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Category: Trinity
Scottish Youth Parliament: Elections 2015
Scottish Youth Parliament Elections 2015
The Scottish Youth Parliament holds elections every two years. The next elections to the Scottish Youth Parliament will take place in March 2015.
“The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) represents Scotland’s young people. Our democratically elected members, aged 14-25, listen to and recognise the issues that are most important to young people, ensuring that their voices are heard by decision makers. We encourage all of Scotland’s young people to play their part in achieving our vision and provide a national platform for their participation in democracy.”
The stated aim of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) is to represent and promote the views of Scotland’s young people. In seeking to achieve this, the organisation has adopted a quasi-parliamentary structure, with a standing body of members elected on a regular basis. The organisation seeks to promote the values of democracy, inclusion, political independence and passion.
The work of the SYP is designed to deliver five key objectives:
- Affecting Change: A nation that listens to the voices of its young people.
- Diverse Representation: All of Scotland’s young people are able to participate.
- Positive about Young People: Young people are recognised as key contributors to Scottish society.
- Developing Leaders: Through access to opportunities and training, our young people lead the way.
- Celebrating Democracy: A strengthened relationship between young citizens and their political structures.
Your local candidates are:
EDINBURGH CENTRAL
Eilidh Dewar
Hello! My name is Eilidh Dewar and I am a 6th year student at Broughton High School. I have always had a keen interest in politics and what young people want which is exactly why I got involved with the SYP. I feel like I would be an excellent member of the SYP because I am headstrong and I like standing up for what the young people in Edinburgh want. You should vote for me if you’re looking for someone who will stand up for young people and work extremely hard to get the voices of young people heard.
Lucy Duffy
My name is Lucie Duffy and I want to represent you at the SYP. I’m a member of my school’s Amnesty International Youth Group, so I want to help campaign for young people’s basic human rights, as well as other issues such as better Sex Education in schools and votes for 16 and 17 year olds. I think I could make a difference as an MSYP because I would listen to the views of other young people in my area and I believe that every single young person deserves the right to have a voice in Scotland.
Shorter version: I’m Lucie, and I want to represent you at the SYP because I think that young people deserve the right to have a voice in Scotland.
Wing-Yan Ng
I hope you will consider me as a candidate for Edinburgh Central, last year I successfully fulfilled one of my promises with promoting the living wage up to £7.85, please allow me again to work towards my manifesto and fulfil my promises to you. Giving young people fair representation is crucial to me and I want to protect your interests and I believe I can make a difference by representing your interests in the Scottish Youth Parliament. Voicing your opinion is important and I hope that you can lay your trust in me and support me. I would like to serve you in Edinburgh Central.
EDINBURGH NORTHERN AND LEITH
Callum Corea
I want to make young people feel they’re being represented and have a strong voice which is heard. I also want to make MSYP’s more accessible to young people and therefore easier to contact. I’m planning to have consultations with young people on issues affecting them such as youth involvement! I’ll also be campaigning on young carer and other similar issues which affect young adults. I’m aiming to campaign on equal pay for 16 – 20 year olds but also want to raise people’s awareness of young people’s contribution to society. I’m planning to campaign for more funding for youth groups but will be campaigning to set up more youth forums and other ways where young people can get more involved in politics and society. To help make all of this happen I’ll be working away to bridge the gap between decision makers and young people!
Nicolette Ester
Ever thought about being a little more responsibly disruptive?
As the next generation of Scottish leaders, I believe we need to take responsibility and raise our voices to protect the provisions in place to support our personal development. It’s no secret that times are getting harder, so, whether it’s cheaper public transport, a higher minimum-wage or better sports facilities vote for me as your SYP representative and I’ll help you speak out and get a little more responsibly disruptive about the issues that matter to you
Let’s work together to empower the young people of Scotland and fight for a brighter future! If anything else is needed please let me know!
Eilidh Mackay
Hi I’m Eilidh and I want to be your representative for North and Leith in the Scottish Youth Parliament. I am very passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of young people both nationwide and in this community. Being involved in change is something I have already been trying to get involved in, being a part of the Edinburgh Youth Issues forum for over four years, this is another way to continue that. If elected, I plan to find other ways to become involved in my close community, to stay in touch issues that young people have there.
Kieran Reape
I believe it to be crucial for young people from the age 16 and over, to be allowed to vote in the UK general election and European election. We have seen progress with this by allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote in the Referendum and the upcoming 2016 Scottish general election. This was the outcome of successful lobbying from the Scottish Youth Parliament. I intend to further the recent success by getting the UK government and European Parliament to abide by the same rules. By voting for me in Edinburgh North and Leith you will be adding support to this cause.
Terri Smith
My name is Terri Smith and I am your current MSYP but also hoping to work for you for another 2 years. Over the years I have successfully campaigned on equal marriage, votes at 16, a living wage, supporting young carers whilst currently working on a campaign called POVERTY: see it change it. If re-elected I aim to focus on more support for LGBT young people, equal access to local and national opportunities, better engagement with local youth forums/groups and clubs, campaign for better work experience as well as tackling bullying in schools and also continue to work with NUS Scotland to support college and university students. Being an MSYP is about representing what you want and if you want someone with a proven track record on delivering whilst always ensuring a bit of banter is thrown in then vote for #TeamTerri – follow on twitter @3terrismith
EDINBURGH WESTERN
Owen Cruikshank
There are so many issues effecting Scotland’s young people today but one issue that must be addressed is Inequality. More than 1in5 of Scotland’s young people are classed as being in poverty. This is a shocking statistic but who better to tackle it than us – the young people. I am committed to helping create genuine change in our community and our country.
Although I have achieved a lot in my term, I know that there’s more I can achieve for our community. I can and will represent Edinburgh Western in the best possible way should I be re-elected.
Laura Holloway
Statement to follow
Sarah Outterson
I would like to be part of the Scottish Youth Parliament because I believe it’s really important that young people have a voice and a say in the decisions which affect their lives. I would campaign for disability awareness and hope to get more respect with those with disabilities. I would hope to raise the political awareness of young people as I think it’s increasingly important as we raise voting age that we know as young people the differences between each party.
I also hope to get Feminism in PSE lessons in schools. I think this is a great idea because they would then know what Feminism really is and not what they hear from their friends.
If you want to no more about me and my campaign you can follow me on Twitter at @ S_Outterson or on my blog on someonelikesarah.wordpress.com
For further information visit www.syp.org.uk/elections-2015
Craigie crew tackles fire safety programme
‘One of the very best groups I have worked with’ – Ally Paterson
Eight pupils from Craigroyston Community High School took part in a Scottish Fire & Rescue Service youth engagement programme ran at Crewe Toll fire station this week. The students learned teamwork, communications and basic fire fighting skills during their training course, which they displayed to friends and family in an impressive exhibition at the local fire station yesterday.
Fire Service Youth Engagement Co-ordinator Ally Paterson explained “Working with young people means that the fire service can raise awareness and challenge attitudes to fire safety and other forms of anti-social behaviour.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Youth engagement project engages with young people aged between 12-17 in order to work towards reducing hoax calls and secondary fires and to increase awareness of local community safety issues.
“We encourage positive social behaviour by using a combination of intensive group work and fire service activities with a view to raising self-esteem, confidence, personal motivation and increase problem solving skills.
“The programme allows participants to experience basic fire service tasks such as team building, first aid, hose running and ladder climbing to develop physical stamina. All activities incorporate a fire safety message and endorse a strong group work component.’’
Ally was particularly impressed with the Craigroyston recruits. “This was a really good group – I can honestly say that this has been one of the very best groups I have worked with in four years of doing this job. You could see them progress over the course of the week – I was really impressed with their attitude, they were keen to learn and a real pleasure to work with.”
On the final day of the programme, the young people – Josh Reid, Brent Blackie, Dylan Williamson, Liam Henderson, Arnis Zironkina, Lee Stevensdale, Josh Hardwick and Kieran Blackie – gave a practical presentation to demonstrate the skills they’d learned over the course of the week, and following the display the students were presented with certificates to recognise their achievements.
Brent, Dylan and Kieran have also been nominated to progress on to SFRS’ Phoenix programme for further training.
Speaking after the presentations, sixteen year old Kieran Blackie, who’s from Muirhouse, said: “It’s been an absolutely fantastic week, just amazing. We’ve been learning the skills the firefighters learn in their thirteen weeks basic training – but we’ve had to do it in four and a half days! It was a lot to take in but we’ve all definitely learned a lot, especially about the importance of teamwork and working together.”
Josh Hardwick also enjoyed the training. “I loved the whole week, every part of it, but if I had to choose the best bits I really enjoyed the session were we worked in a small, dark, confined space to locate and rescue a casualty – that might not be everybody’s idea of fun, but I really enjoyed it! The high ladder work was great too, although not ideal if you don’t have a head for heights. I think the week taught us just how hard the firefighters work and how dangerous their job can be.”
Congratulations to the Craigie crew!
More pictures on our Facebook page
Weather’s no match for local Army Cadets!
Nearly one hundred Army Cadets aged 12-18 years shrugged off freezing temperatures during a recent training weekend in the Pentland Hills, their first camp of 2015.
The weekend saw cadets based at Granton Square overcome snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures to put into practice the skills taught at their local Detachment.
Cadets took part in navigation training, first aid and fieldcraft. During the fieldcraft phase, cadets learned how to build improvised shelters and secure a ‘temporary home’ known as a Harbour Area.
Senior Cadets under the supervision of the Adult Volunteers grasped the opportunity to demonstrate to the younger Cadets how preparedness, teamwork and self-discipline can determine your success and survival, whatever the weather.
Major John Tonner, Officer Commanding of the weekend said: “I am extremely impressed with the abilities demonstrated by the Cadets and their maturity in applying themselves in the adverse conditions brought by the cold weather.
“It is a very unique opportunity for individuals to witness how valuable skills provided within our Youth Organisation can steer young people to go further in their chosen path in life”.
The ability to adapt quickly was demonstrated by all of the Cadets resulting in many new qualifications gained and successful testing to allow Cadets to progress onto the next stage of their Cadet careers with 17 Cadets gaining new First Aid qualifications and five Adult Volunteers receiving their First Aid at Work qualification.
17 Platoon is part of Lothian & Borders Army Cadet Force and have training nights every Monday and Wednesday evenings between 7 – 9pm. They welcome cadets between 12 and 18 years of age and encourage parents to get involved too.
You can find out more about the Cadet’s sporting and adventure training activities by visiting their Detachment at the Army Reserve Centre at Granton Square, online at www.lbcadets.co.uk or by calling 01506 856 698.
Operation Quarterlight: cracking down on car crime
Quarterlight update: six arrests last week
Operation Quarterlight is a Police Scotland initiative aimed at tackling motor vehicle crime in hotspot areas. Since the start of the initiative in January 2015, local officers involved in the operation have made 24 arrests and solved 68 crimes related to motor vehicle offences.
In the last week officers in Edinburgh have arrested five men and one woman for various offences related to motor vehicles crimes. Of those arrested a 22-year-old man has been remanded in custody on multiple charges.
Additionally in the last week there has been 15 stop searches in hotspot areas and 41 bail curfew checks completed on some of Edinburgh’s most prolific offenders.
Police have also charged a 41-year-old woman with the theft of a pedal cycle. This had previously been advertised as for sale on a website. The bike has now been recovered and returned to its owner.
PS Tom Mallinson, who runs the Quarterlight team, said: “We have solved almost seventy crimes since Quarterlight began and well over half of these relate to vehicle crime. We are quite clear with offenders – we will continue to investigate all crimes linked to vehicles across the city.
“Many of these individuals will be involved in assaults, hate crimes, vandalisms and serious driving offences while in the commission of motor vehicle offences and our team has prioritised access to forensic services, CCTV and national vehicle crime experts to combat the challenge of autocrime.”
Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, who oversees Operation Quarterlight locally, pressed home the point about car security and improving results. He said: “We have seen a week on week increase in detection rates, as well as a driving down of car crime as the message gets out.
“We have increased preventative night time patrols in hot spot areas and officers have conducted over a hundred searches resulting in numerous arrests.
“We still want car owners to be careful – secure their vehicles, park in well-lit and overlooked spots and ensure valuable items are removed or at least not on show in their vehicles.”
Spartans: be the twelfth man!
Local club The Spartans play Berwick Rangers this Saturday (7 February) at Ainslie Park in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup. If we win we will make history as the first non-league team to play in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup for 55 years!
This Cross-Border clash sees the Lowland League title holders take on their third SPFL opponents on the Road to Hampden. We have already beaten Clyde and Morton and in both games the bumper home support has made all the difference.
Can you be the twelfth man on 7 February? We are making a big plea for everyone in the North Edinburgh community to come along and back their local team as we aim to make history!
The TV cameras will be along, “Pulse of the Place” our local Samba band will provide the pre match entertainment and hundreds of local youngsters will be bringing a real family atmosphere. It promises to be a magical afternoon.
Our Ainslie Park arena holds 3500 people, with 500 seats in our covered stand. Kick-off is at 3pm so please come down early if you want a seat.
Admission is £12 for adults, £8 for concessions and Under 12 s are free (pay at gate) – continuing our commitment to offer affordable football for all. With a bumper crowd expected, we have entrances open on both Pilton Drive and Pilton Avenue.
You can keep up to date with the pre-match news, previews and interviews on our hat-trick of social media sources:
website: www.spartansfc.com,
twitter: @spartansfc and Facebook: Spartans FC
The Spartans Football Club
| Live together, Play together, Win together
Community Regeneration: what is it all about?
Blue sky thinking: Granton Improvement Society calls for real community planning
The idea of “community regeneration” certainly is not new but at this time in Scotland, with new Scottish government legislation on Community Empowerment, the time is now better than ever before for communities to take more control of assets. We can shape our community involving all who live, work and play within it. Now that would be real community regeneration!
Politicians talk about regeneration but do they deliver? What does that mean for the residents of North Edinburgh? We have a badly needed housing development in Muirhouse but without complementary services. The rest of the locality is left to decay with budget cuts making it harder for politicians (the council) to regenerate the larger area.
The people of the area know what is needed to regenerate their environment and it is not just housing. The Granton on Sea project can be the corner stone of such development. A project that provides benefits across a wide spectrum of issues that have been unresolved over the past 20 years – even though the area was designated as a major regeneration area within the City of Edinburgh.
A community regeneration project requires the assets of the community to be in total, outright ownership of that community: this is not in place.
Why then, when Scottish government policy is to transfer assets to communities have EDI, chaired by Councillor Frank Ross who is also convenor of the Economic Development committee, denied the project Granton on Sea the opportunity to begin one of Scotland’s largest and most ambitious regeneration plans?
The EDI Finance Director and Waterfront manager both recommended that Granton Improvement Society be given a two year period where it would fully develop the project with the Lottery’s Growing Community Assets unit. After eighteen months it would begin to provide employment, training, tourism opportunities, visitors and more economic benefits to North Edinburgh.
How will the project bring benefit?
The acquisition of the land by the Granton Improvement Society will see the development of 54 luxury houses stopped and replaced with an International Garden Festival and create artisan studios in green space on the adjoining plot of land.
The proposal will provide upwards of 100 permanent full time and part-time jobs, training and education in horticulture and other professions and trades. It will be an opportunity for local people to start up business in affordable workspaces. The unique visitor attraction of the International Garden Festival where each year it is different will ensure returning visitors to the project. That influx of tourists both national and international will see their spending retained in the local economy.
The real main benefit that the Granton on Sea project will bring is a local charity The Granton Improvement Society, whose main objective is the regeneration of the North Edinburgh area. It will manage the income from the artisan village and the Garden Festival for the benefit of other projects throughout the North Edinburgh area.
What do we need from you, the community?
This community has waited for regeneration benefits for decades with the community being told that the benefits are coming, this has clearly not happened. We are not giving up! We are asking you to join the Granton Improvement Society and create a place for people to live work and play!
Application forms for the Granton Improvement Society can be downloaded at
https://grantonimprovementsociety.wordpress.com/
and are available from the secretary, email
info@grantonimprovementsociety.org
Positive parenting: the Teen Triple P programme
Raising a teenager? Teen Triple P parenting programme
What is Group Teen Triple P?
Group Teen Triple P is a parenting programme which can help parents and carers cope positively with some of the common issues associated with raising a teenager.
The group and telephone/ individual consultation sessions give parents an opportunity to explore ways they can build a stronger relationship with their teenager, reduce conflict, manage problem behaviours and help their teen stay safe.
Group Teen Triple P helps parents make small changes in the way they handle things which can make big differences to the whole family.
Teen Triple P is suitable for parents, step parents and carers of pre-teen and teenagers aged approximately 11-16 years. Groups for kinship carers and dads also run.
What does it involve?
It is natural to feel nervous when attending a group and meeting new people. The facilitators will try to meet each parent before the group starts, either during a home visit or at the venue. They will do what they can to make everyone feel welcome. Teen Triple P groups are run by two facilitators with up to 12 parents in each group. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Each parent will be given a parent workbook which is theirs to keep.
Each group usually runs for 9 weeks with:
Five group sessions which last for 2 hours
Followed by three phone or individual sessions
Then a final group session
During group sessions, parents learn from DVD clips, discussions and activities.
Parents choose which strategies to try each week at home. The facilitators will chat with parents during telephone or individual sessions to offer additional support.
Outline of Sessions
Introductory Session: Getting to know you. Parents are given a brief overview of the programme and get a chance to meet the facilitators and other parents in the group.
Session 1: Positive parenting. This session provides parents with an introduction to positive parenting, explore factors that influence teenage behaviour, and set goals for change.
Session 2: Encouraging appropriate behaviour. During this session, ways of improving positive relationships with teenagers are considered. Strategies to increase desirable behaviour and holding family meetings are also covered.
Session 3: Managing problem behaviour. In this session, parents learn how to develop family rules, deal with noncooperation and acknowledging and managing teenage emotions
Session 4: Dealing with risky behaviour. This session helps to identify risky situations, explores routines to deal with risky behaviour, and discusses family survival tips.
Session 5-7: Implementing parenting strategies. During telephone or individual consultation sessions, facilitators assist parents to review their chosen parenting strategies.
Session 8: Programme close. Parents return for a final group session to review progress, look at ways to maintain changes and problem-solve for the future. Information on additional available supports is provided.
Where does Group Teen Triple P run?
The City of Edinburgh Council runs Group Teen Triple P in each area of the city. They run in venues such as Community Centres, Schools and Libraries. Programmes run during the day and in the evenings.
How do I apply to attend Group Teen Triple P?
Applications can be made at any time as we operate a waiting list system. We welcome applications directly from parents or practitioners may apply for a place for a family they are working with.
Application forms can be requested by emailing supportingparentsandcarers@edinburgh.gcsx.gov.uk
or by telephoning 0131 529 6700
More Information
If you would like more information about Teen Triple P or wish to discuss if it is suitable for you or a parent you are working with contact Jillian Hart, Teen Triple P Lead, Parent and Carer Support Development Officer- Tel: 07860736129 or email jillian.hart@edinburgh.gov.uk
Quotes from Edinburgh parents who have attended Teen Triple P groups:
“I have found the program very helpful and supportive, the atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly.”
“Really enjoyed this course, it helped me a lot.”
“It is reassuring to know that we are not alone, to have a better insight into what motivates our daughter, and to be able to refer to the workbook for tips and strategies.”
“Really made me think, we have a better relationship.”
“Excellent content with varied strategies which makes the program flexible and manageable for all”
“I feel stronger and more confident as a parent and a person.”
Excel-lent computer course at Craigroyston!
Confident Computing Course at Craigroyston
Whether you are an absolute beginner or you just want to brush up on your computing skills, this course will give you the skills you need to progress to the next level! There will be a focus on Excel and how to improve the way you use Excel as a database or for keeping records or creating reports.
Where: Craigroyston Community High School
When: Wednesday mornings, 10.30am – 12.30pm, starting now.
More info: www.joininedinburgh.org/activity/6501/ or call 0131 477 7801
Interested in finding other Adult Education classes? Take a look at www.joininedinburgh.org/craigroyston
Trinity Community Council: December news bulletin
Crime
Housebreakings are up again – 12 thefts from houses and 10
from sheds/garages. Worst affected are the Bangholms,
Craighall Rd and the Dudleys. Police urge residents to be
vigilant about their own and other people’s security and are
pleased that many are reporting suspicious activity.
If a housebreaking looks imminent, you should call 999 rather than 101.
Thieves look for tell-tale signs that a house contains what
they are looking for e.g. a car with bike rack suggests bikes in
the house. Increased police patrols will continue until after
Christmas when the problem is expected to subside.
City of Edinburgh Council Budget Proposals 2015 – 18
Cllr Cammy Day of the ruling coalition outlined how savings of 2.1% are sought for 2015/16 rising to 6% by 2017/18. Because Children & Families and Health & Social Care are partly protected, the biggest savings are proposed from Services for Communities where a 7% saving is sought in 2015/16.
City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) is consulting on their proposals and have received 1,500 responses – mostly about plans to raise allotment fees.
We have broad concerns that:
1 The nature of the consultation provides insufficient
financial or statistical information to provide the context
needed for people to make an informed response.
2 There should be more focus on delivering the same services more efficiently rather than (as the proposals often suggest) reducing service in order to lower costs.
Achieving 2% efficiency improvements year-on-year should be achievable without cutting delivery.
Some points concerning detail:
- Reducing City Car Club use seems like a backward step
especially for North Edinburgh where we believe every possible tool to contain traffic growth will be needed. - If painting white lines on playing fields, cutting grass in parks, etc. needs reduced then voluntary/user groups may be prepared to help but that will require greater flexibility from CEC.
- Closure of public toilets outside the city centre is disappointing when various residents have argued that there is a growing need for new/refurbished toilets in Starbank and Victoria Parks. Trinity Community Council intends to submit a formal response on this subject. Do you have any views you’d like us to take account of?
Looking further ahead, CEC intend undertaking a BOLD (Better Outcomes through Leaner Delivery) exercise. This will take a more radical look at council structures (including at the Neighbourhood Partnership level) to deliver services. We will be engaging with this.
20MPH Consultation
Following discussion with residents (whose research was very informative) we welcome the proposal to introduce a 20 mph limit on Lower Granton Rd from Granton Square to Craighall Road.
Ferry Road from Newhaven Road to Great Junction Street will also become 20mph. It is understood that Granton Road, Craighall Road and Newhaven Road will remain at 30mph with the rest of Trinity at 20mph.
As ever, the key will be proper enforcement!
East Trinity Road
City council officials have undertaken a further survey of traffic in East Trinity Road. We are seeking a meeting to discuss results. The next step is likely to be further consultation.
Parking
Problems with parking in Wardie Road has raised the possibility of introducing Priority Parking for the area from Ferry Rd to East Trinity Road and and from Granton Road to the Goldenacre Footpath.
As there will be a cost to residents not everyone will be
enthusiastic. We will undertake a survey of your views in 2015.
Traffic generally …
We remain concerned that disconnected proposals are popping
up without a coherent framework and that local problems will
simply be displaced. The issue of traffic and transport across
North Edinburgh needs considered as a whole through a proper review of the now outdated North Edinburgh Transport Plan.
North Edinburgh is the only part of the city where no transport review was undertaken for the Local Development Plan despite hosting a high proportion of planned housing development.
Contact in the Capital
The next issue of North Edinburgh News is hitting the streets now. Distribution will include Ferryfield and Rose Park with some copies being stocked at Leith Library, St Serf’s, Wardie Church and Lomond Park Bowling Club. If you get a copy, please let us know what you think.
Proposed Sainsbury’s Local in Craighall Road
We are advised that this application will be heard again by CEC Planning Committee on 17 December.
Parks
CEC are considering restoration work on the statue of Edward VII in Victoria Park. Feedback from the drop-in session on proposals to turn the third bowling green in Victoria Park into allotments was favourable and allotments will now likely be allocated 50:50 to people on the waiting list and local residents.
Current work on the tennis and basketball courts is near
complete. A permanent surface will be laid in the Spring.
Trinity CC: Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Monday 12 January at 7pm in St Serfs Church Hall, Clark Road.
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