We’re getting ready for our wee Tea and Toast Birthday Party on the 19th June 
Come to Tea and Toast this week and have a go at screen printing!
Tomorrow: Screen printing at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
Category: North Edinburgh News
Have your say on Edinburgh housing
THE City Council want your help to shape our Local Housing Strategy 
It sets out the vision for all types of housing and housing-related services in the city for at least the next 5 years.
Share your views before 14 June:
Local care home celebrates Carers Week with holistic therapy and breakfast treats
Strachan House care home, in Blackhall, has celebrated the launch of Carers Week in style. Carers week celebrates carers both paid and unpaid for the amazing work that they do and raises awareness of the benefits and challenges of carers nationally.
Staff began their week with a celebratory breakfast provided to all carers with something delicious to start the day. Day shift and night shift came together to celebrate each other.
Staff were then treated to a range of Holistic therapies provided by the wonderful Lisa from Positive flow therapies. Staff and residents alike were given head massages, hand massages and reflexology where they felt this would be beneficial.
Strachan House has built up a great relationship with Lisa following her support assisting the loved ones of residents during difficult times and can’t wait to utilise her services throughout the home.
General Manager, Fran Fisher said: “It is important to recognise the hard work of our staff here at Strachan House.
“The staff here work tirelessly to ensure all the residents are cared for to the highest possible standard, they take everything in their stride and deserve the very best rewards from us”.
Lisa from Positive Flow therapies provides a range of holistic therapy and believes that massage is not a luxury but Self-care.
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Strachan House provides nursing and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
Scotland approves two new blood cancer drugs
Two new drugs for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have been made available by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for use on the NHS in Scotland as a third-line treatment.
Tepkinly (epcoritamab), and Columvi (glofitamab) will be available for use in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL after two or more lines of systemic therapy.
Previously, NICE approved Tepkinly and Columvi for use on the NHS in England and Wales for people with DLBCL who’s disease had not responded to at least two previous treatments.
DLBCL is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which develops in the lymphatic system. Around 5,500 people a year are diagnosed with this form of blood cancer in the UK. And for around 700 of those people, their disease won’t respond to two previous treatments.
Tepkinly is a drug, manufactured by Abbvie, while Columvi is manufactured by Roche. They are both bispecific antibodies designed to recognise and attach to the cancer cells and immune cells, so that the body’s immune system can destroy them.
Josh Hill, Blood Cancer UK’s Scottish policy officer said: “Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a type of blood cancer and while most people go into remission after standard treatment, some people can see their cancer return or stop responding to treatment.
“Today’s decision by the SMC to approve epcoritamab and glofitmab for use on the NHS in Scotland is a welcome step for many.
“Like many that experience blood cancer, people with relapsed or refractory DLBCL experience anxiety around the prospect of not responding to treatment or the cancer once again returning. Advances in bispecifics is set to be an active area of research and drug development in coming years.”
Dr Andrejs Ivanovs, consultant haematologist at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, said: “The clinical evidence from drug trials using bispecific antibodies including epcoritamab and glofitimab is positive.
“These drugs are incredibly useful as they’re available ‘off-the-shelf’ meaning drugs can be used without delay for lymphoma patients who did not have a lot of success with other treatments.
“Bispecific antibody treatments usually do not require a hospital admission and can be administered in day units and can achieve response in about 50-60% of patients. This is likely to prolong survival rates for people with blood cancer here in Scotland, and that’s exactly what people with blood cancer deserve.”
Aileen Lamb, from Edinburgh whose now in remission from blood cancer said:
“As someone who’s been through blood cancer treatment, I am thrilled that the SMC have given full approval for use of epcoritamab and glofitmab to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in Scotland.
“This is important for the whole blood cancer community and gives us hope for our future.”
Harbour Homes partners with Edinburgh Women’s Aid to provide emergency accommodation for families experiencing domestic abuse
Since January this year there has been a 38% increase on the previous year of women seeking help from Edinburgh Women’s Aid due to experiencing domestic abuse.
At the same time, the longer-term impact of the pandemic has made accommodating families in shared homes more challenging. Fear of infection, lack of personal space and the impact of lockdown on children have prompted Edinburgh Women’s Aid to review their current shared accommodation options within the city.
Edinburgh Women’s Aid approached Harbour Homes who are providing up to four two-bedroom flats to be used as emergency accommodation. Those living in the flats leased to Edinburgh Women’s Aid will receive weekly support and a safe and furnished home.
Heather Kiteley, Chief Executive at Harbour Homes said: “In 2022-23, 90% of recorded domestic abuse incidents in Scotland took place inside the home.
“We care deeply about the work Edinburgh Women’s Aid are doing to provide support and refuge to women and children affected by domestic abuse. We extend our support to Edinburgh Women’s Aid and will do all we can to assist those living in the emergency accommodation we provide.”
Karen Griffiths, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Women’s Aid said: “We are incredibly thankful to Harbour Homes for their support in leasing this emergency accommodation to us.
“The flats will provide a safe and stable environment for women and any accompanying children who are at risk of homelessness because of Domestic Abuse, whilst they are supported by Edinburgh Women’s Aid to recover.”
Football activity club funding doubles to £4 million
Support to help families on low incomes with childcare
Football clubs and trusts across Scotland will receive additional funding to boost efforts to eradicate child poverty.
In the capital, four clubs – Spartans Community Foundation, Big Hearts, Hibernian Community Foundation and Edinburgh South Community FC – will all receive substantial government support.
The Scottish Government will double its investment in the Extra Time Programme, a joint initiative with the Scottish Football Association, from £2 million to £4 million for this financial year.
The funding will support more free before and after school clubs, and holiday clubs for children from families on low incomes.
By giving around a projected 3,000 children each week free access to sport and other activities which wrap around the school day, the funding will help more parents to enter or sustain employment or training.
First Minister John Swinney made the announcement during a visit to Pollok United’s after-school activity club where he heard about the contribution innovative childcare options are making to the eradication of child poverty.
Mr Swinney said: “We know funding from the Extra Time Programme is enabling football clubs and trusts to provide really valuable childcare options, particularly for families from low-income households who are most at risk of living in poverty.
“By removing barriers to affordable and accessible childcare, we will contribute to the eradication of child poverty. I will shortly set out further views on this crucial issue in Parliament.
“At the Nethercraigs Sports Facility, I saw children enjoying a healthy snack and fun activities including arts and crafts and sports. Parents have told Pollok United the service helps with food and childcare costs, relieving pressure on stretched family budgets.
“Like many others, I will be supporting Scotland at Euro 2024 when it gets underway in Germany this week. But the Extra Time Programme is a reminder that local football clubs are supporting communities here at home – providing valuable services beyond matchday. They understand the value of that support for local families, and they are well placed to provide crucial facilities and services.”
SFA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “We are delighted to announce this additional funding in conjunction with the Scottish Government to extend the Extra Time Programme.
“The benefits have been clear to see and it’s vital that we continue to offer support for families to allow children and young people to access as much physical activity as possible.
“As well as the thousands of children who will engage with the game, clubs are often the heartbeat of their local communities and it’s just as important that we offer more opportunities for parents and carers too. This programme is a great example of how impactful the power of football can be.”
A Spartans spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be part of this delivery in North Edinburgh, supporting families in our community and providing after school and holiday clubs for young people.”
Pollok United Community Engagement and Funding Lead Deborah McCabe said: “Pollok United is delighted to be involved in this innovative Scottish Government and SFA collaboration.
“It has enabled us to provide a service that not only supports families during this cost of living crisis by offering free childcare provision, it also demonstrates that grassroots football organisations are well placed to deliver successful wider socio-economic support within communities, resulting in meaningful outcomes for those involved.”
EXTRA TIME funding:
| Club | Region | Project Budget |
| Aberdeen FC Community Trust | North | £108,600.00 |
| Broxburn United Sports Club | South East | £149,700.00 |
| Celtic FC Foundation | West | £84,608.00 |
| Dundee United Community Trust | East | £89,130.00 |
| Dundee United Sports Club 1984 | East | £143,136.20 |
| Dundee West Community Trust | East | £104,010.00 |
| Edinburgh South Community FC | South East | £135,000.00 |
| Falkirk Community Football Foundation | Central | £149,884.34 |
| Glenrothes Strollers Community FC | East | £134,335.00 |
| Heart of Midlothian Football Club | South East | £158,250.60 |
| Hibernian Community Foundation Ltd | South East | £149,844.00 |
| Inverness CT Community Development | North | £250,772.00 |
| Montrose Community Trust | East | £100,185.00 |
| Morton in the Community | West | £82,946.25 |
| Motherwell FC Community Trust | Central | £120,066.50 |
| North Kelvin Sports Development Group | West | £131,214.00 |
| Partick Thistle Charitable Trust | West | £183,238.47 |
| Pollok United | West | £61,610.00 |
| Queen of the South Community Trust | South West | £112,000.00 |
| Queens Park FC Foundation | West | £79,218.40 |
| Rangers Charity Foundation | West | £126,289.00 |
| Spartans Community Foundation | South East | £178,544.00 |
| St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation | West | £151,300.00 |
| Wasp Community Club | Central | £110,811.00 |
| The Killie Community | South West | £53,923.45 |
| Ayr United | South West | £226,630.00 |
| Blantyre Soccer Academy | South West | £126,220.00 |
| Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise | South West | £31,000.00 |
| Inverkeithing Hillhead Swifts / Blairgowrie and Rattray | East | £80,000 |
| Ross County | North | £55,384.10 |
Letter: Don’t leave Scotland behind on animal welfare
Dear Editor
TODAY (10th June) an important new cat welfare law will come into effect – but only for pet cats in England. This new legislation will mean all pet cats in England must be microchipped, ensuring they have the best possible chance to be reunited with their owners if they go missing or are injured.
Cats Protection is campaigning to make sure cats in Scotland are not left behind on this important feline welfare issue. Figures from our Cats and Their Stats report 2023 shows over a quarter of cats in Scotland – around 240,000 – are currently not microchipped.
This means that if they become lost they may never be returned home, and their owners may never know what has happened to them. It also puts a strain on Scottish animal charities, who may end up rehoming stray cats because they’re unable to trace their owner.
Animal welfare is a devolved issue, and we’re urging the Scottish Government to take action to introduce compulsory microchipping of pet cats. In addition to the new law for cats in England, microchipping has been compulsory for dogs in Scotland since 2016.
As a nation of animal lovers, we must ensure that animal welfare standards in Scotland keep up with the rest of the UK.
To find out how to support our campaign, please visit cats.org.uk/campaigning
Yours sincerely
Alice Palombo
Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Scotland
Fort Kinnaird hosts storytelling events at local schools
New report reveals reading for enjoyment is at it’s lowest in nearly 20 years
More than 190 Edinburgh children have taken part in storytelling sessions designed to inspire a love of reading, as new research reveals that reading for enjoyment among 8 – 18-year-olds in the UK is at its lowest since 2005 – for almost two decades.
According to the National Literacy Trust, reading for enjoyment is proven to build a child’s confidence as well as make them feel happy and relaxed, yet only 41.5% of children and young people from Scotland say they enjoy reading in their free time.
The events have been organised by Fort Kinnaird as part of the Young Readers Programme, an award-winning initiative between its co-owner British Land and the National Literacy Trust, that aims to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.
Children from Castleview, Niddrie Mill, and Brunstane primary schools enjoyed a performance from a professional storyteller and took part in a range of fun activities including a bookmark making workshop. Each child was also given a book of their choice to take home for free, the third book this year gifted as part of the wider programme.
2024 marks the thirteenth year of British Land’s partnership with the National Literacy Trust, and since the programme launched at Fort Kinnaird, it has supported more than 2,700 school children and seen more than 8,200 books donated across Edinburgh.
The Young Readers Programme is especially designed to provide additional support and help with the development of children in under privileged areas by giving them better access to books.
The National Literacy Trust research revealed that fewer young people who received free school meals (FSM) said they enjoyed reading when compared to their peers who did not receive free school meals (39.5% FSM vs 43.8% non-FSM).
Liam Smith, centre manager at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Supporting our community is at the heart of what we do, so we are incredibly proud of the Young Readers Programme and all the local children and families we have been able to support over many years.
“It’s such a rewarding initiative, hearing how the children are inspired by the stories and activities and seeing just how excited they are to take their own book home. This is a programme that really makes a difference and we’re so pleased to be a part of it for another brilliant year.”
Martin Galway, Head of School Programmes at the National Literacy Trust, said: “Sparking a love of reading can change a child’s life. It can inspire children’s imagination, provide comfort and escape, build confidence, and support improved literacy skills which are the foundation for all learning.
“Through the Young Readers Programme, we have partnered with British Land for the last 13 years – giving children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience enchanting storytelling events, and to choose and keep books that speak to their interests and passions.
“Our goal is to inspire a love of books and reading that will stay with them forever, which in turn will provide them with essential literacy and life skills they need to succeed and reach their own goals.”
Mum to climb Pentland Skyline to raise funds for Childline in memory of her daughter
A mum whose teenage daughter died by suicide after viewing harmful content online plans to walk the Pentland Skyline in Scotland this Saturday (June 15) to raise money for Childline.
Ruth Moss (52), a nurse from Edinburgh, is raising money for the NSPCC-run counselling service, which supported her daughter Sophie several times before she died.
Sophie died in 2014 aged 13 after she watched harmful content online, including material that glorified suicide.
She struggled with her mental health throughout her teenage years, and Ruth encouraged her to contact Childline when she was feeling very low or suicidal so that she could talk to someone, in confidence, who was professionally trained and independent from family and teachers.
Despite living with the grief of losing her daughter, Ruth is determined to bring about something positive from her tragedy by raising money for the free counselling service, which is available to young people up to the age of 19, 24 hours a day, all year round.
Ruth, who plans to complete the 16-mile route with a 5,577 ft climb with her husband Craig and two friends, said: “This walk feels like a positive way of marking a tragic event. It’s happened to us, there’s nothing we can do to change that.
“But it’s comforting to know I’m helping other young people who may be struggling with their mental health in the same way that Sophie was, and it helps to keep her memory alive, which is hugely important to me.
“When you lose a child you are always wondering what they’d be doing now. I’ve watched some of her friends grow up into beautiful young women and men.
“Sophie would have turned 24 this month and I am thinking she would probably have finished university, she might have a job, where would she be living? There’s a whole future that didn’t happen for Sophie.
“I want to do something to help prevent another family from losing a child in such a tragic way.”
In 2022/23, Childline delivered 105,366 counselling sessions with children across the UK where the child’s main concern was mental or emotional health, suicide or self-harm.
Ruth said: “Sophie used Childline for quite some time and while the outcome for her was tragic the service provided her with comfort, and I am so grateful to them for being there for her.”
To support Ruth visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ruth-moss-1710585841103
Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk.
Childline is there for all young people up until their 19th birthday. Call the police on 999 if you suspect someone is in immediate danger.
Vue invites film fans to head back to 1999 this summer
This summer Vue is turning back the clock to 1999 by screening seven iconic films from the 20th century’s final year.
With mind-boggling sci-fis, classic teen comedies and animated favourites heading back to the big screen, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy.
Ahead of its time and spawning not one but three sequels, The Matrix will be returning from 8 June. The brainchild of the Wachowskis, it’s hard to believe we were first introduced to Neo and his followers 25 years ago.
Another blockbuster (sand)storming back onto the big screen this summer is The Mummy. Arriving from 6 July, travel back to 1920s Egypt as English librarian Evie, her trickster brother Jonathan and hunky guide Rick accidently unleash a curse which had been laid on the dead High Priest Imhotep for centuries.
Arguably one of the most quotable films in movie history, American Pie is also celebrating its 25th birthday this year. The ultimate teen movie, starring the iconic Jennifer Coolidge as Stiffler’s mum, will be gracing Vue from 19 July.
One for the family, Toy Story 2 will be flying back onto screens from 20 July. In Pixar’s classic sequel Buzz and his friends vow to rescue Woody, who finds himself stolen by a toy collector, only to discover the idea of immortality in a museum tempting…
Also returning to the big screen will be sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest (from 21 June) starring Sigourney Weaver, classic rom-com She’s All That (from 29 June) starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and action thriller Deep Blue Sea (from 26 July) starring Samuel L Jackson.
Toby Bradon, general manager at Vue UK & Ireland, said: “Here at Vue we pride ourselves on screening so much more than just blockbusters, as our latest Back on the Big Screen season shows.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since these classic films were first released. We’re thrilled to be sharing them on the big screen, the way they were meant to be seen.”
For more information or to book tickets visit www.myvue.com
Full listings
The Matrix – From 8 June
Galaxy Quest – From 21 June
She’s All That – From 29 June
The Mummy – From 6 July
American Pie – From 19 July
Toy Story 2 – From20 July
Deep Blue Sea – From26 July