of them used to be keen bingo players, so it’s nice when there is something for them to relate to and get involved in.”

Centipede gets set for Big Easter Bash

The Centipede Project’s Big Easter Bash takes place on Sunday (Easter Sunday, 31 March) from 2-3.30pm at the brownfield site on Muirhouse Avenue where we did the original Hollywood-style MUIRHOUSE planting (pictured above).

It will be a great, free, fun filled day for the community – more planting, Easter egg decorating and rolling; children’s activities, community information stalls, free BBQ and hot drinks.

If any groups wants to take a stall, they can get in touch with me at centipedeproject@gmail.com

Linda Dunbar

DIY – Don’t Injure Yourself – this Easter!

DIY stands for ‘Don’t Injure Yourself’ this Easter!

As many people across Lothian prepare to make the most of the Easter holiday weekend by reaching for the tools or lawnmower, a major health campaign is urging DIY and gardening enthusiasts to be prepared. As part of the NHS Scotland Be Ready for Easter campaign, DIY and gardening enthusiasts are being urged to take care and be prepared to deal with any minor accidents before tackling those home and garden improvements.

By taking a few simple steps and knowing when their GP surgery is open, re-stocking their medicine cabinet and first aid box if needed, and using local pharmacies to seek advice and to treat any minor cuts, bumps, bruises and scrapes, any enthusiastic painters, builders and carpenters can help ensure they stay healthy this spring.

Sheena Wright, Executive Nurse Director at NHS 24, said: “Every Easter we see an increase in calls resulting from DIY accidents and we would encourage Scots to be prepared before they open the toolbox or garden shed. We are encouraging DIY enthusiasts to keep treatments for minor injuries, such as plasters and antiseptic, in the first aid box, visit their pharmacist for health advice and know when they can get an appointment at their GP surgery. With many GP surgeries closed for four days over the Easter weekend, these are a few simple steps people can take to stay healthy.”

Although many GP surgeries will be closed at Easter, some GPs will be working throughout this period supporting out of hours services across Scotland.

The key steps that Be Ready for Easter recommends this spring are:

Restock your medicine cabinet if needed

Minor injuries such as small-scale burns, scratches, knocks and cuts can often be effectively treated at home with readily available treatment such as pain relief, plasters, iodine, antiseptic cream and wipes, gauze and tape. 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.

Know when your GP surgery will be open

Your local doctor’s surgery may be closed for four days during the Easter weekend from Friday March 29 to Monday April 1.

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.

Don’t blame us for Bedroom Tax – COSLA

Don’t shoot the messenger was the clear message from Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) President Councillor David O’Neill today ahead of the welfare system changes being introduced by the Westminster coalition government on 1 April. The COSLA President said that Scottish local government was bracing itself to deal with the devastating fallout which the welfare and benefit reforms would bring.

Councillor O’Neill also expressed his anger that it would be Scotland’s Councils who would be the ones left to pick up the pieces – despite them having nothing whatsoever to do with the introduction of the controversial reforms. The COSLA President added that this legislation would have a real and long term damaging effect on many of the most vulnerable in society and put even more strain on local government services that are already creaking under pressure.

Councillor O’Neill said: “It is ironic that the first batch of these welfare and benefit reforms come into force on April fools’ day, because believe me there is nothing remotely humorous about them. Make no mistake here – no blame whatsoever can be put at the door of Scotland’s Councils for either introducing these measures or for the devastating impact that this legislation is about to have on our communities. Our role in this is to manage the consequences in the way that does the least possible damage to our communities and that will be a very, very difficult task.

“COSLA as an organisation and I as President cannot stand idly by and allow local government’s reputation and the credibility of individual councils to take the hit for this because these welfare changes are not of our doing. No part of my speaking out on this issue should be seen as a suggestion that we do not embrace change or that we do not recognise the need for some change within the current system.

He went on: “I am simply pointing out to those who will be hardest hit by these changes that it is not their local council to blame. Indeed Councils are going to be hit themselves with the double whammy of the massive increase in people seeking our help at a time of diminishing resources. Sadly, what is actually being proposed in terms of welfare reform and the damage it will do is both extreme and ill thought out. The huge damage it will do to our communities is not something that COSLA can support, and nor should others.

“The UK Government is transferring cost and responsibility for the needs of people on benefit onto local government. It is impossible for Councils to subsidise the levels of cuts people will experience but we will do everything within our power to support the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Councillor O’Neill (pictured below) concluded: “We had hoped that the Coalition Government at Westminster were willing to work with us, and listen to some of these concerns. We had hoped that they would be reasonable and consider how to prevent the negative impact of these changes on councils, services and most importantly on people. That seems not to be the case.”

Help strengthen Neighbourhood Partnerships

As you may know, Neighbourhood Partnerships across the city are being reviewed as part of the Council Governance Review. The aim of this is to strengthen and develop their role in delivering better outcomes for communities. Please could you take a few minutes to complete the following online survey to give us your views:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MM262F5

If you’d prefer a paper copy, please contact saty.kaur@edinburgh.gov.uk or 0131 469 5281.

The survey is open until 2 April 2013, and it would be great to have the views on all of you who have been involved so far in the Neighbourhood Partnership.

Elaine Lennon, Partnership Development Officer

Tel: 0131 529 5270