Category: North Edinburgh News

Homelessness : 350% increase in families in temporary accomodation

  • A shocking freedom of information request from Capital Letters has revealed that families in temporary accommodation with four children have experienced the sharpest rise, with a 350% increase, followed by couples with three children at 123.81%. 
  • The freedom of information request from Capital Letters also revealed a 219.3% rise in temporary homelessness overall in Edinburgh. There has been a 118.1% increase in couples with children in temporary accommodation, including council-owned housing, B&Bs, and hostels.  
  • Expert advice and comment from Capital Letters. Capital Letters has revealed that families in temporary accommodation with four children have experienced the sharpest rise, with a 350% increase, followed by couples with three children at 123.81%.
  • The freedom of information request from Capital Letters also revealed a 219.3% rise in temporary homelessness overall in Edinburgh.
  • There has been a 118.1% increase in couples with children in temporary accommodation, including council-owned housing, B&Bs, and hostels.
  • Expert advice and comment from Capital Letters.

4,935 individuals were in temporary accommodation in Edinburgh at the start of the New Year according to a freedom of information request submitted by Capital Letters.

Temporary accommodation is often a last resort for society’s most vulnerable people who lack a place to call home.

They may be fleeing domestic violence, leaving care or being victims of a no-fault eviction, unable to locate suitable housing in time.

There has been a 219.36% increase in people being placed in temporary accommodation in Edinburgh between 2019 and 2024 according to a freedom of information request by Capital Letters.

Temporary accommodation in Edinburgh includes local authority housing as well as hostels and B&Bs.

There has been a 291% increase in individuals being placed in B&Bs from 2019 to 2024.

Heartbreakingly, many residents of temporary accommodation are children.

There were 397 couples with children in temporary accommodation in December 2024, a 118.1% increase from January 2019.

Families with four children saw the largest increase in temporary accommodation occupancy since 2019, rising by 350%.

Couples with three children came second with a 123.81% increase.

Couples with five children came third with 80%.

In fourth place came couples with two children who had a 56.10% increase.

Families with one child experienced a 59.9% increase since 2019.

Finally, families with 5 children stayed consistent between both periods.

Steven Strachan from Capital Letters who submitted the freedom of information request revealing the shocking data commented: “Facing eviction can be a stressful and overwhelming experience especially when there are children involved.

“There are steps you can take to manage the situation and protect your rights. Here are some tips if you find yourself facing eviction.”:

Understand the Eviction Notice

“There are different types of eviction notices (e.g., section 21, section 8, or notice to quit). Make sure you understand what the notice is for and whether it is valid. Ensure it follows legal procedures, including the proper notice period.”

Seek professional advice

“If you are unsure about the notice, seek legal advice from organisations like Shelter, Citizens Advice, or a solicitor who specialises in housing law who can clarify your rights and options.”

Communicate with Your Landlord

“If you’re able, speak to your landlord as soon as possible. Sometimes, an agreement can be reached, such as extending your tenancy, negotiating payment plans, or allowing you to stay while you find alternative housing.”

Document everything

“Keep a record of all communications with your landlord, including emails, letters, and phone calls. This could be helpful if there are any disputes later.”

Know Your Rights

“In the United Kingdom, tenants have protection from eviction in most cases, especially if they have lived in the property for more than six months. In certain circumstances, eviction may not be possible unless the landlord has obtained a court order. Legal aid may be available for those who are eligible.”

Check for Illegal Eviction

“Landlords cannot evict tenants without following proper legal procedures. If your landlord tries to evict you without a court order or changes the locks without notice, this is considered an illegal eviction. If this happens, you can contact the authorities for help.”

Start Looking for new Accommodation

“It’s wise to start looking for a new place to live as soon as possible. Start searching online or contact local housing associations and letting agents.”

Don’t miss Tape Letters exhibition at the Museum of Edinburgh

Running until 23 February 2025

Tape Letters is a social history project which shines light on the practice of recording and sending messages on cassette tape, as an unorthodox method of communication by Pakistanis who migrated and settled in the UK between 1960 – 1980.

Drawing directly both from first-hand interviews and from the informal and intimate conversations on the cassettes themselves, this exhibition platforms the experiences of members of Edinburgh’s Pakistani community. It explores topics of migration, identity, communication and language.

Tape Letters Scotland is produced by Modus Arts and is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/tape-letters

Also by Tape Letters Scotland:

Explore the stories from Tape Letters Scotland project through their new Web-XR digital exhibition.

Adapting the design from the Tape Letters exhibitions to a digital space, the new digital exhibition showcases a selection of stories from archive contributors across Scotland presented in photos, video, audio and transcriptions.

Digital Exhibition

PICTURE: Miriam Ali

Make a Splash: Edinburgh’s diving programme expanded

From Olympic aspirations to first-time divers, Edinburgh Leisure is expanding its prestigious diving programme at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. With 120 new spaces available from February 22nd, this marks an exciting return to pre-pandemic capacity and beyond.

The ‘Commie Pool’ stands as the east of Scotland’s crown jewel for diving excellence, featuring world-class facilities that include multiple springboards, platforms reaching up to 10m, and a state-of-the-art dry land training area.

The comprehensive facility offers everything from trampolines and tumble racks to specialised diving boards with crash mats – all designed to build confidence and perfect technique safely.

“Our expanded programme opens doors for everyone, from age 3 to Masters level,” says Vicki Tomlinson, dive co-ordinator and GB judge at Paris 2024. “Whether you’re seeking a new challenge or dreaming of following in the footsteps of British diving stars like Jack Laugher and Grace Reid or Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, our world-class coaching team is here to guide you.”

The expansion includes:

  • 70 additional junior spaces across all skill levels
  • 50 new weekday spaces in Dive Skills 1
  • Enhanced pre-school programme with convenient Wednesday and Friday sessions
  • Expanded Masters’ class availability

Leading the programme’s evolution is Adam Smallwood, the newly appointed Performance Lead Coach, whose impressive track record includes coaching British diving elite. This appointment strengthens the valuable partnership between The University of Edinburgh, Aquatics GB, Scottish Swimming and Edinburgh Leisure, positioning Edinburgh as a powerhouse for developing future diving talents.

The Royal Commonwealth Pool’s legacy includes hosting prestigious events such as the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2018 European Championships. And, this same Olympic-standard facility is accessible to the local community, with flexible public diving sessions available without pre-booking.

Experience the thrill of diving in a facility that has launched countless careers and created countless memories. Whether you’re 5 or 50, the expanded programme has a place for you.

Ready to take the plunge?

Visit https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/coaching-courses/diving to secure your spot in Edinburgh’s premier diving programme.

Birthlink Heritage Project: Do you remember No. 20?

As part of a lottery funded project to look at our heritage we’re keen to hear from anyone who lived in North Edinburgh in the 1990s and remembers the No. 20 drop in centre we operated under the name of Family Care.

If you need more information please let me know. 

Email: jenny.duffy@birthlink.org.uk

Web: www.birthlink.org.uk

Thousands of Scotland’s unpaid carers set to be paid energy bill support

Millions of people who provide care for loved ones or relatives could get payments to help with their energy bills when icy blasts hit parts of the country this week.

The UK’s largest online community of unpaid carers is advising those living in relevant postcodes to check they receive any Cold Weather Payments which are triggered when temperatures plunge.

What are Cold Weather Payments?

Cold Weather Payments are made for every seven-day period of weather which is either forecast to be or recorded as zero degrees Celsius or below, and come in at £25 each time. These payments are made automatically by the DWP.

With the support lasting until 31st March, and another cold snap predicted to take place towards the end of this week, the experts at Mobilise (a community of 90,000 unpaid carers) are warning unpaid carers to check whether they could be eligible for the payments. 

Who is eligible?

Payments are made to eligible Brits living in areas affected by very cold weather. Postcodes beginning with CA have already triggered the highest number of payments this winter, totalling up to £75 so far, and are amongst those set to be affected again. 

According to the latest forecast, by Friday, the following areas are set to see temperatures plummet to the zero (or sub-zero) temperatures required to trigger Cold Weather Payments:

  • Scotland 
  • Wales
  • The south west of England
  • Cumbria

As well as living in an affected area, individuals must be entitled to certain financial support to qualify for Cold Weather Payments. Many unpaid carers have to reduce paid work in order to look after their loved ones, and are already eligible for the qualifying support as a result. You could get Cold Weather Payments if you are entitled to any of the following benefits:

  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Support for Mortgage Interest

Full eligibility criteria can be found on the Government’s website.

What additional energy bill support is available?

Following recent changes, Winter Fuel Payments are also now limited to those who are eligible for certain means-tested benefits, and the December deadline to apply has now passed. However, carers who are not able to claim Cold Weather Payments or Winter Fuel Payments may still be entitled to other forms of support to help with their energy bills.

Additional cold weather support on offer includes: 

  • Warm Home Discount Scheme – This one-off payment of £150 is automatically paid directly to participating energy suppliers, to help with the costs of eligible Brits’ bills. To be eligible, you must either get the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit, or have high energy costs and receive a different qualifying benefit – see the Government’s website for full details. Payments are available until March. But eligible carers who have not yet received a payment or letter should contact the Scheme’s helpline on 0800 731 0214 by the beginning of February. In Scotland, the criteria is different and requires carers to apply through their energy supplier (see here for more information).
  • The Household Support Fund – This funding is aimed at anyone who is vulnerable or struggling to afford essentials in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, and can help with grants or vouchers towards energy bills. You can find out if you’re eligible and how to apply (if you need to) through your local council’s website.
  • The Scottish Welfare Fund – This is the Scottish equivalent of the Household Support Fund. Crisis Grants are offered as one-off payments as part of this funding to people in “emergency” situations, and can help if you are living in Scotland and struggling with energy bills. To be eligible for a grant you must receive a qualifying benefit, and apply through your local council. See the Scottish Government’s website for more details. 
  • Grants to help with energy bill debts – Some providers offer grants and advice to help customers pay off energy bill debts. You can find a list of energy suppliers who offer these grants via Citizens Advice. For carers living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, see more details here. For carers living in Scotland, more details can be found here. 
  • Gas checks – If the person you care for is disabled, vulnerable or elderly, they may also be entitled to a free annual gas safety check. Providers such as British Gas offer this if you sign up to their Priority Service Register.
  • Disability energy support – Scope offers free advice and support for anyone caring for someone who is disabled, to help with things like energy bill debts, accessing benefits and grants, and signing up for the Priority Services Register. Visit the charity’s website for more information.

For more advice and guidance on the energy bill support available to unpaid carers, you can find detailed information or speak to a carer support expert via the Mobilise website.

Improving miscarriage care

£1.5 million to support delivery of compassionate, high-quality care

Women can expect improved miscarriage care Public Health and Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto has pledged, after unveiling a new framework, backed by £1.5 million funding.

The framework sets out a range of actions for Scotland’s NHS boards to implement, including ensuring that women going through miscarriage have a separate, private space. It will introduce a graded model of miscarriage care across the country. This means all women can receive tailored support and services, and won’t have to wait until a third miscarriage. This will include access to progesterone prescriptions – where clinically appropriate – both for threatened and recurrent miscarriage.

These changes will be supported by £1.5 million Scottish Government funding and aim to ensure that early pregnancy care is equitable so that no women are disadvantaged, regardless of where they access and receive care.

The Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health said: “The loss of a baby, no matter at what stage of pregnancy, has a profound and lasting impact on women and their families.

“To all who have experienced such a tragedy, I offer my deepest sympathy. The Scottish Government recognises this impact and is clear that women and families who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss must be provided with the right information, care and support, tailored to their individual circumstances.

“I am very grateful to everyone in Scotland’s NHS who works to provide miscarriage care and support.

“I know there is already a lot of good work underway within NHS Boards to improve miscarriage care services. The 2025-26 Budget, if approved by Parliament, will provide £1.5 million to support NHS Boards to improve delivery of sensitive and compassionate miscarriage care.”

Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive of pregnancy charity Tommy’s commented: “We are delighted to see the Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland launching today.

“The Framework is a real milestone on the path to excellent care for women and families in Scotland and Tommy’s has been pleased to work closely with our colleagues in Scottish Government as they have developed the Framework, which aims to ensure the right support and care for parents after every tragic loss.

“With compassionate care at its heart, we are looking forward to continuing to support our Scottish colleagues as they oversee the rollout.”

The Miscarriage Association’s Chief Executive Vicki Robinson said: “We are extremely pleased to see the publication of this important Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland, which represents a significant step forward in ensuring that those experiencing miscarriage receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve during such a heart-breaking time.

“This framework is a vital step in providing evidence-based care and offering women additional support in early pregnancy. We are proud to have contributed to its development and look forward to seeing it bring positive change. This is a crucial milestone in ensuring that miscarriage care is accessible, equitable, and compassionate across Scotland.”

Celebrating 250 years of History

LOCAL CARE HOME APPRECIATES THE WORKS OF JMW TURNER

Residents of Strachan House care home in Blackhall, were mesmerised by the wonderful works of Joseph Mallord William Turner as they attended the once-in-a-lifetime exhibition at The National Galleries of Scotland.

In the last month The National Galleries of Scotland commemorated the 250th birthday of the outstanding British artist JMW Turner. Residents of Strachan House Care Home were able to appreciate 30 of Turners watercolours that have come over from Dublin.

Interestingly, these works are only to be exhibited to the public in the month of January each year, this is due to the preservation of the collection.

General Manager, Frances Fisher, said: “Lots of our residents appreciate art and were thrilled to see the collection. 

“We have had a wonderful day hearing the history of JMW Turner and admiring his works. I’m thrilled that so many of our residents got to witness the wonderful watercolours on Display at The National Galleries in Edinburgh.”

Katherine, a resident said: “I had a wonderful day admiring Turner’s watercolours. I am very fond of his works, it was so lovely to get to see them and visit the Gallery again.”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Strachan House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential, Dementia and nursing care, for short and long-term stays.

Students come together for biggest ever nursing and midwifery careers day at Edinburgh Napier

More than 450 attend annual event

More than 450 students and almost 100 healthcare professionals have come together at Edinburgh Napier University’s biggest-ever nursing and midwifery careers day at its Sighthill campus.

Hosted in the University’s ENGAGE sports facility this week (4 Feb 2025), the event gave attendees the opportunity to meet with employers and learn more about available graduate roles in both nursing and midwifery.

Alongside the NHS, the range of healthcare professionals in attendance was wide and varied with organisations such as the Royal Navy Medical Branch, Royal Air Force, Marie Curie, CHAS, The Royal College of Nursing, William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre and private healthcare providers represented at the event.

Also in attendance were a range of Edinburgh Napier services including its Student Futures careers team – who helped organise the event – the University’s Alumni team, Bright Red Triangle, Edinburgh Napier’s hub for enterprise practice, a postgraduate recruitment team and a School of Health and Social Care research team.

Exhibitors were also able to undertake tours of the learning facilities at the University’s Sighthill campus, including its purpose-built Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre.

Students studying undergraduate and postgraduate Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Social Work programmes at Edinburgh Napier are taught within the centre, benefitting from realistic environments and NHS ward-like settings.

Professor Susan Dawkes, Dean of Edinburgh Napier’s School of Health and Social Care, said: “It was great to welcome so many employers on campus to meet our students and showcase the wealth of career options open to graduate nurses and midwives, from joining the NHS to opportunities to join the health and medical teams in the armed forces, or exploring some of the many other career options now open. 

“Employers too were delighted to join tours of our Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre, which remains at the forefront of practical training for our student nurses and midwives.”

Adam Watling, Head of Edinburgh Napier’s Student Futures team, said: “Our nursing and midwifery careers day has been one of the biggest and best yet, and we are so pleased with the reach it has had and the experience of our students and visiting health care professionals across the day. 

“The success is thanks to the effective collaboration between Student Futures and School of Health and Social and the planning and focus on securing a range of exhibitors for our many students to meet throughout the day.

“As a University, Edinburgh Napier is dedicated to ensuring that our students have the best possible careers support before and after graduation, and these types of events are a critical part of that commitment.

“We are looking forward to sharing success stories from across the day as we start to review the many insights that emerge from attendees, in the weeks and months to follow.”

Edinburgh Napier University is one of the largest providers of nursing and midwifery education in Scotland offering courses in a variety of nursing specialisms including adult nursing, child health nursing, learning disability nursing and mental health nursing.

The programmes are part of the University’s School of Health and Social Care which is home to a vibrant academic community of more than 3,000 students and 120 staff.

More information on the School itself can be found at:

https://www.napier.ac.uk/about-us/our-schools/the-school-of-health-and-social-care.