Stockbridge – Page 12 – The NEN

Shop Here This Year!

Edinburgh residents are urged to celebrate what’s on our doorsteps in a festive season campaign that encourages shoppers to support local businesses when looking for the perfect present.

Launched today and extending through 2021, the ‘Shop Here This Year’ campaign shines a spotlight on 11 neighbourhoods and town centres across the city. It celebrates the quality independent retailers, eateries, and personal shopping experiences which bring our local high streets to life.

Highlighting unique aspects of each area, the campaign, aligned to the Scotland’s Towns Partnership Shop Local activities, will roll out across the Council’s digital platforms under the hashtag #shopherethisyear.

Businesses and shoppers are urged to get behind the campaign, sharing on their own social channels and supporting the local businesses which have such a vital impact on the city economy, local supply chains and local jobs.

The 11 areas that will be the focus of the campaign include: Leith & Leith Walk, Gorgie & Dalry, Bruntsfield & Morningside, Nicolson & Clerk Street, Tollcross, Royal Mile, Greater Grassmarket, Queensferry, Corstorphine, Stockbridge and Portobello.

For each location, the campaign will use real customer reviews to champion the range of unique experiences and products available across Edinburgh.

To mark the campaign’s launch an ultimate Christmas hamper of Edinburgh goodies, worth around £400, from businesses across the neighbourhoods is up for grabs.

Prizes include a tour and delicious samples from local gin distillers, Harris Tweed face coverings, luxury shortbread, selected fine wine, local jams, chutneys, cheeses, baked goods, festive treats and more.

To explore these fantastic vendors by bike, Just Eat Cycles include an annual pass in this giveaway and Edinburgh Zoo are giving away a VIP pass for the whole family to their Christmas Zoo experience.

For a chance to win, Edinburgh residents are asked to take to social media and share what makes their favourite independent shops special, using the hashtag #shopherethisyear and tagging @Edinburgh or @ThisIsEdinburgh on Instagram. Terms & Conditions apply, please go to Edinburgh.org for more details.

Councillor Kate Campbell, Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, said: “There are so many amazing independent retail businesses across our city offering a unique and personal experience while contributing much to our local communities, local economies and providing jobs.

“It goes without saying that all sectors have suffered because of the Covid-19 pandemic this year. That’s why, more now than ever, it’s so important that we all support our local businesses.”

Vice Convener Councillor Mandy Watt said: “It’s so important that businesses get behind this campaign so we can all share the collective message that people across Edinburgh should #shopherethisyear – we’re all in this together and its inspiring to see the hard work put in by retailers to keep customers safe while they shop local.“

Small Business Champion Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron said: “Edinburgh businesses have invested in, innovated and adapted their operating arrangements to comply with continuing Tier 3 restrictions to keep patrons, customers and staff safe.

“They deserve our thanks and, more importantly, our support – as a Council, and as a city. With the festive season and #SmallBusinessSaturday2020 (on 5 December) fast approaching, I hope Edinburgh residents and businesses will embrace the #shopherethisyear initiative: by shopping local, by creating, liking and sharing posts on social media and by encouraging families and friends to do so too.”

Beth Edberg, who runs Scottish food emporium Cranachan and Crowdie on the Royal Mile, said: “Businesses across Edinburgh have never needed residents to shop local more than they do now in the run-up to Christmas. That’s why this new Shop Here This Year campaign is so very welcome”.

The campaign, aligned with the #ForeverEdinburgh city-wide partnership initiative, has been funded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership as part of the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign which is designed to encourage shoppers across the country to think local first.

LifeCare secures £100,000 to provide ‘meals on wheels’ service

LifeCare Edinburgh, the older people’s support charity, is today announcing it has secured £100,000 from Barclay’s 100×100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme.

This funding will enable the charity to deliver its important new ‘meals on wheels’ service set up to support some of the most vulnerable and isolated local older people through the crisis.

This will be particularly important over the challenging winter months ahead when older vulnerable people will require more support than ever to maintain physical and mental health and to remain connected to others through this unprecedented time.

The Stockbridge-based charity has almost 80 years of experience supporting older people living across the city.

The range of support services offered by the care organisation allows older residents to comfortably stay in their own home for longer. For example, the charity runs essential help at home services, registered outreach services and hosts three day centres for those with dementia and the frail elderly living throughout the city.

However, the crisis and the subsequent restrictions, has radically affected the usual range of in-person care services proudly offered by the charity. LifeCare has had to quickly evaluate, adapt and launch new programmes of support, such as this new meals on wheels service, to ensure that those in need continue to receive the high-quality support older people urgently need.

Kirstine Fergusson, Interim CEO of LifeCare, said: “We are so grateful to Barclays for this phenomenal level of support. The £100,000 award will enable our dedicated teams to deliver 100 hot meals a day to some of the most vulnerable and isolated older people living across our local communities right now.

“We all know that the colder, winter months ahead look a little harder for us all this year, but this is particularly true for the people we continue to support every day.

“Our older people are missing usual interactions such as coming to our day centres and participating in our varied support programmes. They are no longer easily able to get out of the house, have a change of scene and perhaps sit in our café to enjoy the company of others.

“Many of our clients live alone, are fearful or unable to leave their homes by themselves and they can become very isolated, so we are delighted that because of this new partnership with Barclays we are now able to visit those most in need regularly to check in, to say hello and to provide them with a hot and nutritious meal to keep them going through the colder and darker days. This is truly life-changing support.”

Scott Stewart, Head of Barclays Scotland, said: “This crisis has had an unprecedented impact across Scotland and we know this is an incredibly challenging time for many communities.

“By reaching those most in need of support LifeCare is playing a vital role in this crisis. At Barclays we are doing everything we can for our customers, clients and colleagues to help them through this pandemic. We hope that the donations we are making to charities across Scotland, including LifeCare, will allow them to amplify their vital work and support more people as the crisis develops.”

This new meals on wheels service will be managed by the team working within LifeCare’s renowned community café on Cheyne Street by their Help at Home service. The small team will deliver 14,000 freshly prepared hot meals across the coming months.

The charity will be targeting local older people most affected by the restrictions. If you, or someone you know, would like to benefit from the meals on wheels service please call 0131 343 0940 to discuss.

For more information visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/

Local salon up for Salon Awards

MARKDAVID salon based in Stockbridge, has received the news it has finalised for the Salon Awards in two categories – Best Customer Experience and for the Best New or Refurbished Salon category.

With the salon being open for only just one year, this is an incredible achievement, being the third awards the salon has finalised for since opening and during such a turbulent year.

The Salon Awards are the only virtual hair and beauty industry awards where hair and beauty can compete at a local level in their fields of expertise.

Focused on improving standards, elevating business, rewarding individuals, and showcasing the professionalism of their industry locally, and with an impressive audience and reputation with its industry peers, the Salon Awards are a fantastic platform for hair and beauty professionals with a devotion to showcasing talent and giving those the opportunity to be recognised by their industry.

To enter the awards, the MARKDAVID salon had to provide written entries showcasing passion and personality and outlining why they should win the chosen category. Questions had to be answered fully and be supported with evidence, picture and videos in the format specified.

Out of 1000’s of entries collated and judged, MARKDAVID was chosen as the finalist for two categories. The winners of each category will be announced at a virtual ceremony on Saturday 12^th December through the Salon Awards portal and will include a live DJ set and a showcase of sponsors and partners.

Mark McCarthy, Owner of MARKDAVID, commented: “I am absolutely delighted our salon has been announced as the finalist for two categories in the Salon Awards. The salons design and interior means a great deal to me and is something I took a lot of time and effort to decide on to create something I knew my clients would love.

“Our customer service is something we pride ourselves on too and we are constantly trying to think of new ideas to offer our clients something new and different from other salons and thinking of ways we can go the extra mile and exceed their expectations.

“To win either or both of the awards in December would be amazing and would end the year on such a high!”

Little Dobbies opens in Edinburgh

Dobbies’ first small format store, Little Dobbies, opened its doors for the first time yesterday.

Located on Raeburn Place, Little Dobbies offers a range of houseplants and gardening products. This is complemented by a carefully curated range featuring indoor and outdoor pots; a selected range of home décor and gifts; and seasonal ranges.

There’s also coffee shop, offering hot and cold drinks, as well as tasty takeaway sweet treats.

Little Dobbies is open Monday-Friday (10:00-18:00), Thursday (10:00-19:00) and Saturday and Sunday (09:00-18:00).

For further information visit Dobbies.com

‘Essential’ Edinburgh groups share Lottery cash

Community groups in Edinburgh are sharing in £3.3 million of National Lottery funding to help them rise to the challenges of COVID-19 and beyond.

Thanks to National Lottery players, 141 projects across the country including 13 in Edinburgh are set to benefit.

October 2020 Awards

Lifecare Edinburgh Limited receives £79,990 to continue its Vintage Vibes service across the city for the next two years.

Andrew Ainsworth, Service Co-ordinator, Vintage Vibes, said: “Vintage Vibes tackles isolation and loneliness in over 60s (VIPs) across Edinburgh through one to one friendships with local volunteers, based on shared interests.

“Edinburgh is the loneliest city in the UK for older people – something we know has only been exacerbated through the current pandemic. This grant will allow us to continue to support our current VIPs and many more over the next couple of years as we move through and beyond COVID-19.

“We know what a difference their friendships make to our VIPs – one VIP, Norma told us that for her ‘it’s essential to have something like Vintage Vibes’. Thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund and to all National Lottery players for making it possible for us to continue to make a difference to our VIPs.”

Thistle Health and Wellbeing receives £120,000 to deliver a programme which will support people who have been severely impacted by long term physical and mental health conditions. The support will also help clients who are living with the longer term effects of COVIVD-19, including Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome.

The project will help many more people like Rafit Khan, aged 41, from Edinburgh.

Rafit said: ““I met different people which has made me feel good about myself, more confident to approach people. I think groups like this are very beneficial for people with mental or physical problems or with chronic illness. It gives them skills/tools to manage it throughout their life.”

Welcoming the funding, Mark Hoolahan, CEO, Thistle Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. The grant will enable Thistle to support more people living with long term health conditions to live a life free of isolation and loneliness.

“Thistle supports people to feel more in control, ensuring that a health crisis does not become a life crisis, and so this funding will have a significant positive impact on the wellbeing of people in Edinburgh and the Lothians.”

Announcing the funding to 141 projects across Scotland, The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “These projects in Edinburgh are rising to the challenges of COVID-19 and supporting local people to stay connected with each other in these unprecedented times.

“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is making such a difference across Scotland.”

National Lottery players raise £30 million every week for good causes in the UK. The National Lottery Community Fund in Scotland is currently focusing its funding on those projects that supporting organisations and communities to respond to the challenge of COVID-19. 

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk      

Police appeal following attack on woman in Stockbridge

Police are appealing for information after an assault with intent to rob in the Stockbridge area.

The incident happened around 6.30pm last night (Thursday, 29 October) on India Place. A 25-year-old woman was walking along the road when she was approached by two males, one of whom grabbed hold of the women while the other tried to steal her handbag. One of the males struck the victim in the face twice and caused her to fall to the ground. The victim didn’t require hospital treatment.

The first suspect is described as a white male, approximately between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing a dark coloured zipped jacket with the hood up, dark coloured trousers with a single white stripe on each leg and a plastic green monster Halloween mask.

The second suspect is described as a white male, approximately between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing dark cotton material clothing with the hood up and a red Halloween mask.

Detective Constable Zaira Marker, of Corstorphine CID, said: “We would urge anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident and may have witnessed the assault or anyone who saw the males fitting the description before or after the incident to contact police.

“We would also ask anyone with dash-cam footage who was in the area around the time of the incident to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2760 of 29 October

Lottery joy for Edinburgh projects

Additional support will be made available to Scots recovering from cancer and those who have survived sexual abuse thanks to £3.3 million of National Lottery funding announced today.

The Beatson Cancer Charity and Edinburgh Rape Crisis are amongst 141 Scottish groups receiving awards from The National Lottery Community Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, the funding will help to create a network of support around those who need it most during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre will be able to extend the specialist support it offers thanks to an award of £350,000.

Its three-year project, ‘Trauma and Counselling Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence,’ will support adult survivors of sexual violence across Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian. In particular, the funding will enable the Centre to further develop its ‘Still I Am’ (SIA) project for survivors from Black and minority ethnic (BME) communities aged 16 and over, who have had any form of unwanted sexual experience.

Over the next three years, The Centre will be able to reach out to many more people like Queen*. Welcoming the funding, she said: “I am very happy and excited that the SIA project got further funding because it has changed my life.

“I do not know what I would have done without this service and without counselling. I feel that SIA has changed not only mine but also my children’s lives because I can be there for them too. I am very grateful, and I would like to thank The National Lottery Community Fund for their decision because that means the SIA service will help more women like me in the future. Thank you so much.”

Caroline Burrell, Centre Director, Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award from the National Lottery Community Fund. It recognises not only the vital work we have done over many years supporting survivors of sexual violence, but also the very pressing need to continue to provide our life-changing services.

“Sexual violence, which includes rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse, devastates lives, and without effective support its impacts can be lifelong.

“Over the next three years our trauma-informed work will support hundreds of survivors to build a life beyond sexual violence and abuse. In particular this funding will enable us to further develop our SIA project for survivors of sexual violence from Black and minority ethnic (BME) communities aged 16 and over, who have had any form of unwanted sexual experience.”

This group will deliver specialist trauma-informed support to survivors of sexual violence in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian. Survivors of rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse will receive emotional support, group support and advocacy support helping them to move on from trauma, and to build their confidence and resilience.

Two more local ‘winners’ in this round of grants are LifeCare and carers organisation VOCAL, who receive £80,000 and £41,000 respectively.

LifeCare, the older people’s support organisation based in Stockbridge, will use their funding to continue its project matching people over 60 (known as the VIPs) with volunteers, aged from 17-92, to facilitate one to one friendships between the VIPs, volunteers and the larger community they create when coming together as part of the wider Vintage Vibes VIP/Volunteer community.

VOCAL, based on Leith Walk, will use the funding to continue development of their short breaks service for carers which provides respite to people with caring responsibilities. VOCAL will also review their short breaks offer in light of the COVID-19 impact, extend the range of short breaks opportunities for carers and develop a social enterprise business proposal for carer holiday accommodation.

Edinburgh-based organisations Corstorphine Dynamo FC, ELREC, Friends of Saughton Park, Governors of Dean Orphanage and Cauvin’s Trust, Grassmarket Community Project, Leith Civic Trust, Pregnancy & Parents Centre, Prestonfield & District Neighbourhood Workers Project, Thistle Health and Wellbeing and YWCA Scotland received support ranging from £5000 right up to Thistle’s £120,000.

Elsewhere in Scotland, breast cancer survivor Susan McGoldrick, 56, welcomed an award of £269,800 to Beatson Cancer Charity for a three-year programme of therapeutic support.

This programme will help hundreds of people across the West of Scotland who are recovering from cancer to better deal with anxiety and any fears of recurrence they may have following completion of or changes to their treatment.

Susan, from Lenzie, completed the pilot programme last month following a cancer diagnosis in 2019. She said: “This National Lottery funding will make a huge difference to many people like me. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I joined and with the programme only being six weeks long and virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions, I wasn’t sure what I would achieve.

“But I have to say it has been a revelation and I feel like a brand, new woman. I have learned so much and feel transformed and it has even inspired me to make recent radical changes in my life. I would like to encourage many more patients to attend if they can.”

The six-week programme of therapeutic groupwork will help people to develop their own coping strategies and will work with them as they develop their own personal plans to engage more with day to day life, their families and the wider community.

Martin Cawley, CEO of Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are delighted at the award of this very important grant. The medical treatment process for cancer is difficult enough for people to cope with, but when you add the psychological impact on top, it is especially challenging.

“Even when people have successfully been through their treatment programmes there is always an underlying worry about cancer recurrence. This project supports people to develop their own coping skills, this in turn strengthens their resilience and recovery even further.

“This grant will help greatly as part of the cancer journey and allow many more patients to become involved over next three years. Everyone at Beatson Cancer Charity is absolutely thrilled. Thank you to The National Lottery players without whom this grant would not be possible.”

Announcing today’s funding totalling £3,332,722, The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “Projects across the country continue to make an amazing contribution the nation-wide response combatting the impact of COVID-19 on communities across Scotland.

“Today’s funding will help thousands more people like Susan and Queen, whose inspiring testimonies highlight how important it is to have a tailored package of support when you are going through the most challenging of circumstances.

“The comfort of knowing someone who understands your journey is at the end of the phone or forms part of a group network of support cannot be under-estimated. This is vital work which we are delighted to support, and all made possible thanks to National Lottery players.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is currently focusing its National Lottery funding in Scotland on those projects which are supporting organisations and communities to respond to the challenge of COVID-19.

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk

*Name has been changed to ensure anonymity

Little Dobbies to open in Comely Bank

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced the development of its first small format store – Little Dobbies.

Little Dobbies, which will be located on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge and is scheduled to open in November, is the first of its kind for the retailer that has 68 garden centres across the UK.

The core of the Little Dobbies’ offer will be horticulturally focused with a range of convenience gardening products. This will be complemented by a carefully curated range featuring houseplants and pots; a small range of gifts; and selected seasonal ranges. For opening, the seasonal ranges will feature Christmas items, including decorations, wreaths and hampers.

There will also be a coffee shop, offering hot and cold drinks, as well as takeaway food.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies, said: “This is an exciting new venture for our team, as we launch the first Little Dobbies. The store will feature gardening essentials for city centre residents and will showcase some of the extensive ranges available at our larger stores and at dobbies.com

“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the project and we can’t wait to open the doors of Little Dobbies in November.”

Opening hours for Little Dobbies are Monday to Friday, 10:00 -18:00; Thursday 10:00-19:00; Saturday and Sunday 09:00-18:00.

For further information visit dobbies.com

Stockbridge Salon reaches final of The Big One UK Awards

It’s a great year for local salon, MARKDAVID, based in Stockbridge, who have learned they have made the final of the Tribu-te Magazine The Big One UK Awards 2020 in The Design One Category.

The Big One UK 2020 awards are brainchild of the hairdressing industry trade magazine Tribu-te Magazine and were created to recognise UK hairdressing talent, both emerging and established.

The Design One category was open for eye-catching and chic salon design within the UK industry and to enter the salon had to submit four photographs showcasing the salons exceptional interior and décor, as well as credits of the photographs and details of the salon.

MARKDAVID was then chosen as one of seven finalists for The Design One category by a panel of judges, including editors from the international editions of Tribu-te and esteemed hairdressers and ambassadors from the awards three sponsors L’Oréal Professional, Great Lengths and Paul Mitchell.

The winners and trophies will be announced and awarded in November.

The salon, which opened in November 2019, has been an incredible success in its first year of opening with this award being the second the salon have finalised for this year with its interior design.

The salon also finalised for trade magazine, Salon Businesses Salon Business Awards in the Design Salon category, where they will find out their fate and if they have won the award in November in a digital grand final streamed live to the salon.

Mark McCarthy, owner of MARKDAVID, said: “To be a finalist for the Tribu-te The Big One Awards 2020 is incredible, I’m on such a high! I put a lot of time and effort into the design of my salon and ensuring it would be a relaxing and luxurious space for clients and enhance their experience in the salon.

“From the colours to the furnishings and the small finishing touches, I wanted everything to be perfect and the salon to have a unique and exclusive feel. For the top industry awards to recognise the effort put in and to appreciate this, it’s a great feeling.

“We are also currently expanding the salon further and I cannot wait to show everyone the new space and design!”

LifeCare online quiz on Tuesday

LifeCare invites you to join in for the third of its online quizzes on Tuesday 13^th October at 15.00.

Enjoy 60 minutes of fun, laughter and topics including the Movies, Nature and lots more.

The quiz will take place on Zoom and for details on how to join in, please contact Aleks, the Community Engagement Facilitator: alekspacula@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk