Prime Minister Theresa May’s statement following the General Election:
“I have just been to see Her Majesty the Queen, and I will now form a government – a government that can provide certainty and lead Britain forward at this critical time for our country. Continue reading May: Let’s get to work
By working with local authorities across Scotland, Fostering Relations aim to provide the best care plans for children and young people and to ensure safe and supported placements until plans have been achieved.
Lyndsay Johnston, Carer Recruitment Officer, said: “We believe that every child has the right to feel safe, healthy and happy and so are committed to provide this for children and young people who have experienced abuse, disruption and trauma in their lives”.
Since opening their doors in 2007, Fostering Relations have supported over 270 children and young people by giving them quality, supported and stable family placements. There are currently 45 carer households and 49 children within Fostering Relations’ care.
Having recently been inspected by The Care Inspectorate, Fostering Relations received Very Good for both their Care & Support and Management and Leadership. Testament to this is, fifty percent of care leavers so far in 2017 have gone onto undertake degree courses.
Bryan Ritchie, Registered Manager, said: “Our carers often say that they humbled by the strength and courage of the children and young people within our care. Many of the carers tell us that what attracted them to fostering Relations was the close relations and ‘family feel’ makes them feel like they’re part of something special.
“We’ve had an amazing first ten years and are excited to see what the future holds for us. We aim to continue our journey looking after Scotland’s most vulnerable children. ”
For more information on Fostering Relations and what opportunities are available to you, visit www.fosteringrelations.org.uk or call a member of our team on 01383 661630.
North Edinburgh was well represented at Edinburgh’s Inspiring Volunteer Awards this week. The gala event at the City Chambers was an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work of the city’s unsung heroes who do so much to improve the quality of life for so many in the capital. Continue reading Local stars shine at Volunteer Awards ceremony
10% fall in racial hate crime charges brought by police
People affected by hate crime have been encouraged to come forward to police to ensure perpetrators can be properly dealt with.
Minister for Community Safety Annabel Ewing made the appeal following the publication of a series of reports covering hate crime, religiously aggravated offences and the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 which show:
Minister for Community Safety Annabelle Ewing said: “Any crime motivated by prejudice is absolutely unacceptable. While the statistics show a decrease in reported racial crimes, there have been increases in those related to sexual orientation, religion and transgender identity and we cannot be complacent about these crimes are dealt with.
“I remain concerned that hate crimes are under-reported and want to encourage anyone who has been subjected to such appalling acts to come forward to ensure that perpetrators can be dealt with appropriately. We will keep engaging with community leaders on how best to raise awareness of how such crimes can be reported and in the meantime. We will continue to work with Police Scotland and others to ensure a robust response to perpetrators.
“Scotland does not exist in isolation from the rest of the world and we know that global events have an impact on the levels of hate crime that different communities are subjected to. We must ensure that we have appropriate legislation in place to deal with those who continue to perpetrate prejudice, bigotry and hatred, which is why I commissioned the Independent Review of Hate Crime Legislation in Scotland and expect that its findings will help us to ensure that our hate crime legislation is fit for the 21st century.
“The number of charges under the Offensive Behaviour Act demonstrate that we still have a problem with offensive and abusive behaviour related to football matches and that we need legislation to give our police the powers required to ensure that football is not immune from the standards expected in the rest of society.”
Chief Superintendent Barry McEwan, Head of Safer Communities, Police Scotland, added: “I would always encourage anyone who has been the victim of hate crime in any form, whether because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ethnicity or any other individual circumstance, to come forward and report it to the police. It is only through reporting offences that we can form a more complete picture of the issue and address is in the most robust manner possible.
“Police Scotland will not tolerate any attempts to target any community by any misguided individual or group and will work with all of our partners to resolve any issues and address any concerns. Should anyone become a victim of, or witness to, any hate crime, they should contact the police and report the incident, by calling 101 or 999 if it is an emergency.”
Meet under flag at Granton Harbour breakwater 10.30am
Nominations are now open for places on Muirhouse Salvesen Community Council. Continue reading And more on elections … nominations open for Muirhouse Salvesen Community Council
It’s a hung parliament
Scotland’s ten Tory MPs have saved the day for Theresa May. The Tory leader went to the country to secure a bigger working majority only for her gamble to misfire spectacularly. With only four results still to be announced the Tories have lost twelve seats and have 315 MPs – well short of the 326 needed for a majority. Mrs May must now broker a deal with Ulster’s ten Democratic Unionist MPs to enable her to run the country: hardly a recipe for ‘strong and stable’ government. Continue reading Tartan Tory resurgence may save May
Mums and children facing eviction staged a peaceful protest at Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson’s constituency office yesterday to demand an end to the benefits cap. At least 11 families and 42 children face eviction from their privately rented homes in North Edinburgh due to ‘cruel’ welfare reforms. Continue reading Mothers protest against ‘cruel cuts’
YOUNG CARERS ROCK!
Young Carers Rock! Is a 14+ benefit gig to celebrate young carers in the city and raise awareness of the challenges they face. Edinburgh bands Ayakara and Whitehill Grove with The Snuts from West Lothian head the line-up at the Mash House, 37 Guthrie Street next Thursday (15 June), from 7pm until 10pm. Continue reading Benefit gig to support young carers
A unique take on rock ‘n’ roll, a musical insight into family dynamics, an improvised one-man musical, a self-retrospective with Michelle Shocked and a show exploring the works of Annie Lennox, are to play in The Boards at the Edinburgh Playhouse this August. Continue reading The Playhouse on the Fringe line-up announced
