Category: Uncategorized

Anti-Bullying Campaign

Bullying-Stops-Here-225x300Pupils from Pirniehall Primary School, spray painted a very clear message at the front of their school gates on Friday morning. In large bright red letters ‘Bullying Stops Here’ which represents a strong message that bullying is not acceptable both in and out of school.

The bright spray painted message is already grabbing the attention of all those who pass through the school gates. Parents and children were discussing the sign as they were leaving the school on Friday, generating conversations about bullying and what the sign stood for. This large visual sign will act as a daily reminder keeping parents and children talking about the subject and it is hoped this message will support parents and teachers in continuing to create a safe school environment.

Parents have been active in supporting anti-bullying campaigns in the local primary schools and it is expected that more positive news stories regarding the great work that parents and teachers have planned will be
shared soon.

Tracy Devenney

Letter: Trick or treat?

Dear Editor

The announcement by Cameron that pensioners’ incomes will be protected from inflation for the “life of the next Parliament” sounds okay, you may think, but then what?

There is no doubt that other ‘benefits’ as he says, will be cut; from whom? The younger working people struggling now to make ends meet or perhaps the pensioners bus pass or winter fuel allowance?

The typical playing off one section of people against another is being demonstrated by the false highlighting of ‘affluent’ pensioners living it up (they even play bowls or are dancing!)

The question then arises what level is considered affluent and who sets that level. Having experienced over the last four years their idea of ‘level’, we can guess.

Pensioners and people at work must not be taken in by these attempts to get them to blame each other. Pensioners are mums and dads, workers are sons and daughters. Unity is Strength.
Tony Delahoy (by email)

The Charge of the Young Brigade

The Charger

Bloomin’ kids! They stand around on street corners, play football in the street and have absolutely no respect for their elders. All they’re interested in is X Factor, FaceBook and computer games. They’ve never had it so good – now, when I was a boy …

Is that your view of young people? Well, a new publication produced in North Edinburgh may just change your mind. Local Community Learning and Development worker Callum McLeod has produced ‘The Charger’ to let the wider community know about the wide variety of positive activities many of our young people are involved in.

Callum explained:  “This is its first edition, but I’m hoping to get at least one out each term and I’m sure it’ll improve with each edition. Iit’s worth having a wee nosy at it to see some of the stuff which has been happening on your doorstep.

“There are plenty of fab examples of where children and young people have been and are involved in decision-making in North Edinburgh – and so I’m planning that the Charger’s focus will be about showcasing as much of this as possible.

“It’s being aimed at children and young people, agencies and individuals within the community and so please pass it on to people you think might be interested. It’ll provide an opportunity to shine a spotlight on children and young people-led issues, achievements and developments in future editions, so please get in touch if there’s anything you’d like to add for the next one!”

Callum now plans to produce and distribute some hard copies of the current ‘Charger’ as well as the digital version (attached above). To pass on your comments or to contribute content for the next issue, you can contact Callum at:

Callum McLeod

Community Learning & Development, Broughton High School

29 East Fettes Ave, Edinburgh, EH4 1EG

Tel: 0131 332 6316

Email: Callum.mcleod@ea.edin.sch.uk

Web: www.edinburgh.gov.uk

CLD Web: www.joininedinburgh.org

The Charger

Stockbridge Market’s hot, hot hot!

Hot news just in from Stockbridge Market:

‘We got the park lit up just like Princes Street ( Stockbridge Market in collaboration with Community Council, SOS Stockbridge and Edinburgh Council

 and

‘We are number 61 in the List’s Hot 100  list of Scotland’s 100 hottest individuals and groups who’ve made a splash this year, from comic book writers to comedians, artists to actors. If they’ve contributed to Scotland’s cultural landscape in 2013, you’ll find them here!

How many other farmers markets have achieved this?’

Warm congratulations, Stockbridge Market!

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BDA’s top five tips for a healthy festive season

slade

Okay folks!  It’s that time of year again.  You’ve got your perfect party gear hanging in the wardrobe, your social diary has never been so full, every night there’s another party to go to (but you’re recording Strictly on Saturdays as you can’t miss that!) and you’re good to go for another month of Christmas partying!

Christmas is the party highlight for many of us and chances are you have been good in the run-up to December because you want to eat and drink a bit more than usual.  That’s normal, but just a word of warning, without wanting to dampen the festivities: the Christmas season is notorious for unexpected weight gain.

It is believed and accepted by many that the average person may eat an estimated 500 additional calories (kcal) a day over the Christmas season, resulting in a possible weight gain of 5lb.

The British Dietetic Association (BDA), founded in 1936, is the professional association for dietitians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the nation’s largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals with over 7,000 members.

 The BDA lists the top five tips to enjoying the festive party season while maintaining a healthy balance and a healthy body:

Eat hearty before the party!

Decide whether to fill up on food of your choice, or run the risk of a limited choice at the buffet table, usually consisting of fat-filled stodgy offerings like quiche, sausage rolls, pastries and deep-fried samosas, with copious amounts of mayo-enhanced dips.  Have something hearty, healthy and filling before you make your grand entrance, such as veg soup, low-fat hummus with oatcakes, fresh fruit and wholegrain cereal or a yogurt-based smoothie.  Also, this avoids drinking on an empty stomach and you won’t have to worry about spilling food over your best Christmas outfit!

Step to it!

If driving to your party, park a little further away and enjoy a brisk winter walk to the party, if you feel it’s safe to do so.  Not only will the walk be a good way to get a little exercise, it will also get the blood coursing through your veins and will inject you with a burst of energy.  Driving to the party also means you will avoid those calorific alcohol drinks and cocktails, but keep an eye on those soft drinks too as they can contain a lot of added sugar.  Go for a diet version if you can or add fizzy water to dilute juices and cordials.

Festive Fizz!

Noddy Holder and Slade are still being blasted at every single party you go to (please stop!!!).  Don’t let this, and that Mariah Carey offering, drive you to drink! Those inviting festive brightly-coloured cocktails are often full of added sugar, cream and hangover favourites, ‘congeners’ (mostly found in darker spirits like whisky and rum).  If you decide to drink try sticking to a refreshing white wine spritzer (less alcohol and fewer calories) and alternate your alcoholic drink with water, low calorie soft drinks or unsweetened fruit juice mixed with fizzy water.

Fill Your Festive Boots!

If you decide to eat at the party, go for the more healthy options, such as skinless chicken, salads without dressing, vegetable crudités with hummus.  Try to avoid creamy dips, mayo-loaded salads and fried foods, and the pastry offerings that will be in abundance.  Step away from temptation, visit only once and use a small dessert-sized plate.

Get Your Groove On!

Get those shoes to boogie the night away.  Hit the floor and bust some moves to all the Christmas classics such as Shakin’ Stevens, the Pogues featuring Kirsty McColl, East 17 and, undoubtedly, more Slade and Mariah!!!  Dancing is a great way of burning calories and it is also the perfect distraction from drinking and eating more.  Just remember to drink lots of water throughout the night to maintain your disco dancing prowess.

Giving her views on the Christmas party season, Sian Porter, consultant dietitians and BDA spokesperson said: “For many of us, myself included, the Christmas party season is the highlight of the year.  Not only is it a time of fun and celebration, it is often a time when we meet up with loved ones and family members that we have not seen all year.  However, with all the fun and partying it is really easy to lose track of all the extra calories we are eating.  Indeed, what fitted a treat on the 1st of December can become a little snug by the end of the month.

“It’s not about pouring water over the fun and festivities, it’s just about being a little mindful of what we consume during this festive season.  However you decide to approach the Christmas party season, the British Dietetic Association wishes everybody a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2014!”

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The most precious gift of all …

With Christmas less than two weeks away and still so much to do, it’s easy to forget the really important things – like giving blood.

So if you’re a blood donor, don’t forget to give the most precious gift of all over the holiday period. Grandad’s new slipppers can wait!

Edinburgh Blood Donor Centre
41 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9HB
Telephone: 0845 90 90 999
www.scotblood.co.uk/edinburgh 

View map and directions to donor centre

Opening Times:

Monday 10am – 4pm
Tuesday: 12pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday: 12pm – 7.30pm
Thursday: 12pm – 7.30pm
Friday: 10am – 4pm
Saturday: 10am – 1pm
santas-from-across-the-country-are-lining-up-to-deliver-this-years-must-have-gift-136385577857514201

 

A nation divided …

… and it’s nothing to do with the Referendum!

lites

With Christmas just around the corner new research from Clydesdale Bank has shown that the nation is divided over the very thing that makes Christmas sparkle – this country’s love affair with outdoor festive lights!

Almost half of us (47%) said we love seeing lots of brightly lit Santas, snowmen and reindeers outside of houses at this time of year. However, almost a third have a more ‘bah humbug’ approach to lighting up the festive season.

The survey revealed that 14% of us think they are a waste of money and a further 11% actually wishing their neighbours wouldn’t decorate the outside of their homes. Nearly one in ten (8%) of those surveyed said they simply don’t like Christmas decorations while a sixth (15%) said they would like to put lights outside their home but the cost of powering them puts them off.

But despite mixed views the majority of the nation is getting into the festive spirit with 57% of us saying we are looking forward to spending time with family and friends.

However this time of year is also proving to be stressful for some with almost a fifth of those surveyed admitting that they are worried about paying for Christmas and a further 19% stating that Christmas shopping is their least favourite part of the build-up to the big day.

Andrew Pearce, Retail Director for Clydesdale Bank, said: “Our research has shown that people either love or loathe outdoor Christmas lights.  Some view them as extravagant and an unnecessary waste of money and electricity whilst others enjoy the Christmas atmosphere they bring to the community.

“Whatever decorations you opt for this year, it’s still possible to have fun this festive season without blowing the budget.”

Clydesdale Bank’s simple tips to save money this Christmas:

  1. Set a budget – and stick to it. Work out how much you can afford to spend and don’t exceed this amount.
  2. Remember the most expensive present is not necessarily the best. Sometimes a more thoughtful, personal gift can be more appreciated. For example, new parents may prefer the offer of babysitting rather than more perfume or aftershave.
  3. Shop about – when you have decided what you want to buy, look for the best bargain. Many shops have sales in the run-up to Christmas, so pick your purchasing timing wisely.
  4. Group together – rather than buying gifts for every one of your friends individually, why not hold a secret Santa where each person buys for just one friend?
  5. Have a family feast – ask your guests to bring a course or some goodies with them so you don’t have sole responsibility for Christmas dinner. It could simply be bringing the wine or the Christmas crackers but will help you share the expense.

What’s your view – tacky or terrific? Let us kno-ho-ho!

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SSPCA reminder: a pet’s not just for Christmas

Hate to remind you, but Christmas Day is FOUR WEEKS TODAY (I know, I know!) – the Scottish SPCA has issued a seasonal reminder about giving pets as Christmas gifts:

The Scottish SPCA is warning of the dangers of giving animals as Christmas gifts as the charity prepares for one of its busiest times of  year. Scotland’s animal welfare charity has also revealed some of the most ridiculous excuses owners have used when trying to give up their pets.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Every year we stress that pets should never be bought on a whim or given as surprise gifts, but some people clearly aren’t getting the message.

“Sadly, our animal rescue and rehoming centres are full every Christmas and, shockingly, some owners see our centres as dumping grounds and animals as disposable items they can just give away.

“This is particularly evident over the festive period and in the months that follow and the saddest cases are when people try to give up their older dog to make way for a Christmas puppy. Recently we were given a hard luck story and took in an elderly dog and then found out the owners had visited another charity and bought a pup and, sadly, this happens often.

“One owner even told us they didn’t want their dog making their house untidy when they had guests over for Christmas, which is just ludicrous.”

The Scottish SPCA will stop rehoming puppies, kittens and baby animals between 19 December and 3 January to avoid people taking on pets to give away as gifts.

Chief Supt. Flynn added, “We have to ensure our rescue animals aren’t being taken on by someone who just wants a new pet for Christmas or a cute animal to give as a present without fully thinking through their decision.

“However, our animal rescue and rehoming centres will be open to the public every day, including Christmas Day, and young animals can be reserved during this time.

“We’ll continue to be asked to take in puppies, kittens and other pets given as presents once the novelty has worn off. In other cases, these pets are abandoned and left to fend for  themselves which is extremely callous as well as a criminal offence.

“Our message is that taking on a pet is a long-term decision and potential owners should ensure they have the time, commitment and financial resources required. Animals simply are not presents which can be given on Christmas Day and forgotten about soon afterwards.”

Inspector Janet Proudlock with puppy PIC: SSPCA
Inspector Janet Proudlock with puppy
PIC: SSPCA

Port of Leith’s excellent inspection

Port of Leith Housing Association receives glowing praise from Care Inspectorate 

Port of Leith Housing Association’s (PoLHA) sheltered housing complexes have been classified as ‘excellent’ by the Care Inspectorate for the quality of care and support to their 131 residents.

Findings from the Care Inspection report issued this week revealed that the sheltered housing complexes in the Leith area of Edinburgh – Hermitage Court, St Nicholas Court and Jameson Place – were awarded a grade six (excellent) for ensuringthat residents’ health and wellbeing needs are well catered for. Helping people stay well in their tenancy is a priority for staff and the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle were recognised through exercise classes, coffee mornings and charity fundraising events.

Following a ‘short notice’ inspection, follow on visits and attendance at tenants’ meetings over a four week period, a series of service records, including evidence of activities and social events, newsletters and supervision and development, were sampled to enable the inspector to review the work being done and deliver a grade.

In addition, 40 per cent of tenants were issued care standards questionnaires. Of the 29 completed questionnaires, 100 per cent were happy with the quality of support they received.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “This is a tremendous achievement.  We are delighted to have been awarded a grade six for the level of care and services our staff provide. We are committed to delivering  the best possible care for our residents and the staff do a wonderful job in ensuring their needs are met are at all times.”

The Association was also awarded a grade five (very good) for the quality of staffing, management and leadership.

Maureen Tait, PoLHA’sSenior Sheltered Housing Co-ordinator, said: “We’re delighted to have been recognised for our efforts. We strive to make our tenants feel comfortable and ‘at home’ while they stay with us. Many residents still like to have their own independence, but also be part of a close-knit team, which is why they enjoy getting on board with our fundraising activities.”

PoLHA