Letters: Thank You from Cats Protection

Dear Editor,

This Volunteers Week (1-7 June), I would like to take the opportunity to thank our fantastic volunteers who give so much of their time, skill and dedication for the benefit of cats in our care.

At Cats Protection we were grateful to involve over 11,200 volunteers during 2018. Volunteers are truly the foundation and life-blood of the charity. Whether volunteering in our shops or populating our social media channels; researching advocacy campaigns or fostering kittens, they ensure that every day we move closer to our vision of a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Without them, we would not have been able to help rehome or reunite 44,000 cats and neuter around 143,000. Nor would we have delivered 1,693 education talks to 52,343 people. They are vital to every aspect of everything we achieve.

I would also like to thank players of People’s Postcode Lottery who are supporting volunteering across England, Scotland and Wales. Their support for our Volunteer Team Leaders means that we can share best practice through our adoption centres and out to our network of volunteer branches and shops.

We will be sharing a new animation for Volunteers’ Week on our social media channels about the many volunteering roles available with us and would love to hear from cat lovers who would like to help cats locally. They can visit www.cats.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering to find out more.

Yours sincerely,

Julie Meredith

Head of Volunteering Development

Cats Protection, National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath RH17 7TT

Bear with Me: Forthview parents produce fabulous new book

Forthview Primary School parents proudly unveiled their latest story ‘Bear with Me’ at a launch at the City Chambers on Wednesday. Continue reading Bear with Me: Forthview parents produce fabulous new book

Letter: Assange must be protected

Dear Editor

Sweden is a country associated with the better side of human activity: it is a reputation to be respected and treasured.

Recent events around the situation of Julian Assange is doing harm to this reputation, which must be a concern for the Swedish people.

Included in this letter is an appeal to the authorities of Sweden in the UK to use their good offices to secure justice for, and the protection of, Julian Assange from others.

A. Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Lord Provost opens new garden at LifeCare

Lord Provost Frank Ross has opened a new garden at LifeCare in Stockbridge. Located outside St Bernard’s Dementia Club on Cheyne Street, the newly refurbished space has been created thanks to funding from Ryden.

Lord provost frank ross and susan millar lifecare open the new st bernard s garden

Designed as an inviting space to enrich the lives of those living with dementia – for some quiet relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of Stockbridge High Street or as a place to socialise with others – LifeCare’s small garden also features a vegetable patch aimed at empowering their clients to stay active through gardening. 

A plaque marking the occasion was unveiled by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh at an afternoon tea celebration with LifeCare staff and volunteers on Wednesday.

Lord Provost Frank Ross, said: “On behalf of all citizens of Edinburgh, it is a pleasure to open this beautiful new garden in the heart of leafy Stockbridge.

“Edinburgh is a friendly, inclusive and welcoming city, but critically it is also a caring city – we care deeply about our people and our wellbeing, and about helping each other to live the happiest and healthiest lives we can.

“LifeCare is an inspiring charity which empowers our seniors to achieve what they can, as best they can, and it is clear to me that this garden and overall space has been carefully thought out. Congratulations to everyone from across the public, private and third sectors who have worked together to make this happen.”

Su Millar, Chief Executive, LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “The St Bernard’s garden might be tiny but it is a special place tucked away on a corner site in an urban setting, and is loved by our St. Bernard’s clients and all who pass by. 

“Celebrating its opening in Dementia Action Week highlights that people living with dementia can enjoy such daily pleasures in a garden: as watering the vegetable patch, and attending to the raised flower beds. The garden encourages our clients to spend more time outdoors, and supports their physical and mental well being.

“We are thrilled that Ryden LLP our charity partner has supported our garden project, and delighted that this outdoor space supports our vision to develop dementia friendly spaces, for everyone to enjoy.”

Marc Giles, Partner Ryden LLP, added: “We are delighted to have supported the development of the LifeCare dementia garden, which we hope will have a really positive impact on the lives of those who can use this facility.

“All of those from Ryden directly involved with this project genuinely enjoyed the experience and we look forward to maintaining our relationship with LifeCare and helping to deliver many more positive initiatives.”

A carer at St Bernard’s club said: “A lot of work and commitment that has been spent on a very worthwhile project. The garden which is already in bloom and smelling lovely, will bring much pleasure to many people now and in the future.”

Neighbourhood Networks: exciting new chapter for community planning?

Community groups, voluntary sector organisations and local councillors will come together across the city this month for the inaugural meetings of the new Neighbourhood Networks. Continue reading Neighbourhood Networks: exciting new chapter for community planning?