Edinburgh lights up red for Poppyscotland

Landmarks across Edinburgh are joining a host of Scotland’s most famous buildings, structures and sculptures, in lighting up Poppy red to raise awareness for the annual fundraising campaign run by Poppyscotland. Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, The Balmoral clock tower, the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Airport control tower, EICC and Scottish Government buildings Victoria Quay and St Andrews House, will turn the capital red in a powerful and visual show of support for the Scottish Poppy Appeal. Continue reading Edinburgh lights up red for Poppyscotland

City council sets up homelessness taskforce

New group aims to end use of B & B accommodation

The city council has created a new homelessness task force to investigate the growing problem in the city. Chaired by the ‘Homelessness Champion’, Councillor Kate Campbell, the task force will review the use of bed and breakfast accommodation and explore alternatives that could better meet the needs of individuals and families, with an aim to end the use of bed and breakfast accommodation. Continue reading City council sets up homelessness taskforce

Fire chief condemns attacks on firefighters

Attacks on firefighters who are working hard to protect communities during Bonfire season will not be tolerated, says a top fire chief. Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Lewis Ramsay hit out after crews were last year targeted by missiles and fireworks in the course of their duties. Continue reading Fire chief condemns attacks on firefighters

Do you know what you’re burning this fireworks night?

The Environment Agency is reminding people it’s illegal to burn many types of waste.

Burning certain types of waste and setting fire to treated wood, tyres, plastics, rubber and oil can seriously harm health and pollute the environment. Continue reading Do you know what you’re burning this fireworks night?

Edinburgh Compact 2017 launched

EVOC AGM and conference to focus on place

Compact Voice, the latest guide to Edinburgh’s third sector and it’s work with public service partners, has been launched. The report is packed with facts and figures about the capital’s voluntary sector: how it is made up, how it organises itself, how it is funded and Compact Voice also covers current concerns and issues for the sector. Well worth a read.

 

A5 Compact Brochure 2017 [FINAL] 3A5 Compact Brochure 2017

 

Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council’s (EVOC) annual general meeting and conference takes place on Tuesday 7 November from 9am – 2pm. There are still a handful of places available, so sign up for your free place now! 

Book Your Free Place

This year’s Conference will focus on how we use constructed space to think differently, collaborate and participate. Keynote speakers are city council leader Councillor Adam McVey and Diarmaid Lawlor of Architecture & Design Scotland.

Workshops on the day are:

  • Partnership Working With School Communities
  • Prevention Within the Context of Grants Review and Funding Cuts*
  • Good Governance – Doing Things Right Means Doing the Right Things
  • Participatory Budgeting an Effective Tool for Community Engagement?
  • Social (in)security

*We have updated our workshop on setting up a Commission on Prevention to look specifically at prevention in the context of funding and grants, in light of the review of the Health and Social Care grants programme.

All workshops will be available to sign up to on the day, and you can find more information about the topics and speakers by visiting the website.

NHS24 urges safety first this Bonfire Night

NHS 24 is reminding people to take care and understand how to treat minor burns ahead of this year’s Bonfire Night celebrations on 5th November. In line with advice from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS 24 advises that people attend an organised display but, if a party is being held at home it’s important that people know how to treat any injuries. Continue reading NHS24 urges safety first this Bonfire Night

Edinburgh man shortlisted to become national #givingtuesday ambassador

Dean Reilly, from Edinburgh, has been shortlisted to become the #givingtuesday ambassador for this year’s campaign. Dean was chosen by the judges for his incredible charitable feats in support of the MS Society Scotland. Continue reading Edinburgh man shortlisted to become national #givingtuesday ambassador