North Edinburgh News – Page 3502 – The NEN

Celebrate Older People’s Day at Active Ageing event

To celebrate International Older People’s Day, come along a fun-filled afternoon at Meadowbank Sports Centre tomorrow (Thursday 1 October from 12.30 – 4pm).

Organised by Edinburgh Leisure, experience a great afternoon with exciting stalls, energetic and toe-tapping demonstrations, and take a partner for a fun-filled tea dance!

Active Aging – 50 years and beyond. Event 1^st October 2015

Last chance to comment on SESplan Main Issues Report

A public consultation into how the future of Edinburgh and the South East of Scotland should be shaped closes tomorrow.

Anyone interested in commenting on the Main Issues Report, which will be used to develop plans to accommodate the area’s future growth, have until the consultation ends on 30 September.

Feedback received will help identify people’s key issues and priorities and will be used to form a strategic development plan for the area. This will inform the Local Development Plan for each local authority area in the region, focusing on long-term strategic level planning matters such as housing, economic growth, green networks and infrastructure.

Councillor Ian Perry, Chair of the SESplan Committee, said: “The South East of Scotland faces serious challenges as a result of population increases and projected future growth. It is vital that we plan now to make sure we have adequate housing and infrastructure, while protecting the environment.

“This means that we have to think creatively and innovatively to find solutions that will help ensure the continued success and growth of the area.

“The response we have received from local residents so far has been very encouraging but there is still plenty of time to have their views heard. Their comments will help us to make decisions that play a vital role in shaping the future of the region.”

Comment on the consultation through the SESplan website.

‘Amazing’ public response to refugee appeal

Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf was in Glasgow yesterday to support volunteers loading an aid lorry with urgent materials and supplies for refugees in the Balkans. The Minister praised Scots’ ‘amazing’ response to the humanitarian emergency.

The truck leaves Scotland later this week and will travel 1, 660 miles, bound for Novi Sad in the Balkans, where it will be received by the Red Cross and other NGOs working to aid refugees. It’s estimated materials and supplies will begin arriving at the regional aid hub in as little as 72 hours after departing Glasgow.

16 tonnes of warm winter clothing and ‘Soapaid’ hygiene bars have been kindly donated by the Scottish public to Glasgow The Caring City since the humanitarian crisis began. The soap can combat five of the seven main waterborne diseases.

Mr Yousaf said: “We have been overwhelmed with practical offers of support from people across Scotland who want to help alleviate the suffering of vulnerable people caught up in this humanitarian emergency. Scotland’s response has been amazing so far.

“The work of the refugee task force is well underway. Scotland stands ready to give the very best of Scottish welcomes to the refugees who are fleeing their homes and seeking protection, safety and security but we’re urging the UK Government to do more now and help those in need on mainland Europe.

“The Scottish Government has reiterated its support, making it clear to the UK Government that we will take a proportionate share of the numbers who come to the UK.”

Reverend Neil Galbraith from Glasgow The Caring City said: “Structuring a humanitarian response which meets the needs of people fleeing the most distressing circumstances of violence and conflict, is a skilled and professional tasks. Glasgow the Caring City charity leads from the front at times such as this. We are the conduit between the goodwill of the people of Scotland and those seeking refuge in times of crisis.

“Our people on the ground in Serbia and senior staff in Scotland are coordinating an aid distribution program which links with local statutory agencies, The Red Cross and other NGO’s to ensure that we effectively contribute to a situation which is ever changing in nature and scale with each passing day.

“Glasgow’s charity is matching the goodwill of the Scottish people with the needs of those in their greatest hours of need. Our aid will be sustained and will cover a large geographical area including Serbia, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia and northern Greece but vitally, it is coordinated by our staff on the ground and highly experienced partner agencies.”

People who wish to donate to the crisis are being asked to raise money so that it can be deployed through charities to reach those most in need.

Members of the public are also being encouraged to visit the Scottish Government’s dedicated website: www.scotlandwelcomesrefugees.scot

Two grand in two months: Sainsburys’ super support for charity partner

This year Sainsbury’s Blackhall have chosen Meningitis Research foundation as their charity of the year. Colleagues and customers have been really getting behind this charity and have raised £2,000 in the first 2 months!

On 18 October six colleagues are taking part in an abseil from the Forth Railway bridge to raise further funds for Meningitis Research Foundation and would love colleagues and customers to come along and support us.

Pictured: Jade Walker from Sainsburys Blackhall and MRF’s Ashleigh Hunt.

Gail, Sainsburys Blackhall

Parliamentarians return to Muirhouse Community Centre

Next week sees the return of Colin Keir MSP and Michelle Thomson MP for their surgeries (writes James McGinty). Both attract large amounts of people with their general inquiries.

Colin is on the first Monday of the month whilst Michelle is on the first Friday of the month. We would encourage people to use these services.

To visit their websites click HERE for Colin and HERE for Michelle

D Mains P7s support Macmillan coffee morning – and Sainsburys gave a helping hand too

Friday 25 September was the MacMillan coffee morning and Sainsburys Blackhall went along to Davidsons Mains Primary school to support the P7 children with their coffee morning.

The P7 children did all the home baking and Sainsburys colleagues Leaanne Cairns and Gail Wilson provided the teas and coffee. Left over cakes were then sold to colleagues at Blackhall store. Over £930 has been raised so far from the coffee morning. Well done, Davidsons Mains!

Muirhouse Housing Association AGM tonight

Tonight we host the A.G.M of Muirhouse Housing association in our large hall at Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre (writes James McGinty)

The following invite comes from the Housing Association Website:

Our A.G.M is just around the corner. It will be held on Monday 28 September at 6.30pm at the Muirhouse Millennium Centre. Light refreshments will be served.

The main purpose of the meeting is to present the annual accounts and future plans for the Association. We will also be announcing the winners of the ‘Good Neighbour’ and ‘Best Garden’ contest and all attendees have a chance to win a price.

Celebrating the good stuff: city social enterprises surging ahead

Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network (ESEN) has published a report into the impact of social enterprise in the city. Titled ‘Celebrate the Good Stuff”, it’s a real good news story!

There are now more than 200 social enterprises across the city, and the report reveals that the turnover of the sector has trebled from £44 million to £120 million in two years, with 94% of the sector’s income generated from direct trading (up from 75% in 2013).

There are also 8000 people involved in social enterprises across Edinburgh – as staff, volunteers or trainees.

Commenting on the social enterprise sector boom, Emma Galloway, chair of ESEN said: “We have seen social enterprise become the model of choice for entrepreneurs who want to effect real change in the society and community. As a result of the work of the city’s social enterprises and ESEN, the Business Gateway and the City of Edinburgh Council Economic Development team, more and more people in Edinburgh are both finding out about social enterprise and making the choice to get involved.

Emma added: “New social entrepreneurs are coming from a variety of sources – universities, schools and colleges through to former sole traders wanting to operate their business with an ethical purpose at its very heart.”

The report also relates to the Social Enterprise Strategy for Edinburgh: (2013 – 2018) Enabling Enterprise as it moves into its second year of delivery. With key highlights including the “Buy the Good Stuff” marketing campaign promoting social enterprises to consumers; the running of Social in the Square, Scotland’s first social enterprise festival as well as initiatives to raise awareness of social enterprise amongst businesses including the running of social enterprise markets at the Royal Bank of Scotland’s headquarters and social enterprises being invited to speak at the Business Gateway’s monthly Growth Club events.

Susan Harkins, Business Gateway Manager, said: “The study shows the huge range of social enterprises in Edinburgh selling at least 40 different product types and services and many selling out-with the city and overseas as well. One of the vital elements to success has been the shift from public sector support to selling to consumers direct – as the social enterprise market has matured.”

Speaking at the launch of the report, Minister for Local Government and Community Empowerment Marco Biagi said: “Social enterprises play an important role in supporting communities and delivering quality services, so it’s fantastic to celebrate their success and see them grow and evolve.

“Social enterprises help to improve people’s lives, they can reform public services and give people the chance to be involved in the design and delivery of the services and decisions that affect them.

“The Scottish Government has invested heavily in developing and supporting the sector and we look forward to considering what more we can do to boost social enterprises in the future, as its work is crucial to creating a fairer and more inclusive Scotland.”

Edinburgh’s Economy Vice-Convenor, Councillor Gordon Munro, said: “Over the last year, we have been calling on the general public to think about how they shop around the city and to consider purchasing from social enterprises. It’s clear from these impressive turnover figures that our call to action is working. We have a growing number of local businesses which provide great ideas and service, create jobs and support our local economy – all of us should celebrate and show our appreciation for this exciting and entrepreneurial community.”

This study has focussed solely on organisations that meet the Social Enterprise Code and have engaged with ESEN as social enterprises or that have defined themselves as social enterprise.

Red mist rage at Red Bridge

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault on Ferry Road yesterday afternoon. The incident happened at around 2.30pm under the red footbridge near Crew Toll roundabout on Ferry Road.

A 54-year-old man was approached by another man who assaulted him following a brief altercation. The victim suffered facial injuries and was taken to St Johns Hospital, Livingston.

The suspect, who had a Husky-type dog on a lead, is described as white, of medium build and aged around 30 years old. He was wearing a grey jumper, dark grey trousers, dark coloured walking shoes and had a blue jacket tied around his waist.

He was last seen walking off in the direction of Ferry Road Gardens.

Officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their inquiries to come forward. Detective Constable Douglas Mogg said: “This was a brutal and unprovoked attack on a cyclist who was using a marked cycle path and it has left the victim injured and badly shaken.”

“We are keen to hear from anyone who saw a man meeting this description around this time or who can supply this man’s identity and they are asked to contact Police on the 101 number or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”