New residents welcomed at St Nicholas Court

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has welcomed more residents into its St Nicholas Court sheltered housing complex on Ferry Road.

As part of a £1.6 million project, eight one bedroom flats were completed by Glasgow-based construction specialists, CCG, earlier in the summer. A sun lounge and guest bedroom, plus additional landscaping – including allotment plots for the residents to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers – have also been created

The heating system and bathrooms have also been upgraded in the original 35-bedroom development which was built in 1983.

Maureen Tait, Sheltered Housing Services Manager at PoLHA, said: “Our St Nicholas Court development has always been a popular choice for people seeking sheltered housing, so we’re thrilled to be able to give more people the opportunity to live here.

“We’re all really enjoying welcoming our eight new residents into these fantastic flats and hope that they make many happy memories in their new homes.”

New tenant Frances McPherson said: “I previously lived in a flat in Lorne Street for 50 years, but my husband has COPD and the stairs were proving difficult. We are delighted with our new home as it’s lovely and bright and requires no decorating. Plus, our four-year-old granddaughter is looking forward to sleepovers.”

Another new tenant Jane Kelly said: “It is lovely living here. It’s a big change as I lived in my last home for 51 years. I’m getting used to the open plan living layout and I’ve had my granddaughter across who has helped me make it feel like home with photographs and ornaments.”

Calum Murray, Director at CCG, said: “Over recent years CCG has become more and more active in the region of Edinburgh with a broad range of contracts ranging from new build housing to upgrade and renewal. We have worked with Port of Leith Housing Association on many of these contracts and we were delighted to continue this partnership with St Nicholas Court.

“The new residents across the development will benefit from savings on their energy bills thanks to the upgrades to their heating and the installation of solar PV on the roof as well as the enhanced accessibility brought by the new landscaping.”

Poppy Factory becomes Living Wage Employer

It’s dedicated team of 41 Armed Forces veterans hand assemble more than five million poppies and 12,000 wreaths every year – but now Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory (LHPF) can add another feather to its cap after becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer. Continue reading Poppy Factory becomes Living Wage Employer

Cycling Without Age to be rolled (wheeled?) out across Scotland

The team behind an innovative project which helps older people benefit from cycling is to receive additional Scottish Government support.  Officials will work with Cycling Without Age to ensure it has the funds and expertise needed to allow the scheme to be rolled out across the country. Continue reading Cycling Without Age to be rolled (wheeled?) out across Scotland

Record number of students from deprived areas get in to University

Lucky for some – acceptances up 13 per cent

A record number of students from Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas have successfully gained a place at university according to UCAS statistics published yesterday. Continue reading Record number of students from deprived areas get in to University

Results Day: how to help your kids cope with disappointment

Thousands of students across Scotland are finding out how they performed in their exams today. Results day can present a mix of emotions, so Dr Mark Winwood, Director of Psychological Services for AXA PPP healthcare, shares his advice for parents on what to do when the results don’t turn out quite as hoped:

“If the results aren’t good or not up to the expected standard, try not to panic or pass your disappointment or worry onto your child. It’s not fair and they’ll be feeling guilty or worried already. Remind your child that difficult situations can be overcome.

“If they don’t get the grades they want, there’s always the option to re-take the exam. Though they may see this as a setback, it could give rise to opportunities they hadn’t considered before such as taking up an apprenticeship. Planning ahead and looking at the various options your child can take if their results aren’t want they’d hoped for will give you reassurance, whatever the results.”

5 tips to help your kids keep their cool

Pressure on students to succeed is higher than ever, with fierce competition for university and school places. This pressure is heightened with exam results looming.

The hype means that results day can present a mix of emotions – joy, regret, stress or euphoria. And this isn’t just limited to the children! However, it’s important to support your child in the best way you can – which includes keeping them healthy and reducing their stress in the build up to the day.

How to help your children cope ahead of results day 

  1. Talk things through 

It’s natural to worry, to want your child to do well and to dread them being disappointed, but keeping positive will help reassure them if they’re dwelling on the negative. It’s not unusual for children to be anxious, emotional and potentially snappy as pressure mounts. Ask them about any worries or fears they might have so that you can give yourself the best chance of understanding where they’re coming from.

  1. Keep active

In the days before the results are posted, encourage them to socialise with friends and enjoy activities to keep their minds busy. You should take some time for yourself too, so that you can keep a sense of perspective. Perhaps you can both go for a walk together, as exercise will have a beneficial effect on both your physical and mental health.

  1. Eat and sleep well 

They may seem all grown up now, but as a parent, you’re well placed to encourage them to eat and sleep well during periods of pressure. Just like when they were small, your child will be relying on you for guidance and support. Taking care of these basic needs will help to build their resilience and lessen the impact of stress or anxiety. 

  1. Coping with disappointment 

If the results aren’t good or not up to the expected standard, try not to panic or pass your disappointment or worry onto your child. It’s not fair and they’ll be feeling guilty or worried already. Remind your child that difficult situations can be overcome. If they don’t get the grades they want, there’s always the option to re-take the exam. Though they may see this as a setback, it could give rise to opportunities they hadn’t considered before such as taking up an apprenticeship. Planning ahead and looking at the various options your child can take if their results aren’t want they’d hoped for will give you reassurance, whatever the results.

  1. Celebrating 

While exam results can bring anxiety, they can also be a source of joy. If your child has worked hard and done their best, celebrate their effort (even if they didn’t get the place they wanted). Have a celebratory family dinner together with your child as the guest of honour and all enjoy the feeling of achievement. We spend so much of our lives worrying about things to come that it’s worth savouring these special moments.

Results Day: Higher passes exceed 150,000 for third year in a row

The whole country should be proud of the qualifications gained by Scotland’s young people, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said this morning. Mr Swinney was speaking as around 136,000 students across Scotland receive their results for a wide range of SQA qualifications including National 5, Highers and SQA Awards. Early indications are that results in Edinburgh are positive, with improvements in key areas. Continue reading Results Day: Higher passes exceed 150,000 for third year in a row