To ensure that children and families are at the centre of all we do, we create opportunities for families to participate in the development of policies, values, and services.
We believe that to properly support families to find their own solutions, it is necessary to give voice to their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations.
We’ve recently involved families in the creation of a new participation strategy for Circle.
This strategy creates a framework that recognises the need to involve families in a meaningful and respectful way in the development of services and policy across the organisation.
Positive Thinking Day fell on Tuesday the 13th of September. This day is meant for one thing: to put everything aside and concentrate on all things positive in life (even if we’re a day late! – Ed.).
Positive thinking has many benefits, including keeping your heart healthy by reducing stress. Here we explore ways to ensure you see the bright side and keep a positive attitud e…
Start your day with a positive thought
How do you start your day? Each day tends to continue as it starts i.e., if you get off on the wrong foot, you are likely going to experience more negative things throughout the day.
So, why not try to start the day with positivity to ensure you get started on the right foot? Be proactive and choose the thoughts and messages you want to embed in your mind.
Get outdoors
Ever noticed you feel better once you have been outside?
Nature always gives us positive energy. Spending some time outside will increase your energy, boost your mood and help you work efficiently. If going out isn’t an option, you can always surround your workplace or home with plants.
Always be grateful
If you express gratitude as a consistent part of your life; it forces you to acknowledge all the great things which happen.
The quickest way to turn a negative mindset to a positive one is to practice gratitude. Gratitude can be expressed in writing or verbally, for all of the great things you have in your life.
Positive Thinking Day serves as a reminder that something as simple as having a positive outlook towards life can make us significantly happier.
Popular Edinburgh hockey club boosted by sponsorship backing from legal firm
A RENOWNED Scottish law firm is sponsoring Edinburgh University Men’s Hockey Club (EUMHC) following one of the most successful seasons in the club’s 120-year history.
Gibson Kerr’s sponsorship of EUMHC will help the club with general admin and running costs that are crucial to its continued success.
With a commitment to the development of its players and the aim of encouraging more students to play sport, long-established Gibson Kerr was keen to support the growing club which is now the biggest men’s university sports club in the UK.
Current Sponsorship Secretary of the EUMHC, Ben Wilson, said: “The whole team feel really privileged to receive Gibson Kerr’s sponsorship.
“As a club, we have considerable expenses. We now have four teams training a night and we require good equipment. Last year, we spent a lot of money on balls, bibs, cones and other kit that is crucial for the club and we expect that this year, that outgoing might be even more.
“In addition, we have umpires to pay, goal keeping kit to invest in, more bibs to purchase and with the introduction of our 8th team this year, another training session to fund.
“As you might imagine, we’re absolutely thrilled with the sponsorship from Gibson Kerr. The money will go a long way in helping us pay a massive chunk of our expenses and it will really help take the weight off and provide much needed security.”
The newly Gibson Kerr branded kit made its first appearance at the hockey club’s first game this season at Peffermill Playing Fields on the 11th September following one of its most successful seasons to date.
The club added to its list of growing accolades last year which now includes becoming two-time Scottish League and Scottish Cup champions and four-time British Universities and College Sport champions.
The club was also the first Scottish men’s side to gain promotion to the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Premier National since the formation of BUCS in 2008.
Ben added: “After such a strong last season, we are hoping to build upon this success next year. At the moment we have 190 members and we are looking forward to another great year ahead as we continue to nurture some of Scotland’s future hockey stars.”
The legal firm has also been invited to meet the club members and present to the teams, sharing some information on Gibson Kerr and the work that they do, as well as joining them for a spot of hockey.
Donald Towsey, solicitor in Gibson Kerr’s property team and keen hockey player, said: “The club plays a huge part of the university’s sporting community and Gibson Kerr are delighted to support it.
“We are also hoping we might be able to inspire some budding lawyers in the team by telling them about the work we do.”
Gibson Kerr dates back more than 100 years and was acquired by Partners Scott and Fiona Rasmusen in 2005. Fiona is Head of Family Law, Partner Lindsay Maclean, who joined the firm in 2007, is Head of Personal Law, and the Property team is headed by Beverley Cottrell.
People expecting to receive benefits and credits on Monday 19 September will be paid early
Benefits and credits will be paid on Friday 16 September, the last working day before the bank holiday
The Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs have put arrangements in place to ensure all benefits and credits due to be paid on this date – now a bank holiday for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral – will be delivered in advance.
People who are due to receive payments on Monday 19 September will instead be paid on Friday 16 September, the last working day before the State Funeral.
This arrangement follows standard DWP and HMRC protocol that sees benefit and credit payment dates brought forward in line with national bank holidays.
“Scotland has now bid our Queen of Scots a sad, but fond farewell. We will not see her like again.”
Her Majesty The Queen departed Scotland for the last time last night. She will now Lie in State at the Palace of Westminster ahead of Monday’s State Funeral.
People across the country have been paying their respects, attending remembrance events and reflecting fondly on a life of service to Scotland.
Her Majesty’s departure from Edinburgh Airport concludes the ceremonial events programme in Scotland, known as Operation Unicorn, as the nation continues to mourn The Queen’s passing.
Around 33,000 people filed past Her Majesty The Queen’s Coffin, Lying at Rest in St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, to pay their respects.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Scotland has bid a final and poignant farewell to our much loved Elizabeth, Queen of Scots.
“Over these past few days we have seen just how much Her Majesty meant to the people of Scotland.
“As anticipated, people from all walks of life gathered across the country and in our capital city to pay tribute to the only Monarch most of us have ever known.
“The scenes on Sunday as Her Majesty’s cortege made the journey from Balmoral Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and then yesterday and today as thousands gathered along the Royal Mile and queued to enter St Giles to see the Queen’s Coffin, will forevermore form a very special part of the history of Scotland.
“The sympathy and good wishes of Scotland for The King and Royal Family has also been evident in these last few days, and on behalf of the Parliament and people of Scotland, I continue to offer my heartfelt condolences to all of Her Majesty’s Family.
“I also want to record my sincere thanks to, and admiration for the many public servants who have worked tirelessly in recent days and over many years to develop and, when the time sadly came, implement Operation Unicorn.
“Thousands across the emergency services, local authorities, armed forces, volunteer networks, transport and government agencies have helped ensure that Scotland paid fitting tribute to The Queen, and that Scots from all walks of life could celebrate the unparalleled contribution She made in her 70-year reign. The events of recent days have provided a sincere, solemn and fitting tribute from the people of Scotland to Her Majesty The Queen.
“Scotland has now bid our Queen of Scots a sad, but fond farewell. We will not see her like again.”
The Princess Royal Princess Anne was Her Majesty The Queen’s constant companion during her last days in Scotland and she accompanied her mother on her final journey south.
In a short statement issued last night, The Princess Royal said:
‘I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life. It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys. Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting.
‘We will all share unique memories. I offer my thanks to each and every one who share our sense of loss.
‘We may have been reminded how much of her presence and contribution to our national identity we took for granted. I am also so grateful for the support and understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the added responsibilities of The Monarch.
‘To my mother, The Queen, thank you.’
The Queen’s cortège arrived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Sunday afternoon, with The King and members of the Royal Family following on Monday to participate in the Ceremony of the Keys.
They then joined a historic procession up the Royal Mile and a service at St Giles’ Cathedral, where the Queen lay at rest until her final departure for London.
There were also two public Proclamations in Edinburgh on Sunday to announce the Accession of The King.
Hundreds of thousands of people descended on the city to pay their respects and millions more across the world tuned into the broadcast coverage.
Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, said: “The last four days have marked a significant, historic occasion globally, and it is with immense pride that we look back on Edinburgh’s contribution.
“It’s thanks to the monumental efforts of all those involved that we, along with the public, were able to say a heartfelt farewell to Her Majesty, whose strong connection to the Capital and Scotland was widely known.
“This has been the result of a very detailed and successful planning operation that has been delivered flawlessly by a community of partners and is a shining example of the power of coming together in difficult circumstances.
“I know many will remember this for a lifetime, and we’re honoured to have played such an important role in this moment.”
The public have been invited to take part in a National Moment of Reflection to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and reflect on her life and legacy.
The National Moment of Reflection will take place at 8pm on Sunday 18 September, the night before the State Funeral, and be marked by a one-minute silence.
The silence can be marked privately at home, with friends and family, out on doorsteps or the street with neighbours, or at locally arranged community events and vigils.
Community groups, clubs and other organisations across the country are encouraged to take part and people overseas are also encouraged to observe the one-minute silence at 8pm local time.
Detective are appealing for information following a fire in the Wester Hailes area in the early hours of Monday morning.
Around 2.50am on Monday (12 September, 2022) officers received reports of a shed on fire at the Murrayburn and Hailesland Community Garden.
The fire is being treated as suspicious and no-one was injured, however, an estimated £13,000 worth of damage has been caused.
Detective Sergeant Alan Sharp, of Costorphine CID, said: “Thankfully no-one was injured as a result of the fire.
“This fire caused a great deal of damage to the shed and its contents, although it is fortunate it didn’t spread further and cause even more destruction.
“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with information or saw any suspicious activity in the area to please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident 0948 of 12 September. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.
A spokesperson for Murrayburn and Hailsland Community Garden said: “Appreciate the support from everyone last night. Sorry to say we lost our children’s natural play shed which was set light to, and play materials and a load of new tools that Tesco had just donated to the garden.
“It’s a blow for all the young folk who helped build the shed in the first instance. A punch to the guts.
“We’ll put things right and use this as an opportunity to improve on what was already there. Onwards!”
It’s only a week since Nicola Sturgeon announced Scotland’s Programme for Government, just seven days since Liz Truss became the new Prime Minister.
Last Thursday, the STUC organised a mass demonstration and rally at the Scottish Pariament to campaign for a better deal for Scotland’s workers.
Coverage of the event was overshadowed by unfolding events at Balmoral, but when Scotland slowly returns to ‘normal’ life after Her Majesty’s funeral on Monday attention will turn once again to the outstanding political issues facing our country.
Responding to the Programme for Government last week, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Today’s Programme for Government shows what can be achieved through industrial action and collective campaigning.
“The Scottish Government is to be commended for freezing rents. If implemented correctly – and we are pressing for further answers – this will help thousands of households across Scotland when they need it most.
“When used, the powers of our Parliament can bring positive change This must now extend to Scotland’s tax powers. There are constraints but it simply isn’t true that Scotland has a finite budget. The Scottish Government could raise millions from income, wealth and business taxes. The Local Visitor Levy is a step in the right direction in this regard.
“In a cost-of-living emergency, we need strides – not steps. The Scottish Government could have coupled the welcome increase in the Scottish Child Payment with expanding universal free school meals to all. It’s a political choice not to feed hungry children; a choice we’re unwilling to accept.”
Sorry to say we lost our children’s natural play shed which was set light to, and play materials and a load of new tools that Tesco had just donated to the garden. 
