Category: North Edinburgh News

Locals urged to help families this Christmas by donating decorations and treats

The Leith Collective launches Christmas tree and festive food exchange

As the temperature drops and heating bills rise, many families across Edinburgh are facing a crisis this Christmas.

The choice between heating and eating is an all too real dilemma for many, which means this Christmas will be one of sacrifices and shortages for those struggling to make ends meet. However, one local Community Interest Company is working hard to ensure those in need can still experience the spirit of Christmas. 

Friday 1st December will see The Leith Collective launch its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its four Scottish stores. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics.

Non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats are also being accepted. Because it’s the little things that can make all the difference and lift the spirits of families in need at this time of year. 

All items will be available for anyone to collect at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal, and Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked. 

The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains why the Christmas tree and festive food exchange is so necessary; “We’ve heard a lot of talk this year about people ‘feeling the pinch’ of rising costs, but from what I’ve seen, that’s a massive understatement.

“There are people genuinely struggling to survive. Christmas is a time for giving, and the gift of a Christmas tree, some decorations and a few treats to a family that has nothing is a lovely way to show them that they matter, that they are not forgotten, and that they too deserve to be included in the magic of Christmas”.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “The Leith Collective works hard all year round to support our local community. We saw first-hand just how needed the free school uniform exchange was in the summer and the impact it made to local families – and the festive season will be no different.

“Many of us have Christmas decorations we no longer use which could make another family’s festive season really special. I’d like to thank our visitors for their ongoing support towards these initiatives and ask that they donate what they can to The Leith Collective this Christmas.”

Christmas trees, decorations and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal, St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort during opening hours.

It is hoped that by hosting the Christmas tree and festive food exchange in these accessible locations, those that have can help those that don’t, which is after all what Christmas is all about.

Celebrity duo Scarlette and Stuart Douglas Double The Love with Mary’s Meals

Donations made to Mary’s Meals this winter will be matched, up to £1 million

TV stars and siblings, Scarlette and Stuart Douglas, are encouraging people across Scotland to support Mary’s Meals’ new appeal, Double The Love.  

From 22 November 2023 to 22 January 2024, all donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to a total of £1 million.

Funds raised will help to provide nutritious school meals for children in some of the world’s poorest countries including Malawi, Haiti and South Sudan.  

Popular double act Scarlette and Stuart are celebrating the launch of the campaign, which is a cause close to their hearts. Mary’s Meals, which was founded in a shed in Argyll, currently feeds more than 2.4 million hungry children every school day. The promise of a meal attracts these children into the classroom, so that instead of working or looking for food, they have the energy to learn.  

Scarlette, a campmate on the 2022 series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, says: “Stuart and I are so impressed by the incredible work of Mary’s Meals. To serve a daily school meal to 2.4 million children is an amazing feat, as is the fact that Mary’s Meals can feed a child for a whole school year for just £19.15. 

“And with Double The Love, £19.15 will feed two children for a school year, so there’s never been a better time to donate!” 

Stuart, who hosts Channel 4’s Worst House on the Street with Scarlette, added: “I have four children, so Mary’s Meals’ work resonates greatly with me; no child should go hungry. Mary’s Meals provides a daily school meal alongside an education, which is so important to give children a chance at a brighter future. 

“Double The Love gives everyone who donates the opportunity to have their kindness reach even more hungry children with Mary’s Meals, and that’s something we should all get behind!” 

Matt Barlow, Executive Director of Mary’s Meals, says: “Scarlette and Stuart know a thing or two about being a great double act, so I’m really grateful to them for backing our Double The Love appeal! 

“Mary’s Meals is built on so many little acts of kindness – from those volunteers in our programme countries who rise with the sun to cook and serve Mary’s Meals to their children, to those in the Scotland who support our work in so many incredible ways. By donating to Mary’s Meals this winter, your kindness can go even further in helping us to reach the next hungry child waiting for our nutritious school meals.” 

Double The Love runs until 22 January 2024. For more information please visit marysmeals.org.uk/double 

Fanta and Jebbah’s story 

Like Scarlette and Stuart, Fanta and Jebbah are a great double act. 

Fanta, 15, and Jebbah, 14, are best friends who met when they started to attend Quadafi School in Liberia. The girls are in sixth grade and are inseparable both in and outside of school. They dream of becoming doctors and helping people in their community, inspired by their mothers, both of whom are nurses. 

Every day, the girls walk for an hour to get to school on an empty stomach. When they arrive, they most often feel tired and sleepy because of the long distance they have walked. But after eating their portion of Mary’s Meals, the girls have the energy to learn and enjoy school with their classmates. 

Thanks to Mary’s Meals’ incredible supporters, Fanta and Jebbah are able to gain an education and work toward their dreams of a future where they can help to lift their community out of poverty. 

Letter: Increase in school violence is no surprise

Dear Editor

The annual survey from the EIS teaching union, highlighting the scale of violence in our schools, should come as no surprise.

Just under two-thirds of those teachers surveyed said there were daily incidents of pupil-on-teacher violence or aggression in their school, and these had significantly increased over the last four years. Many of these incidents are linked to pupils with additional support needs (ASN), with numbers more than doubling since 2012, and now amounting to more than a third of children, who are also experiencing an increasing complexity of need. These numbers have been exacerbated by the traumatic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost- of-living crisis, with us also facing a mental health emergency.

However, this is set against a background of acute under-resourcing to support their needs, with the number of specialist ASN teachers falling by 546 between 2012 and 2022 as just one example.

Additional funding is desperately needed to increase the support available to those with ASN, including specialist teachers, teaching assistants, mental health professionals and educational psychologists.

While we support the principle of mainstreaming, that all children be taught in mainstream classes unless exceptional circumstances apply, this has never been properly resourced. Those with ASN are therefore frequently being inadequately supported, which is also impacting on other pupils.

Violence against any member of school staff or another pupil is never acceptable, and it is critical that with the Scottish Budget being published next month, our schools are given the necessary resources to ensure that they are safe places in which to work and to learn.

Yours faithfully

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:

Kenny Graham, Falkland House School

Lynn Bell, LOVE Learning

Stephen McGhee, Spark of Genius

Niall Kelly, Young Foundations

42 Charlotte Square

Edinburgh EH2 4HQ

Tel: 0131 603 8996

Charity creates Magical Moments this Christmas

Right There, a charity which helps prevent homelessness, has launched ‘Magical Moments’, a festive campaign to give people going through hard times, special moments at Christmas and beyond.

Tapping into the real magic of Christmas, ‘Magical Moments’ hopes to spread the message of goodwill and community kindness through a series of festive fun experiences for the children and adults being supported, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, and Orkney. 

Every year the charity supports around 4,000 children, adults and families who are experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.  Providing one-to-one tailored support, Right There offers safe places to live, along with emotional and practical help – from mentoring to housing advice and support in the community. 

By creating ‘Magical Moments’, the charity is asking members of the public to give a gift that will last far beyond Christmas. By donating to Right There via its online campaign at rightthere.org, everyone has the opportunity to change someone’s life for the better.  

Right There Chief Executive, Janet Haugh said: “Christmas is a time for family, friends and exchanging gifts, but sadly this is far from the reality for some of the people we support who are living with the effects of homelessness, poverty, or have been separated from their families.

“Every day our dedicated teams help people create life-changing moments in their lives. Be that a young person from care having a mentor to help achieve their goals or supporting an adult with a safe place to live so they can move on from the trauma of homelessness.

“The festive period can be an extremely challenging time for those without a safe place to call home, but we hope ‘Magical Moments’ will spread the magic of Christmas and enable people to create a lasting legacy that will help those who need it the most all year round.”

14 year old Rhianna experienced homelessness for six months after her grandmother passed away. The trauma from this had a significant impact on her attendance at school and resulted in conflict at home with her parents. 

Since getting support from Right There things have started to change with Rhianna now attending school again and having the confidence and awareness of how to manage her behaviour in a positive way.

Rhianna’s step-mum Chloe said: “My magical moment is seeing Rhianna brighter after the help from Right There, I am seeing her confidence grow.

“She’s becoming more independent and it’s so good to see her happy and enjoying school.”

To find out more about the Magical Moments campaign visit righthere.org or follow ‘Right There Org’ on social media.

Janet Haugh added: “Without giving too much away, you can expect musical performances, Santa’s grotto, festive feasts, giant crackers and much more.”

Local councillors across Scotland awarded in annual showcase of the best of local government

NO EDINBURGH COUNCILLORS MAKE THE SHORTLIST

LGIU Scotland and CCLA were proud to unveil the winners of the 2023 Cllr Awards; the only national awards ceremony to celebrate the vital work of local councillors across Scotland.

At Edinburgh’s City Chambers, the top prize of the night, Leader of the Year, went to Cllr John Alexander of Dundee City Council.

Cllr Ruairi Kelly of Glasgow City Council walked away with the Community Champion prize and Cllr Heather Woodbridge of Orkney Islands Council claimed Resilience Champion.

Cllr Dan Hutchison, of Glasgow City Council, went home with Young Councillor of the Year while Cllr Helen Wright from Dundee City Council was awarded Lifetime Legend for her service.

Winners triumphed over nearly 100 nominations across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors. The Cllr Awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally as their work can, all too often, go unrecognised. Read more about the winners here. 

The Cllr Awards judging panel was made up of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors across Scotland and are only made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland said: “In the face of unprecedented domestic and global challenges over the last year, councillors nationwide have once again exhibited unwavering dedication to serving their constituents.

“Tonight’s winners show the remarkable contributions local councillors make to their communities and we at LGIU Scotland are dedicated to celebrating these achievements that genuinely improve the lives of local residents. 

“As councils continue to deliver essential services like social care and housing amid a cost of living crisis, these awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally. I extend heartfelt congratulations to all the Cllr Awards winners this evening. We applaud you for your dedication.”

Minister for Local Government Empowerment, Joe FitzPatrick MSP said: “As someone who was previously a councillor, I recognise the important role councils play in delivering vital frontline services for our communities.

“Every councillor nominated for these awards exemplifies this spirit of public service and I congratulate them all.

It is crucial the Scottish Government works in partnership with local government to achieve the best possible outcomes for people. This approach, which is built on mutual trust and respect, is particularly important as we work to help people through the current cost crisis.”

Scots encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign

For 12 days in the lead up to Christmas the specialist financial services group is giving £1,000 to ten charities each day – with 120 charities in total benefitting from a festive financial boost.

Nominations are now open and Scotland residents are being encouraged to nominate a cause they care about to give them a chance of receiving a share of the award money.

Draws will take place every weekday between 1st – 18th December and nominating is easy using the online form at www.movementforgood.com. Winners are drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.

Last year more than 17,700 people from across Scotland nominated good causes to receive an award, resulting in 12 charities landing donations.

Emma Razi, Head of Fundraising, at SCOTLAND: The Big Picture who benefitted from £1,000 last year, said: “We were thrilled to receive £1,000 via the 12 Days of Giving campaign. This supported our work to make more rewilding happen across Scotland – benefiting nature, climate and people.”

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We’re delighted to be giving away another £120,000 in valuable donations to causes around the country. We know that charities across the country are struggling, and for many the festive season is a critical time. We’re asking residents to take a few minutes of their time to nominate a cause they especially care about.

“Benefact Group is the third largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

Benefact Group has donated over £200million to charitable causes since 2014 and has been recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK[1]. The organisation aims to reach £250million in donations by 2025.

Earlier this year, 300 £1,000 awards were donated followed by £480,000 of larger grants in October. 

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Holyrood: Autumn Statement benefit changes ‘deeply concerning’

Social Justice Secretary writes to DWP on work capability announcements

Changes to work capability assessments announced in the Autumn Statement are ‘deeply concerning’ and could mean people receive less support based on a change of criteria rather than a change in their health, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said.

Writing to DWP Secretary Mel Stride, Ms Somerville highlighted how the Scottish Government has taken a different approach with its social security system being based on treating people with fairness, dignity and respect.

Ms Somerville said: “I remain deeply concerned about the changes to the activities and descriptors for ‘getting about’ for Limited Capability for Work, and the mobilising and substantial risk criteria for limited capability for work-related activity.

“The changes you are proposing, including the extension of the sanctions regime, will have very significant additional impact on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities who need our support most.

“In Scotland, we have taken a different approach to devolved employability support; our services remain voluntary, and we want the support we provide to be seen as an opportunity, not a threat, with fairness, dignity and respect at its heart.

“In delivering our first devolved employability service, Fair Start Scotland, Scottish Government officials had a close working relationship with Job Centre Plus to ensure we were collectively working to provide support for the people of Scotland.”

UK Autumn Statement Back to Work Plan: Letter to UK Government

Alberta Whittle: All About Love

Works by Alberta Whittle to be exhibited across Edinburgh on a series of large scale billboards

From 11th – 17th December 2023 artworks by Scottish Barbadian artist Alberta Whittle are to be exhibited across Edinburgh on a series of large scale billboards and advertising spaces as part of BUILDHOLLYWOOD’s UK-wide ‘All About Love’ commission curated by Zarina Rossheart.

The public art project celebrates the legacy of All About Love, the seminal text by cultural critic, feminist theorist and author bell hooks. The iteration in Edinburgh with Alberta Whittle is realised in collaboration with the National Galleries of Scotland.  

Against the backdrop of political and social turbulence, Alberta invites us to come together to confront difficult truths from both the past and our present times, in order to find collective healing. Often drawing on profoundly personal materials, poetic imagery, and intimate stories, Alberta’s message is ultimately one of hope; hope for a different future, and a call for us to ‘invest in love’.

The works in this outdoor exhibition, taking place in 12 locations across Edinburgh including Market Street, Newhaven, Haymarket and Leith, are drawn from original watercolours featured in Alberta Whittle’s largest solo exhibition to date at the National Galleries of Scotland. Free to visit, Alberta Whittle: create dangerously is open at Modern One until 7th January 2024.

The central work of the city takeover titled Invest in Love comes from a series of new watercolours by Alberta currently on display in the National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One.

Inscribed in hand-painted script, the work acts both as a direct call to action and as a reminder to audiences (and herself) to bring love into the everyday – love for the self and love for others.

Alberta has used this phrase on a number of occasions throughout her career including in her solo presentation at La Biennale di Venezia in 2022 where she represented Scotland.

Other messages in the billboard series include Fill your heart with hope and Step lightly, tender encouragements by the artist that come in the spirit of love, care and hope.

These are situated alongside more defiant and rebellious calls such as Raise the alarm, as well as Create Dangerously, a reference to Haitian writer Edwidge Danticat and their meditation on the lived experience of an immigrant artist, telling stories of those that have managed to thrive and create in spite of the harrowing events they have gone through.

Alberta Whittle says: ‘I return to bell hooks time and time again. She reminds us to centre love in how we move through the world and to replenish ourselves in our active learning with others.

“Living in the catastrophe of racial and cultural violence, we need to hold onto love with all our hearts. Invest in love.”

The works, which are shown as small watercolours in the NGS exhibition, will be presented  as large-scale billboards for the first time. The block colour used in the works displayed for this new project is the ultramarine blue drawn from the wall colour used at NGS where Invest in Love is hanging.

Alberta Whittle’s billboard takeover is the final in a series of BUILDHOLLYWOOD’s UK-wide ‘All About Love’ commissions that have taken place across 2023 featuring works of artists: Grace Ndiritu in Birmingham; Jasleen Kaur in Glasgow; Eve Stainton in Manchester; Helen Cammock in Brighton and Asmaa Jama in Bristol. 

Zarina Rossheart, the project’s curator explains: “‘All About Love project was conceived as an invitation for artists and audiences to come together in communion and to look at love as a radical tool for resistance while living in the violent world and society collectively overtaken by pain and grief.

“Alberta Whittle has consistently encouraged us to ‘Invest in Love’, one of the tender and inspiring messages that will appear on the billboards across Edinburgh this December. I am excited to work with Alberta and the National Galleries of Scotland to present these works in the city large-scale for the first time.’

BUILDHOLLYWOOD Founder Tim Horrox says: ‘The journey of our first major UK wide curatorial and artist commission has enabled us to explore the concept of Love, through artists celebrating cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Brighton and Bristol.

“We are now delighted to be presenting such important works by Alberta Whittle in Edinburgh – we are honoured to work with Alberta and look forward to audiences engaging with her work this December.’

Westminster Committee launches public survey on fraud

The Home Affairs Committee is inviting members of the public to take part in a survey to inform its inquiry into fraud.

The cross-party committee of MPs wants to find out more about the different types of fraud that people are experiencing in the UK. They also want to hear about the impact this has had and what support people have received. 

Fraud is the most common form of crime in England and Wales, accounting for 40% of reported offences and costing UK households over £1 billion every year. It can take many forms including phishing scams, identity theft and romance fraud. Fraud increasing takes place using digital technologies and online platforms; and perpetrators can often be based outside the UK making detection and protection more difficult. 

The quick-to-complete survey consists of multiple choice questions, with the option for people to provide more information if they would like to. Everyone is welcome to take part, but they should note that the Committee is unable to take action on individual cases.  

Launching the survey, Dame Diana Johnson said: “Fraud is the most common form of crime in this country with over 3 million cases recorded every year, and probably millions more going unreported.

“But behind these figures are individual victims of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom will have suffered h long-lasting financial and emotional consequences. 

“We have launched this survey to find out what types of fraud people experience in the UK. The information you give us will help us understand how well current fraud strategies are working.

“It will also help us to learn what gaps there may be in the support that victims of fraud receive, and to identify where improvements can be made.” 

Where to get help

We understand that the issues raised in this work may be sensitive or upsetting. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this inquiry, you may wish to contact your GP, local MP or the following organisations:  

Police Scotland – call 101

Reporting fraud and cyber crime | Action Fraud  Call 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm. Action Fraud will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened and their advisors are available twenty four hours to give you help and advice if you need it. 

Report a scam – Citizens Advice  Support and advice on reporting fraud.  

Samaritans Support and guidance for everyone.  Call: 116 123 – 24 hours a day, every day or Email jo@samaritans.org