Category: North Edinburgh News

Edinburgh student takes on Red Cross challenge to support refugees

Farzan Dalal, a Design for Change student from Midlothian is running 22 miles to raise money for refugees this June.  

Edinburgh resident Farzan, age 30, has set himself the goal of covering 22 miles as part of the British Red Cross Miles for Refugees challenge, which is the equivalent of a journey across the English Channel. 

For the month of June, anyone can take on one of six distances that highlight the life-risking journeys refugees are forced to take to reach safety.  

Farzan, says he is taking part in Miles for Refugees for very personal reasons: “The refugee crisis is very close to my heart. People forced to leave everything they know to be home, in search of safety is heartbreaking but at the same time unfathomably courageous! 

“In my home country, as a queer person in a closeted society, I have experienced continuous inner conflict. A fear of rejection, and a constant effort to maintain a front that hides my queer identity.  

“It is exhausting, emotionally unfulfilling, and a looming fear for my safety.” 

Farzan, who moved to the UK just before the coronavirus pandemic, added: “My experience does not at all equate to people fleeing homelands on account of conflict, oppression or climate change., I am highly privileged to be moving countries at my will, but I can still empathise.  

“All I want is for more and more people to empathise and understand that home is not something we can take for granted. Some of us have to fight hard to find and make our own. Let us support and welcome those who need to do exactly that.” 

Alex Fraser, Director of Refugee Support & Restoring Family Links for the British Red Cross, said: “People who have had to leave their countries due to war, persecution, extreme famine or devastating natural disasters have experienced the worst things in life. We have seen just how heart-breaking these journeys have been for families arriving in the UK. 

 “The British Red Cross has been calling for a kinder, more compassionate asylum system to support people who have been forced to leave their home behind and take dangerous journeys. We believe every refugee matters. 

“A wave of people in the UK clearly care about people seeking refuge and asylum in the UK. Remarkably, we are seeing so many eager to help personally. By taking part in Miles for Refugees this June, you are showing the very best of humankind.” 

The money raised will go towards the charity’s work supporting refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK.  

With more than 6 million people forced to leave their homes in Ukraine this year, and ongoing crises in Syria and Afghanistan and around the world, standing with refugees is more important than ever. 

British Red Cross teams are supporting people from Ukraine arriving at ports and airports in Scotland and throughout the UK.  

Staff and volunteers are providing support through things like food, water, hygiene items, nappies, a hot cup or tea or coffee, and essentials to help people keep in touch, like SIM cards, mobile phones and chargers.

A welcome pack with essential information available in English, Ukrainian and Russian, about life in the UK, and one-off cash sum, provided via a debit card, to help people buy what they need when they arrive. We are also providing people with mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, if and when they need them. 

To download our Spotify playlist created by some of the nation’s most loved celebrities in support of refugees, visit:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Tt81ffwh5w15fJS1caYZs?si=05aa3a20a21642e5&nd=1 

To sponsor Farzan, visit https://miles.redcross.org.uk/fundraising/farzans-miles-for-refugees-22-mile-challenge  

To sign up for Miles for Refugees visit miles.redcross.org.uk  

Appeal following hit and run involving a cyclist and van on Old Dalkeith Road

Road Policing officers in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a hit-and-run crash on Old Dalkeith Road.

The incident took place at the junction with Walter Scott Road, around 11.35am yesterday (Saturday, 28 May, 2022). It involved a cyclist and a van, which did not stop at the scene.

The cyclist, a 39-year-old woman, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment for serious injuries. 

Enquiries to trace the vehicle, which is believed to a small white van or similar, are ongoing and officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.   

Constable Gary Barkham, from Edinburgh Road Policing, said: “We are asking for anyone who was in the area around the time of the crash, or anyone with information on the vehicle involved, to please get in touch. Any information could prove useful to our investigation.

“Please call police on 101, quoting incident 1468 of 28 May. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Getting On With The Job? Prime Minister rallies employers to help get 500,000 into work

Over 347,000 unemployed people on benefits have found work in just four months through the government’s Way to Work campaign – an ambitious national push to get half a million more people into jobs by the end of June.

  • new figures show 347,000 people have moved into work since January – thanks to a government-backed drive to fill vacancies
  • with one month to go until the campaign ends, the government is calling on UK employers to join forces with Jobcentres to help more people find work
  • alongside vital job support to lift incomes, the new £15 billion package to help with the cost of living will help millions of households

The Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary haveurged employers of all sizes to use the free recruitment support from their local Jobcentre to help fill the record number of vacancies in the jobs market and support the continued economic recovery by getting people into work.

Since January, DWP jobcentres across the UK have been ramping up operations with weekly jobs fairs – bringing employers in for face-to-face appointments and offering jobs on the spot to thousands of people.

Jobseekers walking away with roles have also secured an income, with those getting full time work set to be thousands of pounds better off than if they were on benefits. Helping households improve their finances and manage current cost of living pressures is a key priority for the government, with a £15 billion package announced on Thursday to support almost all of the eight million most vulnerable households across the UK.

On a visit to the North East of England, the Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey visited CityFibre, a new employer to the Way to Work campaign who have already benefitted from 200 new recruits from around the UK, hired through their local Jobcentres.

During the visit, they also met local employees who have secured skilled jobs as a result of the campaign and the support of their local Jobcentre.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: ““I was only ten years old when unemployment was last this low.

“But with a vast number of vacancies in the jobs market, it is more critical than ever to access the huge pool of untapped talent in towns and cities right across the country, which is why I am thrilled with the progress we have made with the Way to Work scheme.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey said: “Unemployment is at its lowest since the 1970s with full time workers across the UK £6000 better off than if they were on benefits.

“And there are still vacancies to fill. That’s why our jobcentres are helping employers short circuit the recruitment process so they can get talent in fast.

“So, if you’re hiring, make the most of the help on offer from us.”

Greg Mesch, Chief Executive at CityFibre said: “CityFibre is rolling out the UK’s finest digital infrastructure to millions of homes and businesses nationwide. To build these new Full Fibre networks, we’re creating thousands of new network construction  jobs and providing industry training to those that need it.

“We and our construction partners are working closely with DWP nationally, and local Jobcentres, by engaging with schemes like Way to Work. We look forward to increasing our involvement in the future.”

Alongside vital job support to help jobseekers secure an income, the new £15 billion cost of living support package will help almost all of the eight million most vulnerable households across the UK as they are set to receive help of at least £1,200 this year, including a new one-off £650 cost of living payment.

The government has also announced a £500 million increase for the Household Support Fund, delivered by local authorities, extending it to March 2023. This brings the total Household Support Fund to £1.5 billion.

To find out more about how DWP can help fill vacancies with quality candidates, please visit the Way to Work page on GOV.UK

A trickle of Tory MPs have submitted letters of no confidence in Boris Johnson following the publication of the Sue Gray report.

Unless that trickle becomes a flood over the weekend as MPs attend constituency surgeries it appears Johnson has got away with it. Again.

SUE-GRAY-REPORTDownload

Conifox enlists Living History Scotland to deliver a right Royal experience 

FIT FOR A QUEEN: Platinum Jubilee weekend will see the Adventure Park transform into the Kingdom of Conifox 

Conifox Adventure Park are calling all Knights and Princesses to join them for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations, where they will be able to enjoy a fun and interactive trail for all the family.  

Guests will be able to meet the Queen and rescue her husband the King as well as enjoy meeting other characters, including the Evil Knight and the King’s wacky jester! Children can also learn about life as a knight, handle authentic swords and even try on some armour. 

The family run business has enlisted the support of Ayrshire based company, Living History Scotland Ltd. that specialise in authentic costumed interpretation and re-enactments to deliver this once in a lifetime experience, which will take place on the Jubilee weekend (3rd – 5th June 2022) running across 2 sessions (morning; 09.30 – 13.00 and afternoon; 13.30 – 17.00). 

As well as meeting the Queen and her Lady-in-Waiting who will tell visitors about life in the Kingdom of Conifox, guests to the park over the Jubilee weekend will also be able to join in with Knight School as the Queen’s Guard teaches them about being a knight and introduces them to their weapons and armour.

Children and adults alike will also be able to venture into the maze and follow the trail of shields to find the King. The King’s Jester will be waiting in the maze and will have plenty of clues and wacky entertainment to help you on your way but remember, beware of the Evil Knight! 

James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park, says: “Kirkliston was the location of the first recorded parliament in Scottish history; the Estates of Scotland met there in 1235, during the reign of Alexander the Second so we have some pretty important royal connections here.  

“The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a really important occasion, and through teaming up with Living History Scotland we are able to deliver an immersive experience that will educate and entertain all of our visitors over the weekend.” 

This is a completely outdoor, all-weather event. Normal outdoor Adventure Park entry terms and conditions apply, and refunds or exchanges cannot be issued. Tickets for the Indoor Activity Centre must be purchased separately. 

Tickets to Kingdom of Conifox include access to the Adventure Park and cost £14 for children 2 and over, £6 for children 12-24 months and £6.50 for accompanying adults. Children younger than 12 months go free. 

To find out more visit www.conifox.co.uk/whats-on and/or Conifox Adventure Park’s dedicated Facebook page 

Speech and Language support at local Bookbug sessions

Muirhouse Library staff are delighted to welcome some of the team from Speech & Language Therapy to our Bookbug session at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre this coming Tuesday.

They’ll be around afterwards for an informal chat, should you want to discuss anything with them – and on the last Tuesday of the month thereafter.

Community lunch and local conversation in Muirhouse

FRIDAY 3 JUNE from 11.30 – 4pm

The Old Kirk & Muirhouse Parish Church, Pennywell Gardens

You are invited to this daytime event on Friday 3rd June, where we will host fun workshops to find out what you want for your local area.

Lunch is provided free of charge and there will be activities on offer to keep the kids occupied!

Pre-booking is required – click the link below or call Cara 07701 380928

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/muirhouse-community…

Missing man: Have you seen James?

*** UPDATE: JAMES HAS BEEN TRACED SAFE AND WELL ***

Police have released an updated image as part of their ongoing appeal for the public’s help to trace a 53-year-old man reported missing from the Wester Hailes area.

There are growing concerns for James Allan who was last seen in Hailesland Grove about 5.30pm on Thursday (26th May 2022).

James is described as white, around 5ft 10ins, with long black hair. When last seen he was wearing a black jacket, brown jumper and black jeans.

Inspector Caroline Flynn, from Wester Hailes Police Station, said “Given the passage of time since James was last seen, we are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

“Anyone who may have seen James, or who has any information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0448 of Friday, 27 May, 2022.

“Similarly if James sees this appeal I would ask him to get in touch to let us know he is safe.”

Monthly Mindful Walks with Stockbridge Library

Inspired by our recently received Walking Collection, we are starting a monthly mindful walking group to practice walking meditation.

The walk will be led mostly by our staff member Zina, who has been practising mindful walking and meditation for many years herself, though sometimes by other staff members.

We’ll walk every third Saturday of the month starting 18 June – 11:30am – 12:30pm.

Everyone is welcome!

To register, please ask at the reception, call us on 0131 529 5665 or email:

stockbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

#Yourlibrary

#stockbridge

#libraryevents

Operation Soteria: cracking down on motorcycle crime

POLICE have seen an increase in the number of incidents involving the antisocial use of motorcycles in the Niddrie area.

Operation Soteria was set up in 2016 and is Edinburgh City Division’s response to significant community concerns linked to the theft and antisocial use of motorcycles across the city.

Inspector Fordyce from Craigmillar Police Station said: “It concerns me that young people continue to put themselves and others at risk by riding motorcycles dangerously in our area. We will not tolerate this behaviour and we are committed to tackling the issue and targeting offenders who put local communities at risk through their reckless conduct.

“Operation Soteria involves dedicated resources targeting key areas in order to bring an end to this potentially life threatening behaviour and we will use both overt and covert tactics as part of this operation.

“We are also appealing to parents and carers and the wider public to assist us by reporting these instances which will help ensure that our resources focus in the right areas. If you know of any of the young people involved in this activity and you’re able to speak to them directly, then please make sure that they are fully aware or the risk they are posing both to the community and to themselves.

“As we head into the summer months, it is important that those involved in this sort of criminality are identified and traced. I would ask anyone with information regarding this kind of behaviour to share that information and help us keep the residents of Edinburgh and our visitors safe.”

Anyone with information about motorcycle crime or the dangerous use of motorcycles can speak to officers confidentially and anonymously on 101, or though the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Forth Ports unveils plans for new waterfront development in Leith

Forth Ports has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to The City of Edinburgh Council for Harbour 31, an exciting mixed-use development on a 10-acre waterfront site at Leith.

The development has the aspiration to create a vibrant new neighbourhood for Leith. The plans for the waterside location include: 700 – 800 residential apartments, a hotel, local retail, flexible workspaces and offices and leisure facilities. The site sits on a dockside location and fits well with the Council’s Local Development Plan as being housing-led, mixed use development.

The development will see the regeneration of land adjacent to the newly opened FirstStage Studios, providing a place to live and work, for both creative and green jobs, as the Port of Leith transitions to become Scotland’s premier renewables hub. The site will also benefit from the new tram extension due to open in mid-2023.

Carole Cran, Chief Financial Officer of landowners Forth Ports Group, said: “At Harbour 31 we plan to create a vibrant new quarter to live and work, as new creative and green jobs come to Leith.

“With the option to walk to work or an easy tram ride into the city centre, this new neighbourhood will be a focal point of Leith’s continued regeneration.”

An online public consultation will take place on 23 June 2022 from 3.00pm – 7.00pm via www.harbour31.com, where further details of the proposed development can be found.

Following the outcome of the public consultation, a full planning application will be submitted.