Uncategorized – Page 302 – The NEN

Forget the internet – you need friends

A leading support charity is calling on couples in Edinburgh to get in touch with their local service if they need help, after a new study found that the internet is one of the biggest causes of relationship problems.

Published by Relationships Scotland, The Way We Are Now 2014 lifts the lid on our relationships and sex lives. The study is one of the largest of its kind.

The report asked more than 5000 people across the UK how they feel about their sex life and relationships.

It reveals some concerning statistics around how close we feel to others, with one in five or 18% rarely or never feeling loved in their relationship and one in ten saying they didn’t have a close friend.

The charity said that in as many as 50 to 70% of cases in couple counselling in Scotland the internet had an impact on the relationship yet in the study very few people reported the internet as causing a problem in their relationship

Only 1% of respondents said they’d cheated with someone online but not in person.

This clashes with the findings from the survey of counsellors, with many of them reporting the use of social media and online pornography as an issue that comes up in the counselling room in over half of cases.

Anne Chilton, Head of Counselling said, “There is a disconnect here between what people see and assume their partner is doing and what they are actually doing. Seeing your partner on line night after night you maybe assume they are just browsing. Its only when you look at what they are actually looking at do you find that there is problem. Maybe they are chatting to someone else, or looking at porn. Either way, this is the point couples come to us for help. What maybe started as a solution to loneliness in a relationship now becomes the problem.”

“What often happens now is that instead of talking to their partner when they are unhappy in the relationship or dissatisfied with their sex life, people get drawn into looking for a solution online.”

One in four people are dissatisfied with their sex life (24%) and a quarter also reported having an affair (25%).

The Way We Are Now 2014 included an additional survey carried out by Relate of 250 Relate and Relationships Scotland counsellors, who listed three factors for a happy sex life: improving communication, making time to be together and learning how to talk about sex with your partner.

The study finds a clear link between relationships and high levels of wellbeing but simply being in a relationship doesn’t guarantee that people will feel good about themselves: it’s the quality of the relationship that has an impact on wellbeing and happiness.

Relationships Scotland said it is worrying that one in ten people don’t have a single close friend and one in five rarely or never felt loved in the two weeks before the survey.

Anne said, “It’s very sad the number of people who don’t have a close friend. Research suggests it is linked to the rise of the internet. While someone could have hundreds of friends on Facebook they might feel these are superficial rather than friendships of real substance. Online you only use one channel of communication and it’s hard to connect with people. When you are face to face you can feel, hear, see and really interact so it’s much better for building friendships and deeper levels of intimacy.”

The report finds a strong connection between our relationships and our personal wellbeing. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, relationships still act as ‘shock absorbers’ when times are hard.

Relationships Scotland says the research shows that couples and families can get the help they need to invest time and effort into building stronger relationships.

Stuart Valentine, Chief Executive of Relationships Scotland, said: “This new study examines the quality of our relationships, showing a clear link between our personal relationships and our wellbeing. Whilst there is much to celebrate, the results around how close we feel to others are very concerning. There is a significant minority of people who never or rarely feel loved or who have no close friends.”

“We know that strong relationships are vital for both individuals and society as a whole, so investing in them is crucial. Through our network of services around Scotland we provide support, advice and counselling to couples, families and individuals as well as mediation. The help is there and we hope that anyone who feels they need a helping hand will get in touch with us.”

For advice or further information go to

www.relationships-scotland.org.uk

or telephone 0845 119 2020

£6m grants to ‘vital’ Third Sector

More than 115 organisations to benefit from Enterprise Ready Fund

Grants totalling £6 million have been awarded to over 115 enterprising third sector organisations, Finance Secretary John Swinney confirmed yesterday. Mr Swinney said that an enterprising third sector is ‘vital’ to Scotland’s future.

Fresh Start, Edinburgh Cyrenians Trust, MY Adventure and The Spartans Community Football Academy (pictured above) are among the Edinburgh organisations to benefit from Enterprise Ready funding (see below for full list of awardees).

ERF_awardees-aug2014

The Enterprise Ready Fund fund provides continued support to enterprising third sector organisations across Scotland, building on the Scottish Government’s commitment to promote a sustainable, capable and enterprising third sector.

Mr Swinney said: “We had a great response to the Enterprise Ready Fund and I would like to congratulate all organisations that have been successful in securing grants.

“Each and every one of the recipients are working in their own unique way to become more self-sufficient but more importantly for me, they are creating change at a local level. We can look forward to a future where these organisations play a full role in public service reform.

“We strongly believe that an enterprising third sector is vital to our economy, to civic society and in the creation of a fairer and more inclusive Scotland. That is why we have invested heavily to help the sector develop further.

“Organisations like Move On which operates across Scotland to deliver a range of support and advice services to those affected by or at risk of homelessness are excellent examples of how the sector is helping to create a fairer and more inclusive Scotland. This investment will help them deliver important services and opportunities to people across the country.”

Foundation Scotland’s Chief Executive Giles Ruck said: “We were encouraged by the high volume of applications received and are delighted that the fund is supporting such a variety of enterprising third sector organisations. We look forward with great anticipation to seeing the difference these awards will make in communities throughout Scotland.”

Foundation Scotland (FS) is Scotland’s busiest grant maker, making more awards to charity than any other independent funder. Each year FS clients make over 2,000 payments to charities and community organisations, about a third of which are to organisations recommended by FS.

FS supports a wide range of charities, voluntary community groups and sports clubs, giving clients a great range of causes to donate to and enabling FS to reach a wide range of community activity across Scotland.

A broad spectrum of local projects have received support through Foundation Scotland – from small grants to Pilton Community Gardeners, North West Carers Centre and Davidsons Mains & District Children’s Pipe Band through t0 a £30,000 grant to Pilton Community Health Project to contribute to the cost of a Women Supporting Women development worker. In all, 34 Edinburgh-based charities, community organisations and sports clubs received funding through Foundation Scotland.

For full details of grants awarded (1 July 2013 – 30 June 2014) see below

July 2014 awards

Millennium Community Centre lowe-down: happy and fit

David Lowe’s Zumba & Fitsteps: “Together or Not” on Tuesday nights

David has introduced a new format of his popular forms of exercise by starting on Tuesdays with Zumba Class for 1 hour. Participants can, if they want to (after a short break) participate in the Fitsteps activity for a further hour.

Costs are as follows: 1 hour of Zumba (on its own) 6.30 – 7.30pm £ 4.50 1 Hour of Fitsteps (on its own) 7.30 – 8.30pm £ 4.00 Zumba & Fitsteps (the full programme (6.30 – 8.30pm.) £7.00

This is proving to be successful in its first weeks with all of the participants taking part in both activities. We will soon be able to claim our area as having the fittest and happiest people in Edinburgh !!

So come along to the biggest fitness party in North Edinburgh and join in the fun for whatever, and whenever, you want !!

See more at:

http://muirhousecommunitycentre.co.uk/new-concept-from-david-lowe/#sthash.MEksE07z.dpuf

James McGinty, Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre

Alexander: ‘best of both worlds’

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander sets out why he believes being part of the UK is helping Scotland’s economy grow and create jobs …

This week I will be travelling across the breadth and width of Scotland, from east to west and from north to south, talking to businesses and families about the issues that matter to them.

I will visit a range of companies, representing many of Scotland’s key sectors like life sciences, financial services, tourism, manufacturing and the creative industries.

I am certain that the one common thread which will emerge during my travels is this: the economy of Scotland is rich, diverse and prosperous, with huge and exciting opportunities ahead of us. But our present strength and our future potential come from the fact that we are – and I believe we should remain – part of the United Kingdom.

There’s little doubt that the UK and Scottish economies are recovering strongly. Scotland has now seen seven quarters of continuous growth. And that impressive performance is contributing to the strength of the UK economy: data released on Friday showed that the UK has grown by 3.2% in the past year.

This means that our economy is now recovering faster than all our major international competitors like the US, Germany, Japan or France.

What’s more, independent experts predict that the UK will continue to lead the pack over the rest of this year and grow faster than any other G7 nation.

With more economic growth we’re also seeing more jobs. Since 2010 some 1.8 million additional jobs have been created across the UK, as part of that there are almost 160,000 new jobs in Scotland.

There are now more Scots in work – some 2.6 million – than ever before.

The strength of our labour market means we can continue to reduce unemployment in Scotland, including among our young people: new data released last week showed the biggest fall in UK-wide youth unemployment since records began.

All the evidence shows that being part of the UK is helping Scotland’s economy grow and create jobs.

One reason for this is that Scottish companies do most of their trade with the rest of the UK.

Almost 70% of Scotland’s exports go to England, Wales and Northern Ireland – more than to the every other country in the world combined. As a single state, the UK shares common regulations and a bigger marketplace where people can move freely, all of this makes it far easier to do business.

Being part of the UK is also good for jobs. New analysis published last week showed that almost 270,000 jobs in Scotland – more than one in every ten jobs – is dependent on trade with the rest of the UK.

This includes 45,000 manufacturing jobs and 180,000 jobs in the services industries, all of which benefit from the larger single integrated market available as part of the UK.

Many of these jobs are in the key industrial sectors which I will be visiting over the coming week.

We have a top financial and professional services sector. We are world-leaders in renewable energy. Aberdeen is a global hub for oil and gas expertise. We have a state-of-the-art life sciences sector. We have a vibrant creative industries scene, concentrated around Dundee and Glasgow.

All these sectors are thriving precisely because Scotland benefits from the broad shoulders and economic stability that come from being part of the UK.

I am in no doubt that the ingenuity and hard-work of the Scottish people is one of our greatest assets – an asset that will yield even more success as part of the UK.

And that’s because the UK offers stability and strength, with certainty about our currency, better funded public services and safer savings and pensions.

And with a more powerful Scottish Parliament we can have the best of both worlds, so that we can find Scottish solutions to Scottish issues while remaining part of a stronger United Kingdom.

We should all be incredibly proud of everything Scotland has achieved. Let’s make sure that our children and grandchildren can be even more successful as part of the United Kingdom.

NHS Lothian to consult on Victoria Hospital plans

NHS Lothian’s plans to develop the Royal Victoria Hospital site off Craigleith Road have been submitted, and members of the public can see what is being proposed at a session in Comely Bank early next month.

NHS Lothian plans to develop the site to provide a range of accommodation – both residential and non-residential – to meet the health and social care needs of older people, but also to market the remainder of the site as a ‘residential development opportunity’.

The public consultation session will be held at St Ninian’s Church, Comely Bank from midday – 8pm on Thursday 4 September.

PAN_Royal_Victoria_Hospital_Site

Fair’s fair – and Fun Days too

West Pilton & Muirhouse Gala is NEXT Sunday – not today!

The school holidays are a distant memory, the nights are already ‘fair drawin’ in’ but it seems the summer fun days go on forever! Yesterday was packed with community events but there’s plenty more on offer in North Edinburgh this coming weekend too:

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre’s popular annual Fun Day takes place next Saturday from 11 – 2pm and is packed with activities

Along Ferry Road, North Edinburgh Community Art Group is holding an Art and Craft Fair in the Craighall Centre (below) from 11 – 3pm.

Silverlea Care Home on Muirhouse Parkway (below) are also holding a Summer Fun Day on Saturday from 2 – 4pm with lots of fun for everyone – all welcome.

And last – but certainly not least – West Pilton and Muirhouse Community Gala does go ahead – but it’s NEXT SUNDAY (not today!)

Organisers have confirmed: “This year’s gala is at full steam ahead .. It’s been a bit quiet from us as the committee have other commitments too. But your gala on Sunday 24 August at West Pilton Park will be a blast , we have a little something for everyone and hope to see as many people turn out as the last one ..”

Fun kicks off at midday until 4pm.

So much fun, so little time …!

Defibrillators: dental practices to receive life-saving machines

‘I firmly believe this scheme will save many more lives’ – Matheson

Communities across Scotland will have access to potentially life-saving defibrillators as the machines are installed in independent NHS dental practices across the country.

The £600,000 programme will see defibrillators delivered by the end of the month. The locations of the defibrillators will be logged with the Scottish Ambulance Service control system, which will increase community access to defibrillators, reduce delays in treatment and increase the chances of survival for cardiac arrest victims.

More than 1500 Scots died after suffering a cardiac arrest outwith hospital last year.

To mark yesterday’s roll-out launch, Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson visited the Montgomery Street Dental Practice in Edinburgh, one of the first to receive a defibrillator.

Mr Matheson, who is himself trained in the use of defibrillators, said: “Every second counts when someone suffers a cardiac arrest and having access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death.

“By the end of this roll-out, there will be more defibrillators in public spaces. With these machines mapped to the Scottish Ambulance Service control system, people can be directed to them more quickly if there is an incident, cutting the delay in treatment and increasing the victim’s chance of survival.

“As these machines are becoming easier to use it is only right that the public have more access to its life-saving potential and I firmly believe that this scheme will save many more lives.”

Alex Coakley, Principal Dentist at the Montgomery Street Practice, added: “This is a fantastic initiative by the Scottish Government. Having defibrillators available in convenient locations such as dental practices will mean that they can be taken to the scene of any incident as quickly as possible, and hopefully save lives.”

Pat Kilpatrick, director of the British Dental Association Scotland, said: “BDA Scotland is delighted that the Scottish Government has recognised the important contribution that the dental team can make in saving lives, and for making this possible by providing defibrillators for every dental practice in Scotland.”

City meets the challenge of rising school rolls

Edinburgh is a desirable place to live, but that popularity creates some challenges. As more and more families choose to make Edinburgh their home, the city council faces an ongoing struggle to ensure there are enough school places to meet demand.

Twenty-three new classrooms opened their doors to pupils in Edinburgh this week as the city council tackles the pressing issue of rising school rolls.

Four new buildings – providing 18 classrooms – have been built at Victoria, St David’s RC, Craigour Park and Broughton Primary Schools, and five extra class spaces have been created to meet increased pressure at Stockbridge, Bruntsfield, Fox Covert and Gylemuir. This programme has ensured that hundreds of new pupil places were ready across the city for the start of the school term.

The £3.8m Council investment has been carried out in conjunction with partners Hub South East Scotland Ltd and Morrison Construction.

Victoria Primary School had a special opening ceremony on Wednesday, with 93-year-old local resident George Hackland, who attended the school in 1927, as their guest of honour (pictured above).

George, said: “The new building is very different from when I was a pupil at the school 80 years ago! It’s nice and big and open for the children to learn in. It’s a great school who do a lot with the local community.”

Laura Thomson, head teacher at Victoria Primary School, said: “There’s a real buzz of excitement around the school with the new classrooms opening. Staff and pupils have watched them being built over the past few months so to start teaching in them will be great as they will provide a bright and stimulating learning environment. The children are so excited about starting the school year in their brand new classrooms.”

Councillor Paul Godzik, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I’m delighted that for the second year in a row we have successfully delivered much-needed class spaces for our primary schools pupils. While many local authorities across the United Kingdom struggle to find sustainable solutions to the increase in pupil numbers the Capital Coalition has delivered 46 new rooms in two years.

“Dealing with rising rolls is a challenge, but it is a challenge we are meeting. However we know that with primary school rolls currently projected to rise to a peak of nearly 31,000 pupils by 2019 there is still a lot more work to be done. That’s why the Capital Coalition is committed to tackling the rise and despite the difficult economic climate we’ve already pledged £15m to build the required accommodation.

“We will continue to listen to parents’ views and work with school communities as we move forward together on our plans for even more new class spaces. Whether it is traditional extensions, new buildings or the refurbishment of existing space, we are committed to providing the very best educational environment for our pupils.”

Jo Elliot, Chair of Hub South East Scotland Ltd, said: “This is the second year running that we have successfully delivered additional classrooms on schedule and on budget for the City of Edinburgh Council, and we are proud to have played our part in finding innovative solutions to assist with the issue of rising school rolls.

“Last year’s projects were very well received, and this year we’ve kept the same high quality design and construction, whilst reducing the cost for the Council. We look forward to continuing this successful working relationship in future phases, ensuring staff and pupils benefits from modern, fit for purpose facilities.”

David Wilson, Project Director for Morrison Construction, said: “We are delighted to be able to continue our relationship with the City of Edinburgh Council and Hub South East Scotland Ltd and have successfully together, for the second year running, completed the construction of additional classroom space to meet the changing needs of the schools involved with regarding to rising school rolls. We hope the pupils and staff will enjoy their first academic year in the brand new facilities.”

The breakdown of classrooms in the new buildings is Victoria (4), St David’s RC (4), Craigour Park (6) and Broughton (4). Both St David’s RC and Craigour Park have a second phase of more classrooms designed if they are needed in future years.

The Council has identified nine more primary schools where additional classrooms may be required for the 2015/16 session to meet the increased demand from catchment pupils and are already starting to plan for the delivery of these for August 2015 should they be needed.

Craig Hill’s rubbish!

FRINGE STAR HELPS COUNCIL CLEAN UP ITS ACT

Cheeky Fringe stalwart Craig Hill kept it clean when he helped City of Edinburgh Council’s street cleansing team spruce up the capital during the Festival.

The comedy veteran and Edinburgh resident pitched in to help the local task force tackle one of the summer’s busiest spots, against the familiar backdrop of his own promotional posters at Middle Meadow Walk.

Craig is one of hundreds of performers to be promoting their shows using the Council’s official advertising, which for the first year will generate thousands of pounds towards keeping the city clean during the festival.

The scheme, now in is in its fourth year, dissuades illegal fly-posters by providing alternative advertising opportunities, saving the Council up to £350,000 on the cost of cleaning away flyers and posters.

And now, for the first time, revenue from the advertising contract with print and distribution company Out of Hand, in partnership with Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, will be ploughed back into keeping the city beautiful for residents and visitors.

Money gained from the contract to advertise on Council-owned assets will be used to fund additional street cleansing and litter capacity over the busy festival period.

Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “Last year’s Fringe Festival Advertising proved a real success so now it’s great to be able to harness this to help keep our city beautiful for everyone.

“Edinburgh Festival Fringe is an amazing experience for performers, visitors and people living in Edinburgh, but it has an undoubted impact on the city’s environment.

“That’s why we’re glad to be able to work with Out of Hand and Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society to provide a solution benefitting both citizens and those making the most of this world-famous festival.”

The City of Edinburgh Council’s outdoor advertising poster project, delivered by Out of Hand, provides different styles of advertising on around 900 Council-owned assets throughout the city, including wrap-around lamp post advertising and tower columns.

Revenue gained from advertising of performances during the period will fund operational costs associated with the Fringe.

Amongst these measures are the employment of more than 70 temporary street cleaners to patrol the city’s streets to tackle litter resulting from increased footfall and a batch of extra large bins, to be located in some of the city’s busiest areas to cope with the rise in rubbish.

Comedian Craig Hill added: “Edinburgh is so gorgeous I’m really pleased that one of the Council’s priorities is keeping it clean because it’s too beautiful a city to mess up!”

It’s no yolk – Edinburgh’s newest park opens at Drumbrae

Buttercup Farm park created on site of former poultry farm

There was a sense of nostalgia in Drumbrae yesterday when community members joined to open Buttercup Farm Park, the first new park in Edinburgh for 15 years.

Former residents and families of workers from the area gathered to celebrate the completion of Buttercup Farm Park, created on the site of one of the city’s most successful poultry farms.

Built in 1922, Buttercup Farm was established by Andrew Ewing, founder of Buttercup Dairy Company, which at its peak had more than 250 shops over Scotland and the north of England.

On Wednesday, Mr Ewing’s relatives, including great nieces and nephews and children of former poultry farm workers, some of whom had lived on the farm, helped to officially open the aptly-named park.

The £235,000 project, designed by City of Edinburgh Council, was supported with funding from Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) and Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN) and will be completed in two phases.

The initial phase, now finished, has seen the implementation of a new park landscape, play area and toddler zone with lawn, picnic tables and seating. The second phase will begin in autumn, and will involve the planting of trees and preparation of wildflower meadows.

City of Edinburgh Council’s Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “Our parks are the jewel in Edinburgh’s crown so it’s fantastic to be able to add a new one to the city’s repertoire.

“This park has been designed with local people in mind and I’m delighted to be able to open a space with such close links to the area’s social history. I’m sure will be a great asset for the community.”

Charlie Cumming, Chief Executive of ELGT, said: “Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust has been proud to be a partner in delivering Edinburgh’s first new park since 2000 and we look forward to working with local residents on future projects as the park progresses.”

Ben Walker, WREN Grant Manager, added: “WREN is committed to funding projects that make a real difference to local communities, children and families. The project has seen the delivery of a modern community park with original and exciting features and elements for the whole family to enjoy.

“It will encourage outdoor activities and promote a healthier lifestyle for all. We are delighted to support City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust to provide this new valuable community green space to be enjoyed for years and years to come.”

Local author Bill Scott, who wrote The Buttercup – The Remarkable Story of Andrew Ewing and the Buttercup Company, also joined the celebrations on Wednesday.

His novel charts the success of Andrew Ewing, who started out life as a penniless child in Stranraer but went on to establish one of the most successful poultry businesses of his time, including the 86-acre Buttercup Farm.

A generous and religious man, Mr Ewing refused to charge for any eggs laid at his farm on a Sunday, donating more than 100,000 to hospitals every week, and eventually died without any money, having given most of it away.